R5200 Allowance – The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is once again facing mounting pressure after thousands of students across South Africa reported that their R5,200 monthly allowances have not been paid for August 2025. With lectures underway and living expenses piling up, students are left anxious, frustrated, and without the means to afford essentials like food, transport, and study materials. Despite promises by NSFAS that payment issues from previous months would be resolved, students from several universities and TVET colleges have taken to social media to express that their bank accounts are still empty. Many of them were relying on this allowance not just for academic needs but also for basic survival. To help address these issues, NSFAS has now activated a dedicated WhatsApp line allowing students to check their payment status instantly. But is it working fast enough? What steps can students take to make sure they receive their money? In this article, we break down all the available information on unpaid NSFAS allowances for August, how to track your payment using WhatsApp, and which support channels are currently active.
How Widespread Is the August Payment Delay?
Thousands of students have reported non-payment across various institutions. The issue is not limited to a single university or college but appears to be a national problem.
- Students at 18 major universities reported allowance delays.
- TVET college students affected across at least 6 provinces.
- Many students say they haven’t received funds since late July.
- Some institutions report delayed uploads to NSFAS systems.
- Technical glitches with NSFAS bank cards cited as one reason.
- Students living in private accommodation face eviction threats.
- Social media campaigns under #NSFASUnpaid now trending.
Institutions Reporting Unpaid August NSFAS R5200 Allowance
Below is a table showing universities and colleges where students have complained about not receiving their August payments.
| Institution Name | Province | Complaints Reported | Last Payment Received | Bank Service Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Limpopo | Limpopo | 4,300+ | July 25 | Tenet Technologies |
| Tshwane University of Tech | Gauteng | 6,000+ | July 29 | Coinvest Africa |
| Durban University of Tech | KwaZulu-Natal | 3,800+ | July 27 | eZaga |
| Walter Sisulu University | Eastern Cape | 2,100+ | July 24 | eZaga |
| University of Venda | Limpopo | 1,900+ | July 26 | Norraco |
| Capricorn TVET College | Limpopo | 3,000+ | July 25 | Coinvest Africa |
| Central Johannesburg College | Gauteng | 2,500+ | July 27 | Tenet Technologies |
| Northlink College | Western Cape | 1,600+ | July 23 | Norraco |
Use This WhatsApp Number to Track Your NSFAS Payment
NSFAS has introduced a new WhatsApp tool to help students track their allowance disbursement status more easily and directly.
How to Use the NSFAS WhatsApp Tracker
Follow these steps to instantly check your NSFAS payment status on WhatsApp:
- Save the number +27 78 519 8006 on your phone.
- Open WhatsApp and send “Hello” or “Track NSFAS” to this number.
- Follow the automated prompts to enter your:
- ID number
- NSFAS Reference Number
- Full Name
- Select the month (e.g., August 2025) you want to check.
- Receive real-time update on:
- Whether your payment has been processed.
- Which bank provider has your allowance.
- Estimated payment date.
Common Reasons for NSFAS Delayed Payments in August
Despite system improvements, several technical and administrative issues continue to cause delays.
Most Frequently Reported Delay Causes
- Banking System Errors: Delays in fund transfers from NSFAS to service providers like Coinvest and eZaga.
- Student Verification Issues: ID or student records mismatch leads to payment being blocked.
- Late Uploads by Institutions: Some universities/TVETs failed to upload registration or academic data on time.
- Account Linking Problems: Students not linking their NSFAS wallet to their active bank cards.
- Pending Appeals: Students under appeal processes see frozen payments.
What Students Can Do to Speed Up Their Payment
NSFAS has provided a few recommended steps that students can follow to ensure their allowances are processed quickly.
Immediate Actions to Take
- Make sure your banking details are correctly updated on the NSFAS portal.
- Check if your institution uploaded your registration records.
- Log into your NSFAS wallet and verify your account status.
- Contact your service provider (e.g., Coinvest, Tenet, Norraco) directly.
- Use the NSFAS WhatsApp tool to track and report any issues.
Departmental Contact Details for Student Support
For urgent queries or assistance, students can use the following NSFAS and service provider contact details:
| Department / Service Provider | Contact Number | Email Address | Availability Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSFAS Main Contact Centre | 0800 067 327 | info@nsfas.org.za | 8:00am – 5:00pm Mon-Fri |
| WhatsApp Tracking Line | +27 78 519 8006 | Not available | 24/7 Automated Support |
| Coinvest Africa | 010 880 1550 | support@coinvest.africa | 9:00am – 4:30pm Mon-Fri |
| eZaga | 010 020 0552 | support@ezaga.co.za | 8:00am – 4:00pm Mon-Fri |
| Tenet Technology | 0800 873 111 | tenetservice@tenet.co.za | 9:00am – 4:00pm Mon-Fri |
| Norraco | 086 999 5559 | helpdesk@norraco.co.za | 8:30am – 4:30pm Mon-Fri |
| TVET Student Support Line | 0800 872 222 | tvetstudentsupport@nsfas.org.za | 9:00am – 4:00pm Mon-Fri |
Breakdown of Monthly NSFAS Allowance Structure
Here’s how the R5,200 monthly allowance is typically structured for university and TVET college students:
| Allowance Type | Amount (ZAR) | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Allowance | R1,650 | Daily expenses like food, toiletries | Paid monthly |
| Transport Allowance | R750 | Travel costs if living >40km away | Max limit based on location |
| Personal Care Allowance | R300 | Hygiene and personal items | Fixed amount |
| Book Allowance | R5,200 | One-time annual payment | Usually paid beginning of the year |
| Incidental Allowance | R2,900 | Additional support (TVET only) | Split over academic year |
| Accommodation (Private) | Up to R3,500 | Rent for approved off-campus housing | Paid directly to landlord or student |
| Meal Allowance (TVET only) | R2,000 | For those without residence access | Optional, based on need |
FAQs of R5200 Allowance
1. What should I do if my NSFAS payment hasn’t arrived?
Use the WhatsApp tracking number to check your status and call your service provider if needed.
2. Can I still receive August’s R5,200 allowance if it’s delayed?
Yes, payments will be backdated once processed.
3. Why are Coinvest and eZaga always mentioned in delay issues?
They are third-party providers handling disbursements; delays are often due to technical or account verification errors.
4. Will I get evicted if I can’t pay rent with NSFAS delays?
NSFAS urges landlords to show leniency, and you can request a delay letter from your institution.
5. Is the WhatsApp tool safe and official?
Yes, the number is officially listed by NSFAS for tracking payment status.