When Did NSFAS Launch Its Student Accommodation Pilot Project? A Guide for South African Students

Safe and affordable housing in higher education is crucial in South Africa. It is difficult for some students to find appropriate housing close to a university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college, especially for students from rural areas and students from households with limited financial means to pay for private rental.

To ensure private student accommodation is assessed, accredited and provided to eligible students, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) launched its Student Accommodation Pilot Project. The purpose was to tackle issues of accommodation standards, student placements and payments to accommodation providers.

However, when was the project introduced by NSFAS and why was it introduced in the first place, and how does it impact on students who rely on NSFAS funding to further their studies?

This article provides an explanation of the history of the NSFAS Student Accommodation Pilot Project, the aims of the project, the process of accommodation and what students need to consider when finding a suitable accommodation.

Sources: NSFAS media statement on the 2025 private accommodation application process and NSFAS announcement on the 2024 pilot.

How was NSFAS Students Accommodation Pilot Project launched?

NSFAS states that the programme for Student Accommodation Pilot Project started in the 2022/23 academic year. The program started with the initial test in the private student accommodation arrangement, and TVET colleges have been involved in the early stages.

NSFAS did institutional visits to selected TVET colleges, such as Central Johannesburg TVET College and King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College in September 2023. Those visits were part of the work that is underway to enhance the process of moving in to these homes in advance of the rollout planned for 2024.

In the process of developing the pilot, NSFAS consulted with educational institutions and accommodation stakeholders to gauge challenges and think about possible solutions regarding student accommodation.

In December 2023, the NSFAS Board approved an expansion of the Student Accommodation Pilot Project for the 2024 academic year. According to NSFAS, the expanded pilot covered 22 TVET colleges and 17 universities. The initiative aimed to improve private accommodation accreditation and the placement of NSFAS-funded students.

The expansion was part of a broader initiative to enhance the accreditation of accommodation, placement of students and the management of private accommodation for NSFAS learners.

The scheme then went on to further refine its accommodation arrangements, including its focus on appropriate accommodation and more robust arrangements for providers and students.

NSFAS Media statement regarding the 2025 private accommodation application process and NSFAS announcement regarding the 2024 pilot.

What is the purpose of the Accommodation Pilot Project for NSFAS?

NSFAS supports financially students of Public Universities and TVET colleges who are eligible to receive support. But financial support for a study does not eliminate all the difficulties of going to a school which is miles away.

Students might be unable to find housing that is affordable, safe, accessible, and conveniently located. Some may also have doubts regarding the compliance of a specific property with the standards of accommodation or the approval of the accommodation arrangements.

NSFAS launched the pilot to enhance monitoring of private student accommodation, and to establish a more structured process for identifying and placing deserving students.

Prior to the pilot, the scheme had issues around precisely identifying where some funded pupils were living and the quality of accommodation that was being offered. The pilot was designed to contribute to these concerns.

The primary goals were to:

• Evaluating and certifying private student housing companies.
• Helping eligible students find available accommodation.
• Developing and reinforcing the processing of accommodation placements.
• Improving the process of payments to accommodation providers.
• Setting up standards and grading systems for accommodation.
• Encouraging students’ safe and effective learning environments.

These goals were designed to increase accountability and allow students to have suitable housing while in school.

How does the NSFAS Accommodation Accreditation Process work?

Accreditation is an integral part of the accommodation system, which can be used to help determine that the property complies with relevant requirements for student accommodation.

Accommodation providers wishing to avail themselves to the NSFAS accommodation arrangements that allow for participation in the relevant NSFAS registration, assessment and accreditation procedures must comply with these.

This process can include inspections of the property, facilities, safety measures, suitability for the property and compliance with the applicable accommodation standards.

The specific requirements will vary according to the NSFAS’s applicable policies and accommodations.

Step 1: Property registration

If a student is an eligible NSFAS student, the owner/accommodation providers of the property must adhere to the official procedure in respect of the property.

Registration offers details on the housing available for evaluation, and facilitates the management of the evaluation process by the parties concerned.

It is not assumed that every registered property will be accredited and have student placements.

Step 2: Assessment against applicable standards

The purpose of the accreditation process is to establish if the accommodation complies with the requirements.

Factors to take into account can consist of the state of the building, security, sanitation, accessibility of facilities and if the premises are suitable for learning.

The objective is to encourage safety, decent and learning friendly accommodation.

Step 3: Accreditation and record-keeping

The information of assessed properties and available beds may assist institutions and the relevant accommodation administrators to identify appropriate properties for students.

It is important to have accurate records as the numbers of students that apply for accommodation fluctuates as institutions complete their registration and secure funding.

Step 4: Student application and placement

Students are responsible for applying for and placing under the rules and regulations of their institution and academic year.

This can be either through an institutional process of accommodation or an official NSFAS accommodation platform depending on what is set up.

Students are not guaranteed an accommodation space in a private school because they are funded by NSFAS. They should ensure they are eligible, have been approved for accommodation and placed with the respective institution or NSFAS.

So what does the Accommodation Pilot mean for University students?

For University students, accommodation may be required when they are studying away from their family home or are unable to travel to the University every day.

The accommodation pilot aimed to enhance the way a suitable private home setting for eligible students is identified and increase the level of uniformity.

