How Often Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation

How Often Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is a government program that helps South African students afford higher education. One of the key ways NSFAS helps students is by supporting them pay for accommodation. If you’re approved for NSFAS funding, you can normally expect your accommodation payments to be made every month during the academic year. This monthly allowance is meant to help you cover the cost of your housing while you focus on your studies.

NSFAS knows that students live in different types of accommodation. Whether you’re staying in a university or college residence, renting a room in a private home, living in a student hostel, or staying in any other type of housing that supports your studies, NSFAS tries to make sure you’re covered. The goal is to make student life more manageable, especially for those who might otherwise struggle to afford a safe and stable place to stay.

Accommodation funding is just one part of the support offered by NSFAS. They also provide money for tuition fees, learning materials like textbooks, and sometimes even meals and transport, based on your needs and where you study. NSFAS plays a big role in helping many South African students succeed in higher education by easing the financial burden. If you’re a qualifying student, you can rely on monthly accommodation payments to help you stay focused on your education without worrying about where you’ll stay.

Learn more: How Much Does NSFAS Pay Per Student Per Month?

NSFAS Accommodation Payment Schedule

Private housing, university or college residence halls, or any other arrangement necessary for your studies are among the accommodations that NSFAS provides. Depending on the kind of lodging you choose, the payment amount could change. The sum that NSFAS pays TVET Colleges and Universities for housing is shown below;

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
• 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

Who Does Nsfas Fund for 2026

To be eligible for NSFAS, you must meet the following criteria;

• 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 a disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• SASSA recipients automatically qualify for funding and need not submit any proof of income.

Supporting Documents Required To Apply For NSFAS

All applicants must provide;

• Valid South African ID number of the Applicant
• Valid South African ID number of parent(s), guardian, or spouse
• Income information, where applicable.
• Students with disabilities must provide: A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form (available on the website)
• Students recognized as vulnerable children must be provided:
• Students who have indicated no family members’ details must complete the 2026 Declaration Form (available on the website)

Other documents that may be required for appeals purposes:

• Retrenchment letter,
• Death certificate/s
• Proof of legal guardianship
• Marriage certificate

Learn more: NSFAS Monthly Allowance 2026

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026

Follow the step-by-step guide below to apply online for NSFAS.

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
• Upload the required supporting documents where applicable
• Click on ‘Submit’.

Contact NSFAS

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 vital help to South African students by providing monthly accommodation payments. Understanding how frequently NSFAS pays for housing and the important factors related to these payments are important for managing your financial aid successfully. Visit the official NSFAS website for more information.

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