By Thapelo Molefe
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says it has released private accommodation payments for universities, with more than R1.1 billion disbursed during the current quarter to benefit over 100,000 students.
In a statement issued on Monday, NSFAS said payments to private accommodation providers were released on Thursday.
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The scheme said accommodation providers banking with First National Bank (FNB) would receive funds immediately, while providers using other banks could experience minor delays because of interbank processing timelines.
NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi said the scheme remained focused on improving payment processes and ensuring long-term stability in student accommodation funding.
“We thank all accommodation providers for their ongoing partnership and assure all stakeholders that NSFAS is focused on long-term stability, effective administration, and the wellbeing of NSFAS funded students,” said Mnisi.
NSFAS said 95% of accommodation providers listed on its solution partner portals had already had their banking details verified and were included in direct payments for 2026.
“For the remaining providers, NSFAS is conducting one-on-one engagements to ensure full integration into the direct payment system,” the scheme said.
NSFAS said it would issue a monthly disbursement schedule to all accredited accommodation providers and urged providers to ensure students’ funding status was confirmed and valid signed lease agreements were in place before payments could be processed.
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The scheme said it was legally mandated to bring accommodation payment functions in-house from the start of 2026, a move it said had helped resolve several challenges in the system.
According to NSFAS, the changes addressed delays by institutions in confirming students, the misclassification of students as transport-allowance recipients, and uncertainties around accommodation accreditation.
“NSFAS recognises the operational pressures faced by accommodation providers, including rising utility costs and municipal challenges,” the statement read.
The scheme said it remained committed to working with sector associations and solution partners to finalise 2026 rental rates and implement a predictable and transparent payment system.
