The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that April 2025 accommodation allowances will be paid on 17 April 2025. Accommodation providers are urged to act swiftly to ensure payments are processed on time.
NSFAS has called on all providers to submit student registration data ahead of the deadline to avoid delays. The deadline for submissions is 9 April 2025.
The scheme offers bursaries and student loans to eligible students enrolled at public universities and TVET colleges. Funding includes tuition, registration fees, and allowances for accommodation, meals, and study materials.
Unlike other allowances, which are paid directly to students, accommodation allowances are paid directly to accommodation providers—whether institution-managed or private.
Private Accommodation
Private providers must submit a list of students who have applied for NSFAS-accredited housing by 9 April.
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.
NSFAS has confirmed that payments will be processed using the registration templates submitted by institutions.
Institution-Managed Accommodation
Universities and TVET colleges are also required to submit confirmations by the same deadline. Institutions must report any discrepancies, including students living in NSFAS-accredited housing who are not listed.
NSFAS will then work collaboratively with the solution partner to rectify any discrepancies.
Officials have appealed to landlords not to evict students over unpaid rent and to comply with submission guidelines.
NSFAS expresses gratitude to all landlords, colleges, universities, and student unions for their continued support and dedication to assisting students.
The agency has also committed to working with stakeholders on long-term solutions to challenges in South Africa’s student accommodation sector.
