How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation 2026?

How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation 2026?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government program that helps South African students pay for their studies at universities and TVET colleges. One of the main types of support NSFAS offers is money for accommodation, which helps students have a safe place to stay while they study. If you are curious about how much NSFAS pays for accommodation, it’s essential to know that the amount is not the same for everyone.

The exact payment depends on a few things, such as which college or university you attend, whether you live in a campus residence or private accommodation, and how much it costs to live in that area. For example, if you stay in an official university residence, NSFAS may cover the full cost charged by the institution. But if you choose private housing, NSFAS usually provides a set allowance that you can use toward rent and other housing expenses.

NSFAS reviews the accommodation rates often to keep up with rising costs and inflation, so the amounts can change from year to year. To get this funding, you must meet the NSFAS eligibility criteria. These criteria include having a combined household income below a certain limit and being registered for approved courses. If you qualify for NSFAS, it’s a good idea to speak to your financial aid office. They will give you the latest details about how much you can receive for accommodation and help you know how the payments work.

Learn more: How Much Does NSFAS Pay 2026

NSFAS Allowance Payment Date for 2026-2027

NSFAS began making payments in March 2026 to cover two months of student allowances. These payments were made only for students whose registrations were confirmed. By the start of the business day in March, 18 TVET colleges had submitted their registration data. So, NSFAS processed the first payments for students from those 18 colleges.

What NSFAS Bursary Covers in 2026

The funding covers the cost of the following:

• Registration
• Tuition Fees and learning materials
• Living allowance
• Personal care allowance
• Transport or Accommodation

NSFAS Accommodation Allowance for 2026?

The amount of the allowance may also vary depending on the kind of accommodation you select. NSFAS generally covers both on-campus and off-campus housing. However, depending on your selection, the allowance may differ. The amounts mentioned for lodging, living allowance, transportation, and learning materials must be consistent with the most recent DHET rules. NSFAS bursary covers;

UNIVERSITY

• 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 the institution) R7,500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000  per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

• Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350  per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

Who Can Apply for NSFAS 2026

The following people can apply for NSFAS funding;

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
• A person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.

Learn more: How Often Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation

How to Apply for Student Accommodation if You Have NSFAS Funding

If you’re an NSFAS beneficiary or a provisionally funded student registered at a university or TVET college for the 2026 academic year, follow these easy steps to apply for accommodation:

• Log In: Go to the myNSFAS portal and log in with your student details.
• Find Accommodation: Look through the list of approved student accommodation options near your campus.
• Submit Your Application: Pick the accommodation you prefer and fill out the application form.
• Get Confirmation: You’ll get an email or SMS to confirm that your accommodation has been reserved.

Contact NSFAS

We are available to assist through the following channels:

• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• Twitter: @myNSFAS
• Instagram: @myNSFAS
• WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
• USSD:*120*67327#

NSFAS provides accommodation allowances to qualifying South African students to alleviate the financial strain of pursuing higher education. The amount you get is determined by a number of variables, including your location, type of housing, financial need, family income, and course of study. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

RELATED LINKS