Cape Town – The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has issued a clarification for the R13,800 accommodation payment error.
This follows confusion over its recent allowance disbursement, which left some Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students scrambling to rectify payments to landlords.
In a notice directed at students staying in NSFAS-accredited accommodation, the scheme confirmed that a payment of R13,800, made on April 4, 2025, included R10,800 specifically designated for accommodation. However, due to an administrative oversight, some students who received the funds were not on the verified list of those approved for housing support.
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Why the confusion?
NSFAS explained that it relies on institutions to verify which students qualify for accredited accommodation or transport allowances. However, discrepancies arose when some ineligible students received the accommodation portion (R10,800) directly, instead of it being paid to landlords.
Urgent call to action
Affected students—those staying in NSFAS-accredited housing but who received the funds directly—have been instructed to:
- Immediately pay their landlords R10,800 from the allowance.
- Obtain proof of payment and submit it to their college’s Financial Aid Office.
- Confirm their accommodation status with their institution if unsure.
Failure to comply could result in:
- Eviction from accommodation
- Deductions from future NSFAS allowances
Breakdown of the R13,800 payment
- R10,800 → Accommodation (must be paid to landlord)
- R3,000 → Other allowances (meals, transport, etc.)
NSFAS and institutions working on a solution
The scheme has shared remittance details with colleges to assist students in resolving the issue swiftly. Meanwhile, institutions have been asked to urgently communicate with affected students to prevent financial penalties or housing disruptions.
Final Warning
“Students must settle these payments as soon as possible to avoid severe consequences,” NSFAS emphasised. Those uncertain about their status should contact their Financial Aid Office immediately.
For student accommodation enquiries, students are encouraged to contact the NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre, email info@nsfas.org.za, or reach out via NSFAS’ official social media platforms: @nsfas on Facebook and @myNSFAS on Twitter .
