Students often find themselves having to pay their registration fee themselves even though they are being funded through NSFAS. Some might then wonder if and how NSFAS will reimburse this fee.
NSFAS recently addressed this matter when a student reached out asking, "I paid my own registration fees and I'm funded by NSFAS, do I need to apply for a refund or will I automatically be refunded and when".
The financial aid scheme responded by saying:
NSFAS does not reimburse students that pay their own registration fees.
Some Universities tell students that they will get a refund if they paid the fee themselves but NSFAS has said that that message comes from the institution and not from them.
At most Universities, you will have to apply for a refund through the University's financial aid office.
When you're approved for funding by NSFAS, your registration fee is included in what the bursary covers. Should you be asked for a registration fee when you register, you will just need to clarify that you are funded by NSFAS.
The NSFAS bursary covers more than just your tuition fee and your registration fee. You'll also receive the following allowances:
- Accommodation
- As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
- Transport (up to 40 km from institution) of R7500 per annum
- Living allowance of R15 000 per annum
- Book allowance of R5200 per annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences
NSFAS is a South African funding organisation that assists poor and working class students by funding their tertiary education.
Visit the NSFAS website for more information on the NSFAS bursary.
Hi @ThashnieN, please note that NSFAS does not reimburse students that pay their own registration fees. Thanks PS
— NSFAS (@myNSFAS) June 21, 2021
