NSFAS Warns Students to Pay Landlords or Risk Eviction and Future Allowance Deductions

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has issued an urgent warning to all funded students: use the allocated R10 800 accommodation allowance to settle rent or face possible eviction and future funding cuts.

This call comes in response to confusion following the recent disbursement of R13 800 on April 4, 2025. Many students believed the entire amount was for general use, but NSFAS has clarified that R10 800 of that sum is specifically meant for accommodation expenses.

“Students are urged to settle their accommodation fees with landlords as a matter of urgency,” the agency said on Monday. “They must also submit proof of payment to their college financial aid officers without delay.”

Students at Risk of Eviction

According to NSFAS, failing to pay landlords could result not only in eviction but also in deductions from future allowances. The organisation emphasized that the full amount has already been paid to institutions, which are responsible for ensuring funds reach students in eligible, NSFAS-accredited housing.

What Caused the Confusion?

NSFAS attributed the confusion to delays in verification processes between solution partners (SPs) and tertiary institutions.

The scheme relies on a master list of eligible students provided by SPs. Institutions must confirm each student’s eligibility before any funds are distributed. In this case, some students received payments despite not being verified on the official accommodation list.

“Some students who received direct payments were not confirmed by their institutions in time,” NSFAS explained. “This led to the R10 800 being disbursed to students who may not have qualified for NSFAS-accredited accommodation.”

SRCs Called to Step In

To help resolve the issue and maintain stability on campuses, NSFAS has appealed to Student Representative Councils (SRCs) and other student organisations to support the campaign by educating students about their responsibilities.

“Institutional leadership must inform students in NSFAS-accredited accommodation to pay their landlords. This will avoid unnecessary inconveniences and help maintain a stable learning environment,” the scheme added.

With accommodation being a critical factor in student success, NSFAS is hoping for rapid compliance to prevent further disruption across South African campuses.

{Source: The Citizen}

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