Any applicant in dire need of financial assistance looking forward to receiving funds from NSFAS will ponder the various payment structures and what they cover. Taking accommodation into review and considering the state, it is the general consensus for applicants to ask How much is NSFAS accommodation allowance; This is not to quench curiosity but to know how to plan, budget, and pay for these expenses.
Does NSFAS Pay For Student Accommodation?
The accommodation situation may differ according to the region and institution. If the premises are for the institution, you should be assured that NSFAS will pay for that accommodation. Once the accommodation facility is part of the student body, it will entail all that NSFAS requires from the hostel facilities. In this case, NSFAS will pay for student accommodation.
But If you find yourself in private accommodation, NSFAS will not pay for private accommodation that is off campus and does not belong to your institution. However, if the hostel or space available is accredited with NSFAS but is off-campus, then NSFAS will factor your funds into that. Take note that NSFAS will not pay for your personal accommodation or space belonging to a relative.
Every institution has its requirements and policies before selecting students for private accommodation. If there is an accreditation linked to the NSFAS, then you should count yourself in a good spot to get your accommodation allowance paid by NSFAS.
How much does NSFAS give students for accommodation?
The payment of student accommodation by NSFAS differs and may be subject to the institution you find yourself in; an example is an urban area and the accommodation type. It can be a complex situation since the factors regarding the payment of student accommodation vary. The NSFAS, as a regulatory body, has its policies and criteria set and will not be ready to amend them for anyone.
On the contrary, the NSFAS will not exceed its accommodation allowance limit, irrespective of your financial status or application. Limits and standards are set for students across all institutions, private accommodations, and others. If you always come from home to study, although you have accommodation sorted, NSFAS will not give you a penny as this is not part of the requirements.
For 10 to 11 months across all tertiary institutions in south Africa, NSFAS pays an average of R 5699 every month for accommodation but remember there are categories. Further, a range may be set for students on various campuses and those occupying other types of accommodation. This amount is between R 5300 to R 6000 monthly. The above range cuts across the majority, which is how much NSFAS will pay students for accommodation in the accredited facility.
Who qualifies for NSFAS accommodation allowance?
The qualification for NSFAS accommodation allowance is not a high benchmark set to refrain needy students from getting funds; This is a normal practice of every regulated institution to enhance and provide efficiency in the system.
Who qualifies for NSFAS accommodation is limited to students looking to put in their application and meet all the requirements. The qualification process and procedure set by NSFAS are part of the protocols to give students the best and accountability.
If you are wondering what it takes to qualify for the NSFAS accommodation allowance, remember this information will separate you from the others. The three major qualification includes acceptance to study in an accredited public institution;
- Being a citizen of South Africa
- A providing proof of annual income which should be less than R300,000.
Once you are a citizen of South Africa, there is an automatic qualification for NSFAS accommodation allowance. However, qualification may not guarantee application approval. Applicants must be accepted and ready to enrol in a tertiary institution to qualify for this NSFAS accommodation allowance. The proof of income indicates you may not be able to afford all the necessary expenses; hence you need financial support.
In general, the qualification benchmark is not on the high side but also note if you have these things, but without approval on your application, then you may not receive any funds from NSFAs for your accommodation.
How much is the NSFAS allowance for college students?
The national student funding aid scheme provides financial support to students at the college level. The allowance for college students includes but is not limited to accommodation, personal allowance, incidental allowance, and transport. The accommodation allowance varies and is related to the distance or the region. However, the allowance for accommodation ranges between R 1312 to R2000 every month. Also, the transport allowance is paid, but the distance is considered. Anything beyond 40km will be considered. This amount ranges from R580 to R620. The least of the allowance is the personal upkeep or incidental. This amount is paid to college students by NSFAS, and it is about R250. These allowances are paid to college students monthly once you qualify and have your application approved.
In a nutshell, NSFAS will not exceed its limit and will annually pay not more than R80,000 to college students for all their various expenses. This amount is meant to cover the listed allowance for college students every month.
