The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced when it will disburse payments for private accommodation to landlords, addressing concerns that students might face eviction due to unpaid rent.
Earlier this year, the Private Student Housing Association (PSHA) warned that failure to settle outstanding debts could leave students without housing in 2025. NSFAS has now stated that payments will be made to landlords on Monday, 31 March 2025, which is earlier than the previously communicated date of 4 April 2025.
This adjustment reflects our commitment to providing timely and efficient support to students who rely on NSFAS funding for their accommodation needs.
The scheme confirmed that concerns raised by accommodation providers led to a comprehensive review of its internal processes regarding NSFAS accommodation allowance payments.
NSFAS has urged accommodation providers not to evict students due to unpaid rent and has called for their cooperation in submitting claims according to NSFAS guidelines.
The organisation emphasised that this cooperation is crucial to ensuring students have stable living conditions while pursuing their qualifications.
In light of these developments, NSFAS urges accommodation providers to refrain from evicting students and to work with the scheme in submitting their accommodation claims according to the guidelines provided.
NSFAS is dedicated to ongoing discussions with accommodation providers to develop long-term solutions for the challenges surrounding student accommodation in South Africa.
NSFAS remains committed to engaging with accommodation providers to identify and implement long-term solutions to the challenges facing the private student accommodation sector.
NSFAS offers comprehensive bursaries and student loans to students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. This funding covers tuition and registration fees, as well as allowances for food, learning materials, and accommodation.
