The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is taking action to ensure students facing delays in receiving their allowances don't fall behind. One measure to assist students is adjusting its allowance payment plan for the next few months.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. The funding includes money for tuition and registration fees and sees students provided with several allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.
Many students rely on NSFAS allowances for basic necessities like food and accommodation, and recent payment issues have caused significant distress.
Changing NSFAS Allowance Payment Plans
NSFAS acknowledged that thousands of students haven't received their allowances in recent months, putting them at risk of hunger and eviction. To address this urgent issue, NSFAS has met with universities to find a solution.
Following discussions with stakeholders in the university sector, NSFAS has authorised some universities to distribute NSFAS allowances for the next few months. This includes outstanding payments for April 2024 and covers May and July allowances as well.
Universities paid outstanding allowances to students by Tuesday, 16 April. Universities will disburse allowances on the last day of each month until July 2024.
Outstanding April allowances will be paid by Tuesday, 16th of April 2024. May-July allowances will be paid by the last day of each month.
Both NSFAS and universities understand the difficulties students are facing and appreciate their patience and cooperation during this time. Universities will continue processing payments while working with NSFAS for a permanent solution.
In the meantime, the student's cooperation and understanding will be highly appreciated as the University processes payments and continues to engage NSFAS
