How much is NSFAS book allowance per semester?

How much is the NSFAS book allowance per semester? Who qualifies for it, and how is it disbursed? In this article, we answer these questions and provide a breakdown of the 2025 NSFAS book allowance structure.

The NSFAS book allowance, officially referred to as the "learning materials allowance," is a financial provision made to assist students in purchasing academic resources necessary for their studies. 

These resources include textbooks, stationery, study guides, electronic devices, and any other materials required by an institution to aid learning.

The purpose of this allowance is to ensure that students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are not excluded from academic participation due to a lack of study materials. NSFAS recognizes that access to the right tools can significantly improve a student's academic experience and performance.

How Much is the NSFAS Book Allowance Per Semester in 2025?

For the 2025 academic year, the NSFAS book allowance per semester is approximately R2,730. However, it’s important to note that the entire book allowance of R5,460 is often disbursed early in the academic year. 

This is done as a once-off payment rather than a split allowance, although it effectively covers both the first and second semesters. The reason for this is to enable students to purchase all necessary study materials at the beginning of the academic year when most textbooks and devices are needed.

Who Qualifies for the NSFAS Book Allowance?

The learning materials allowance is only available to NSFAS-funded students enrolled in university programmes, and not those studying at TVET colleges, as TVET students are provided with different allowances tailored to their needs.

Furthermore, in 2021, NSFAS made a significant policy change. Only students who opt to receive a learning materials allowance in cash—instead of receiving a laptop through the Digital Learning Device (DLD) program—will be given the R5,460 allowance. 

If you opt to get a NSFAS laptop, the cost of the laptop (about R5,200) is deducted from your learning materials allowance, and you might not receive the remaining cash balance.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a university student funded by NSFAS
• Must be registered for the current academic year
• Must opt for the cash allowance if you are not participating in the DLD laptop program

How Is the NSFAS Book Allowance Paid Out?

NSFAS disburses book allowances directly to the student’s bank account or the institution.

For the learning materials allowance, most universities receive the money first and then transfer it to students' accounts. 

In some cases, institutions may restrict the use of this allowance, allowing students to purchase learning materials only from specific suppliers.

What Can the NSFAS Book Allowance Be Used For?

The learning materials allowance is meant specifically for academic-related purchases. NSFAS expects students to use this allowance to buy:

• Prescribed textbooks
• Academic stationery
• Electronic devices such as laptops (if not already provided by NSFAS)
• Study software and applications

Although the funds are disbursed as a cash allowance, universities and NSFAS encourage students to spend this money responsibly. Using it for purposes unrelated to education could negatively impact their academic success.

Conclusion

The NSFAS book allowance, or learning materials allowance, plays a crucial role in supporting university students by ensuring they have access to the essential academic resources needed for their studies. 

The learning materials allowance is intended to enhance students’ academic experience and remove financial barriers to accessing quality education. If you are an NSFAS-funded university student, understanding how this allowance works, who qualifies, and how it’s paid out can help you make informed decisions and use the funds wisely.