The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has recently announced a much-awaited 10% increase in students’ living allowances. This decision will be backdated to the beginning of the 2023 academic year, marking a significant change for students across the nation. The increase comes after a proposal was put forward to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, who concurred with the suggested amendments.
The proposal was preceded by consultations and inputs from the South African Union of Students (SAUS), with Minister Blade Nzimande convening the discussions. The announcement of the allowance increase is considered a major development for students, as no such increment had been made in the past three years.
According to Dr Nzimande, the increase aims not only to acknowledge the impact of inflation on students’ livelihoods but also to contribute to easing the economic disadvantages many students face. This decision is expected to significantly improve the living conditions of students benefiting from the financial aid scheme.
The final implementation dates for these new amendments will be communicated with institutions during the week of 20 March 2023. This announcement signals a positive change for South African students and demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting their education and well-being.