For instance, if a student is accepted at a university in another province he or she will have to locate a place near the university. A coordinated process of accreditation and placement will also assist in the identification of housing options that have been evaluated to meet the requirements.

Students should, however, review the availability and conditions, location, and cost of any accommodation provided to them.

The pilot was not rolled out across all universities at the same time. Therefore, the institutions involved in the arrangements for a specific academic year should be confirmed in an official announcement.

It is also important to see if their chosen school offers university housing, approved private housing or both.

How will the Project impact TVET College Students?

Vocational and occupational education is offered to learners preparing for the different industries at TVET colleges.

Students may go to a college near their home or they may move to take specific courses or programs.

Moving can be expensive for students who have to move.Housing can be a significant cost for students who must move. It can also be hard for them to find a suitable place to stay when they don’t know the area.

In the initial stages of the NSFAS accommodation pilot, TVET colleges have been the main focus. The institutional visits in 2023 enabled NSFAS to connect with colleges and gain insight into real-world issues that will need to be addressed before the project was expanded.

The wider goals were to support students who met the eligibility criteria to receive appropriate accommodation and to create a better coordination between the colleges, the accommodation providers and NSFAS.

Students at TVET colleges are advised to check with their college on the support that will be provided for their accommodation and if any specific process will be followed to allow private accommodation.

What are the advantages of Accredited Student Accommodation?

Students can be supported in several ways by suitable accommodation.

Safety and security: Students can help address important safety issues through appropriate accommodation standards, but should also be aware of their situation and report any issues accordingly.

Better learning environment: Students require a space in which they can sit and rest, prepare for exams, and work on homework.

Improved housing conditions: A clear housing record (registration and placement) can help student and schools know where approved students are housed.

Greater accountability: Accreditation and documented processes can help to define the role of the accommodation provider and the organisations running the placement.

Structured payment administration: Official accommodation systems may facilitate the administration of information needed to process payment to eligible providers.

These benefits depend on the effective implementation of the relevant standards and processes. Not every student’s experience of a safe dormitory will be trouble-free just because it is a safe dormitory.

What do NSFAS funded students need to do before they rent a room?

Students should be aware of some precautions to be taken before they accept any private accommodation.

First, check if you are eligible for the accommodation supports and if the accommodation is approved by the relevant supports.

Second, double-check the hotel or rental’s legitimacy and the property’s availability. Don’t accept just an advertisement, social media post or verbal assurance from a landlord.

Third, inquire about the cost of renting the property each month, any deposits required, and services that are included with the rental and extra fees. Be sure to read and comprehend the rental contract before you sign.

Fourth, think about where the property is and how far it is from the campus. A room that seems like a good deal can end up costing a lot due to the costs of day to day transportation.

Last but not least, maintain copies of your rental agreement, any payments made and messages you exchange with the rental company.

Beware of anyone offering a promise of accommodation for NSFAS, but asking an unofficial fee. Follow the instructions given by your institution and NSFAS on how to apply and place.

Has NSFAS Accommodation Pilot Project made any positive changes since its inception?

The program to provide accommodation has grown from the early pilot phase.

NSFAS extended the project to selected universities and TVET colleges in 2024 and also carried on with efforts towards the accreditation and placement of students at institutions and accommodation providers in 2024.

NSFAS released in January 2025 that it would open its private accommodation application portal on the 6th of January for all qualifying applicants and beneficiaries of the NSFAS looking to apply for accommodation for that academic year.

Later communications of the scheme continued to focus on accreditation and placement, as well as the management of private accommodation.

These developments are significant because the pilot’s original arrangements should not be presumed to be the rule for the future for any other academic year.

Students and accommodation facilities must check the latest official information regarding eligibility requirements, institutions participating in the program, the application process, limits and deadlines to apply for accommodation facilities.

In terms of context, the South African Government also released progress on the implementation of the accommodation pilot for the 2024 school year.

Read the government’s 2024 student accommodation pilot update for further information.

How do Students get official NSFAS accommodation information?

Students are advised to start with the official NSFAS site and student support or financial aid office of their institution.

These channels can be used to share information regarding the accommodation application process, approved accommodation, placement requirements and placement arrangements for a given academic year.

When there are time constraints, funding conditions, and/or accommodation policies that are different, official information is critical.

Students are advised to check on the NSFAS website for announcements and guidance on accommodation.

They should also reach out to their university or TVET college directly, if they are not sure about applying directly to the college or through an official accommodation provider.

Conclusion

NSFAS initiated its pilot project for Student Accommodation in the 2022/23 academic year and initially piloted on the private student accommodation model. The initiative was developed during 2023, before expanding to 23 TVET colleges and 17 universities during 2024 academic year.

The project was designed to enhance the accreditation of accommodation, the placement of students, the accountability of providers and the process of paying for accommodation that meets eligible private accommodation requirements.

The main take-home message is to verify the funding and housing plans before committing to rent before school starts. It is essential to comply with the official registration and accreditation procedures in order to access the relevant scheme when seeking to be a part of it as an accommodation provider.

Having appropriate housing is still a major factor in supporting students to achieve their credentials. Having clear information, appropriate standards and effective coordination between NSFAS, education providers and accommodation providers can guide students to make informed housing decisions, while focusing on their studies.