First-year cost calculator
Information only. This is not financial advice or NSFAS advice. It does not tell you whether you qualify for NSFAS or how much you would get. Only NSFAS decides that. The NSFAS amounts here are the published 2026 allowances. 2025 university allowance amounts, which NSFAS kept for 2026. NSFAS has not yet published 2027 amounts (the Minister said they would be finalised by end October 2026). Apply and check your status at nsfas.org.za.
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How the calculator works
- Tuition uses the university's published first-year range for the band. If there is none, it uses the quote you type in.
- Residence uses the published fee for the option you pick. If meals aren't included, it adds the university's meal figure, or the NSFAS living allowance (R17 160) as a reference.
- Books use the university's figure, or the NSFAS learning materials allowance (R5 678) as a reference. Personal costs use the NSFAS personal care allowance (R3 167) as a reference.
- For commuting, the fare is your one-way fare × 2 × days per week × 34 teaching weeks (est.).
- The shortfall adds up, for each line, how much the cost is above the matching NSFAS reference amount. Tuition is shown as covered at cost. Trips home have no allowance. NSFAS pays accommodation or transport, not both. Source: NSFAS: NSFAS 2026 Bursary Guidelines – Annexure A · checked 25 October 2026
- Upfront registration payments are not added on top, because they are usually credited to your fee account. See each university page for the amounts.