NSFAS Accommodation: How to Apply, Allowances & Accredited Housing

Last updated on January 24, 2026

NSFAS accommodation covers approved student housing costs for funded university and TVET students, but it only works through institutional approval and accredited accommodation. NSFAS does not provide housing directly and will only pay once registration and accommodation details are confirmed.

Many students qualify for NSFAS yet still struggle with residence placement, clearance letters, or private accommodation approval. This confusion often leads to missed registrations, unnecessary upfront payments, or panic about losing funding. Understanding how NSFAS accommodation actually works. This guide explains every step clearly so you know exactly what to do and what to avoid.

Quick Glance

• NSFAS does not provide housing directly – accommodation is handled through your institution or accredited private landlords.
• There is no separate NSFAS accommodation application – you apply via your university or TVET college.
• Only NSFAS-accredited accommodation is funded, whether residence or approved private housing.
• NSFAS pays accommodation costs directly to the institution or landlord, not to students.
• Most accommodation issues are delays, caused by missing registration or accommodation data, not loss of funding.

What Is NSFAS Accommodation?

NSFAS accommodation refers to student housing costs covered by NSFAS for eligible university and TVET college students. NSFAS does not provide accommodation directly. Instead, it pays approved accommodation costs through your institution or accredited private landlords.

Accommodation funding is only activated after your registration details are confirmed by your institution.

Does NSFAS Pay for Accommodation?

Yes. NSFAS does pay for accommodation, but only if all conditions are met.

NSFAS pays for:

• University residences
• TVET college residences
• NSFAS-accredited private accommodation (if residence space is unavailable)

NSFAS does not pay for:

• Unaccredited private accommodation
• Short-term or informal housing
• Accommodation arranged outside institutional approval

Who Qualifies for NSFAS Accommodation?

You qualify for NSFAS accommodation if:

• You are an approved NSFAS beneficiary
• You are registered at a public university or TVET college
• Your accommodation is approved or accredited
• Your institution submits your accommodation details to NSFAS

Being eligible for funding alone is not enough. Registration and accommodation data must be linked.

How to Apply for NSFAS Accommodation

There is no separate NSFAS accommodation application.

The process works like this:

Step 1: Apply for residence or private accommodation

• Apply through your institution’s residence portal
• Or through Student Housing / Financial Aid if private accommodation is needed

Step 2: Institution verifies accommodation

• The institution checks the availability or accredits the private landlord
• Only NSFAS-accredited accommodation is approved

Step 3: Institution submits details to NSFAS

• Accommodation and registration data are uploaded
• NSFAS processes payments after confirmation

You should never pay upfront unless your institution specifically instructs you to.

What Is NSFAS Accredited Accommodation?

NSFAS-accredited accommodation is housing that:

• Meets NSFAS safety and pricing standards
• Is approved by the institution
• Is listed on the institution’s accommodation system

If you choose private accommodation, always confirm:

• Accreditation status
• Monthly rental cap
• Payment process

Unaccredited accommodation will not be funded.

How Much Does NSFAS Pay for Accommodation?

NSFAS accommodation allowance depends on:

• Your institution
• Your province
• Type of accommodation (residence vs private)

Typical NSFAS accommodation payment

• Universities: Up to the NSFAS accommodation cap set annually
• TVET colleges: College-approved residence or private housing

NSFAS pays directly to the institution or landlord, not to the student.

Exact amounts change yearly and are capped.

Does NSFAS Pay for Private Accommodation?

Yes, NSFAS does pay for private accommodation, but only if:

• University or TVET residence is full
• The accommodation is NSFAS-accredited
• The institution submits approval

Private accommodation without approval is not covered.

NSFAS Accommodation Payment Date

There is no fixed NSFAS accommodation payment date.

Payments are made:

• After registration data is confirmed
• After accommodation details are uploaded
• According to institutional payment schedules

Delays usually happen when:

• Registration data is missing
• Accommodation is not yet approved
• NSFAS and institution systems are not synced

NSFAS Accommodation Portal: Is There One?

There is no standalone NSFAS accommodation portal.

Everything is managed through:

• Your institution’s student portal
• Student Housing Office
• Financial Aid Office

NSFAS only processes payments after receiving data from the institution.

Why Am I Registered but Still Have No Accommodation Clearance?

This happens when:

• Funding is eligible but not finalised
• Accommodation data has not been uploaded
• The institution has not linked your residence yet

Clearance letters are issued by institutions, not NSFAS.

Always follow up with:

• Student Housing
• Financial Aid Office

What If NSFAS Accommodation Is Delayed?

If accommodation is delayed:

• Do not cancel your funding
• Do not move into unapproved housing
• Ask Student Housing for temporary arrangements

Most delays are administrative, not funding rejections.

Can I Cancel NSFAS Accommodation?

Accommodation cancellation depends on:

• Institution rules
• Timing of the academic year

Always cancel through the institution, not NSFAS.

Failure to cancel properly can result in:

• Outstanding balances
• Future funding issues

Common NSFAS Accommodation Problems (And What They Mean)

Problem: Eligible for funding, but no accommodation
Meaning: Data not yet linked

Problem: Accommodation rejected
Meaning: Housing not accredited

Problem: NSFAS paid tuition, but not accommodation
Meaning: Accommodation details missing

Problem: Asked to pay upfront
Meaning: Institution policy — confirm before paying

Important NSFAS Accommodation Rules to Remember

• NSFAS does not choose accommodation for you
• NSFAS does not pay cash to students
• Accreditation is mandatory
• Registration must be confirmed first
• Accommodation funding follows institutional processes

FAQs

Final Advice for NSFAS Beneficiaries

If you are funded by NSFAS but struggling with accommodation, the most important thing is to stay calm and patient. Most accommodation problems happen because of delays in registration or data syncing between NSFAS and the institution, not because funding has been withdrawn.

Always work through your university or TVET college’s Student Housing or Financial Aid office, as they are the ones who submit and confirm accommodation details. Avoid making private accommodation arrangements that have not been approved or accredited, as NSFAS will not cover those costs. In most cases, once the institution finalises and submits your details, accommodation funding is resolved without any further action needed from you.

Varsha Asrani

Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.