How Much Is TVET Monthly Allowance 2026?

How Much Is TVET Monthly Allowance 2026?

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs are an excellent way for many people to gain practical skills and prepare for a variety of careers. If you’re planning to study at a TVET college in 2026, one of the common questions you might have is, “How much is the monthly allowance for TVET students?” Understanding this financial support can help you better plan your budget and focus on your studies without worrying too much about living expenses. In the upcoming year, TVET students who live in managed or leased self-catered accommodation generally receive a living allowance of around R6,000 per month. This allowance is meant to help cover your accommodation and daily living costs. There is a personal care allowance of about R3,045 per year to assist with other essential expenses, such as toiletries and clothing. For students who stay in catered residences, the allowance can be higher, with some receiving up to R45,000 per year.

This amount is typically paid directly to the college to cover meals and accommodation. These allowances are provided through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which supports many TVET students across South Africa. The exact amount you receive depends on several factors, including whether you live in a metropolitan area or a non-metro area, the type of accommodation you have, and your circumstances. For example, students living in metro-catered residences usually receive a higher accommodation allowance than those in non-metro areas. If you live with family or arrange your accommodation, you might qualify for a travel allowance instead, which helps cover your transport costs.

Allowances are usually paid monthly throughout the academic year, which generally lasts between 10 and 12 months. This steady financial support helps students manage their living costs while focusing on their studies. The TVET monthly allowance in 2026 provides valuable financial assistance to students, making it easier to pursue vocational training without worrying about daily expenses. If you’re considering enrolling at a TVET college, it’s important to check the latest NSFAS updates and your college’s policies so you know exactly what support you can expect.

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How many students were funded by NSFAS for 2026

Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, reported that the South African government allocated R47 billion to fund approximately 900,000 NSFAS beneficiaries in the 2026 academic year. This represents a 7% increase in the number of students who are eligible for NSFAS bursaries, compared to the fiscal year of 2026. Nzimande states that more than 60% of undergraduates within the public university system receive NSFAS funding, while more than 90% of students at TVET colleges receive funding.

NSFAS 2026 Allowances for TVET students:

TVET college students should expect this money in their bank account from NSFAS;

Students at TVET Colleges with their own catered residence will receive an accommodation allowance valued at R54 045 per annum.
Students at TVET College with managed own and leased self-catered accommodation will receive a living allowance of R6 000, personal care allowance of R3 045, and a living allowance of R45 000 (with the living allowance paid directly to the TVET College).
Students living in private accommodation will receive a R6 000 living allowance, R3 045 personal care allowance, and an accommodation allowance valued at R45 000 per annum.
Students who live within 10km of their college will receive a R6 000 living allowance, R3 045 personal care allowance, and R7 718 travel allowance.

How are NSFAS Student Allowances Paid in 2026?

The student’s allowances are paid directly into their NSFAS-approved bank account. To access this, students must ensure that the NSFAS direct payment onboarding process is completed. NSFAS will also ensure that a student-based transaction fee is negotiated on behalf of the students and that this transaction fee will be reviewed regularly. (It’s important to note that students who only receive a personal care allowance can qualify to opt out of the set negotiated student-based transaction fee.)

What NSFAS Pays for TVET College Students in 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides important financial support to students studying at TVET colleges. This support helps cover essential costs so that students can focus on their studies without worrying about finances. Here are the main allowances NSFAS pays for TVET college students in 2026:

Registration & Tuition Fees:

NSFAS covers the full cost of registration and tuition for eligible students enrolled in approved TVET courses. This means you don’t have to pay these fees out of pocket.

Personal Care Allowance:

This allowance helps students cover daily living expenses such as toiletries, clothing, and other personal needs. In 2026, the personal care allowance is approximately R2,900 per year.

Transport Allowance:

For students who commute to college, NSFAS provides a transport allowance to help cover travel costs. This allowance can be up to around R7,350 per year, especially for students living within 40 kilometers of their institution.

Accommodation Allowance:

Students who live away from home can receive an accommodation allowance to help with housing costs. The amount depends on where you live:

Urban areas: up to R24,000 per year
Peri-urban areas: around R18,900 per year
Rural areas: about R15,750 per year

Factors That Influence TVET Monthly Allowance 2026

While TVET programs may not always provide a monthly allowance as part of their standard package, various factors can influence whether you receive financial support during your studies:

Government Initiatives
Scholarships and Grants
Work-Study Programs
Part-Time Employment
Internships and Apprenticeships

DHET Contact Details

Get in touch with the DHET with the information provided below:

Physical Address:

123 Fr ancis Baard Street
Pretoria
0001

Website: www.dhet.gov.za

Call Centre Information

0800 87 2222

Email: callcentre@dhet.gov.za

Private Bag X174
Pretoria
0001

Tel: + 27 12 312 5911

Considering part-time employment, internships, or work-study programs can be a viable way to supplement your income while gaining valuable experience in your chosen field. Ultimately, the financial support available to TVET students varies widely, but with careful planning and exploration of available options, you can pursue your education and career goals successfully. I hope you find this post useful and easy to understand. Write your opinions and questions you have concerning this post in the comment section. For more information, visit DHET’s official website here.

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