NSFAS Student Accommodation: Application, Requirement 2024

The NSFAS student accommodation portal is ready for accommodation providers to register and load their accommodation to be considered for NSFAS beneficiaries.

Once signed in, accommodation providers will be able to list their properties by providing their property names, locations, and images. 

NSFAS will then contact them and send a panel of experts to accredit and grade the properties to ensure that they are suitable for student living.

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) works with universities and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges in South Africa to provide suitable accommodation options for students who receive NSFAS funding. 

These options include:

• On-campus residences: Many universities and colleges have on-campus accommodation facilities that are accredited by NSFAS. These residences provide convenient access to campus facilities and support services.
• Institution-owned or leased off-campus residences: Some institutions have off-campus residences that are owned or leased by the institution itself. These accommodations are often located near the campus and provide a safe and supportive living environment for students.
• Private off-campus residences associated with the institution: NSFAS also accredits private off-campus residences that are associated with the institution. These accommodations are usually located near the campus and offer a range of housing options for students.

To check if your accommodation is NSFAS accredited, you can contact your university or college’s accommodation office or visit their website for information on accredited accommodations. 

They will be able to provide you with a list of NSFAS-accredited accommodations and guide you through the application process.

NSFAS message on Student Accommodation

1. NSFAS-funded students are requested to take up properties that have been made available for them which are ACCREDITED.
2. No NSFAS-funded student will be paid accommodation allowances if residing in a UNACCREDITED ACCOMMODATION without NSFAS and institution permission.
3. Unaccredited Accommodation Providers who accommodate NSFAS-funded students without following processes WILL NOT be paid by NSFAS.

Steps to access the NSFAS Student Accommodation Portal

All accommodation providers who would like to list their properties for NSFAS beneficiaries have to register on the portal.

The following are the steps that Accommodation Providers must follow to access the NSFAS Student Accommodation Portal.

1. Navigate to the NSFAS Student Accommodation Portal at nsfas.org.za/content/accomodationprovider.
2. The Accommodation Provider Application will be displayed
3. On the form, select your university.E.g., “KwaZulu-Natal” as the Province and “UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU NATAL” as the Institution.
4. Click on the link “Register” (or “Sign In” if already registered, and provide your Email and Password to access the Portal).
5. Click the “Accommodation Provider” button to start the registration process
6. Capture all your details, then read and accept the Terms and Conditions.
7. Click “Create account” to create your new account as an Accommodation Provider.

Once logged in as an Accommodation Provider, you have access to the Portal and you can start to create and manage the profile of your property/properties.

NSFAS student accommodation requirements

NSFAS, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, has specific requirements for student accommodation that is eligible for accreditation. These requirements ensure that the accommodation meets certain standards and is within a reasonable distance from the university.

Here are the key requirements for NSFAS-accredited student accommodation:

• Proximity to the university: NSFAS-accredited accommodation must be located within 20 kilometers of the university. This requirement ensures that students have easy access to their educational institution.
• Transportation: The accommodation facility or university must provide frequent transportation options for students. This ensures that students can easily commute between their accommodation and the university.
• Accreditation process: To become NSFAS-accredited, the accommodation provider needs to go through a verification and inspection process. This process involves submitting personal and/or company details, property information, and pictures. An NSFAS Accreditation Agent will schedule an inspection to determine if the property meets the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) accreditation criteria and norms. Once accredited, the property will be visible to all NSFAS-funded students on the platform.
• Documentation requirements: To complete the accreditation process, the accommodation provider needs to submit various documents. These documents include:
  • a. Individual and/or company documents:
    • B-BBEE Certificate
    • Company Registration document
    • Proof of Address
    • Proof of ID
    • Proxy Document (if applicable)
    • Tax Clearance Certificate
  • b. Property-related documents:
    • Building Plans (municipality approved).
    • Electrical Certificate of Compliance.
    • Fire Compliance Certificate.
    • Proof of Ownership (Title Deed or lease agreement).
    • Zoning Certificate (municipality-issued).

These requirements ensure that the accommodation is safe, compliant with regulations, and meets the necessary standards for student living.

Responsibilities of Private Accommodation Providers (PAPs)

1. A PAP must apply for registration on the Student Accommodation Portal.
2. Once registered, the PAP must lodge an application for the accreditation of its proposed accommodation.
3. The PAP must upload and/or provide the following documents and information in support of the application for accreditation, under oath:
   • A detailed description of the proposed accommodation, including the address of the Property and the specifications of the units/flats/rooms to be used in housing beneficiaries;
   • A detailed description of the amenities to be provided to beneficiaries on occupation, including a description of the recreational amenities and services offered by the PAP;
   • A detailed description of the nature of the security services offered on the Property;
   • An indication of the number of students that the PAP can accommodate in its premises and the number of units available for occupation on the Property;
   • An indication of the Institutions of Higher Learning whose students the PAP seeks to accommodate, including an indication of the proximity, in kilometers, of the proposed accommodation to those Institutions of Higher Learning;
   • A copy of the PAP’s Sexual Harassment Policy and a copy of the PAP’s rules for students occupying the proposed accommodation;
   • Details of the availability of transport to Institutions of Higher Learning, including whether the PAP provides transport services to students;
   • Whether any incidents of crime were reported to the PAP by residents on the Property in the preceding year, including details of the reported criminal activities;
   • Proof of tax compliance, issued by the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”);
   • The PAP’s banking details, and the account designated by the PAP for the payment of rentals by NSFAS. The banking details provided must include the following –
     • the name of the nominated bank;
     • the account number;
     • branch code;
     • account type; and
     • the reference to be used by NSFAS in effecting payment for rent.
   • Any other facts and details which are, according to the PAP, relevant for consideration by the Evaluation Committee and the Grading Committee; and
   • Any other documents or information that may be required by NSFAS for the registration of the PAP on the Portal, and for accreditation, evaluation and/or grading.
4. The PAP’s application will be disqualified if the application does not meet any of the requirements stipulated in clauses above.
5. The PAP must permit unrestricted access to its premises for purposes of inspection by appointed members of the National Accreditation Panel. The PAP must cooperate with NSFAS to arrange mutually acceptable dates and times for the inspection of the premises offered by the PAP for the accommodation of beneficiaries.