The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has helped more than five million students obtain tertiary education qualifications since it was established. They achieved this by providing comprehensive funding to students that aims to cover all the costs associated with getting a degree.
NSFAS bursaries include tuition and registration fees. They also include several NSFAS allowances for students. This includes an accommodation allowance.
Many students stay far away from the institutions they are enrolled at and require accommodation near their university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College. NSFAS provides allowances for accommodation to students who need it.
How NSFAS Allowances For Private Accommodation Works
Students living in approved private accommodations are eligible for a capped housing allowance of up to R50,000 annually in metropolitan areas and R41,000 in other regions. This applies to university students and TVET College students.
Each student is eligible for only one type of accommodation allowance per academic term.
TVET College students who are registered on an occupational qualification may qualify for allowances only if in simulated training, students registered on an occupational qualification that have an employment contract and are paid stipend do not qualify for NSFAS allowances.
Distance learning students do not qualify for an accommodation of any kind.
NSFAS explained that if the accommodation lacks certain services, NSFAS or the institution will determine the maximum amount for the accommodation. In cases where landlords fail to provide data, students receive a monthly allowance equivalent to R2,000 per year to cover data expenses. Similarly, if landlords can't ensure consistent water and electricity, students receive an annual utility allowance of R5,000 directly.
NSFAS Funding
All students applying for NSFAS must meet the specific requirements for a NSFAS bursary or a NSFAS missing middle student loan. These eligibility criteria include being a South African citizen, studying towards an approved qualification and meeting the NSFAS household income threshold of R350,000 for able-bodied students and R600,000 for students living with disabilities.
While you only have to apply for NSFAS once, the financial aid scheme will assess whether or not you will be funded for the duration of your qualification. The requirements to continue being funded by NSFAS include meeting financial and academic requirements.
