The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has called on accommodation providers to submit registration data for students they are housing. A deadline has been set for accommodation allowance payments for April 2025.
This scheme provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to eligible students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. Funding covers tuition and registration fees, with students also receiving allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Unlike other allowances where funds are directly transferred to students, the accommodation allowance is paid directly to accommodation providers. This applies to both institution-run and private residences.
The scheme has confirmed that April 2025 accommodation allowances will be processed on 17 April 2025.
Private Accommodation
Providers of private accommodation must submit a list of students who have applied for NSFAS-accredited housing to the bursary scheme by 9 April 2025 to ensure timely payment of April allowances.
NSFAS has requested all solution partners to provide a comprehensive list of students who have applied for NSFAS-accredited accommodation. This list will be subject to approval by the respective institutions to confirm each student’s eligibility for accommodation or transport.
Confirmation has been given that “payments will still be processed based on the registration template submitted by the institutions.”
Institution Accommodation
Universities and TVET Colleges have also been requested to submit confirmation by 9 April 2025.
The scheme has urged institutions to identify and report any students residing in NSFAS-accredited accommodation who are not listed.
NSFAS will then work collaboratively with the solution partner to rectify any discrepancies.
Officials have appealed to accommodation providers to refrain from evicting students due to unpaid rent, and have called for their cooperation in submitting claims according to the established guidelines. They emphasised that cooperation is vital to ensuring students maintain stable living conditions while they study.
NSFAS expresses gratitude to all landlords, colleges, universities, and student unions for their continued support and dedication to assisting students.
The organisation has pledged to continue engaging with accommodation providers to develop and implement long-term solutions to challenges within South Africa’s private student accommodation sector.
