How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation 2026

How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation 2026

University vs TVET: NSFAS Accommodation Payments for 2026:

In 2026, NSFAS continues to offer full coverage for accommodation, but the exact amount it pays depends on the type of accommodation and your institution. For students staying in university-managed residences, NSFAS will cover the full cost as charged by the institution. This means if you are placed in an official on-campus residence, you do not need to worry about paying rent from your pocket; NSFAS handles it directly.

NSFAS pays for accommodation based on whether you are attending a university or a TVET college, and whether you stay in a university residence or private accommodation. For university students, NSFAS covers the full cost of accommodation as charged by the institution. However, if you choose to stay in private accommodation, NSFAS will only cover it if it is accredited, and the cost does not exceed that of the university’s residence fees.

TVET college students also receive accommodation support, but the amounts are capped depending on the location. In 2026, NSFAS is expected to pay up to R24,000 per year for accommodation in urban areas, R18,900 in peri-urban areas, and R15,750 in rural areas. These amounts help ensure that students from all backgrounds can afford safe and reliable housing during their studies.

Understanding the accommodation allowance provided by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is important for students who need a place to stay while studying at a public university or TVET college. In 2026, NSFAS continues to offer financial support to eligible students by covering the cost of accommodation, which forms a major part of student expenses. Knowing how much NSFAS pays for accommodation in 2026 helps you plan better and avoid financial surprises.

READ HERE: How To Apply For NSFAS 2025-2026

How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation 2026

NSFAS accommodation allowances are meant to cover the full cost of accommodation. The allowance aims to provide a partial contribution towards housing expenses, with the expectation that students will also contribute financially or seek additional sources of funding if necessary. Below is how much NSFAS pays for accommodation:

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS:

• Accommodation: As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET College STUDENTS:

• Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350 per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

Information Needed to Apply For NSFAS-Approved Accommodation

To apply for NSFAS-approved accommodation, you will need to prepare and submit specific information and documents to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Below is a list of the information and documents  required:

NSFAS Reference Number:

• This is your unique student number received after your NSFAS application is approved.

Student ID or South African ID Number:

• A valid copy of your ID or smart card.

Institutional Admission Proof:

• Proof of registration or acceptance at a public university or TVET college.

Proof of NSFAS Funding:

• Confirmation that you are an approved NSFAS beneficiary.

Academic Details:

• Course name, faculty, and year of study.

Accommodation Details:

• The name and address of the NSFAS-accredited residence you want to apply for.

Distance from Campus:

• How far the accommodation is from your institution (especially important for transport allowance considerations).

Personal Contact Information:

• Email address and cellphone number for communication and confirmation updates.

Consent Forms (if required):

• Signed consent allowing NSFAS or your institution to verify your accommodation arrangement.

Supporting Documents (if required):

• Lease agreement (for private accommodation) or referral from your institution’s residence office.

How To Apply For NSFAS Approved Accommodation In 2026

Follow the guide below to apply for Nsfas-approved accommodation for the study year 2026:

Step 1: Log In:

• Go to the myNSFAS portal and sign in using your student login details.

Step 2: Find Accommodation:

• Search through the list of NSFAS-approved accommodations near your college or university.

Step 3: Submit Application:

• Select the accommodation you prefer and fill out the online application form.

Step 4: Get Confirmation:

• You will receive a confirmation of your accommodation booking via email or SMS.

Step-by-Step for Student Accommodation Registration For Accommodation Providers

Below is the step-by-step guide for Nsfas accommodation Providers for student housing registration:

Step 1: Register an Account

• Begin by creating an account on the Accommodation Provider Application Portal to start the registration process.

Step 2: Submit Property Information:

• Enter all relevant details about your property to enable verification and assessment.

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents:

• Upload the necessary documents, including proof of property ownership, and make payment based on the number of student beds you wish to register.

Step 4: Inspection and Grading:

• Your property will be inspected to ensure it meets the minimum norms and standards required for NSFAS-approved student accommodation.

READ HERE: How Much Is NSFAS Allowance For 2025 Per Month

NSFAS Contact

For all other queries regarding students:

• Tel No.: 08000 67327
• Email:info@nsfas.org.za
• Physical Address
• The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

The amount NSFAS pays varies based on the type of institution and where you choose to study. University students typically receive full coverage for on-campus accommodation, while TVET college students receive a fixed allowance based on their location, urban, peri-urban, or rural. It’s important to ensure that your accommodation is NSFAS-accredited to avoid any funding issues. Visit the Official Website Of NSFAS for More.