Cape town: The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed that payments for private student accommodation at universities were released on Thursday, 7 May 2026.

According to South African Government News Agency, accommodation providers banking with First National Bank (FNB) receive funds immediately upon release, while those using other banks may experience minor delays due to standard interbank processing timelines. The scheme highlighted that, in the current quarter alone, it has made three major disbursements to accommodation providers, amounting to over R1.1 billion and benefiting over 100,000 students nationwide.

NSFAS reported that 95% of accommodation providers listed on their solution partner portals have successfully verified their banking details and are now included in direct payments for 2026. For the remaining providers, one-on-one engagements are being conducted to ensure full integration into the direct payment system. Additionally, NSFAS plans to issue a monthly disbursement schedule to all accredited accommodation providers, urging them to confirm students' funding status and ensure valid, signed lease agreements are prerequisites for payment.

The scheme is legally mandated to manage accommodation payment functions internally from the start of 2026. This transition has resolved several critical issues, including delays in institutional confirmation of students, incorrect classification of some students as transport allowance recipients, and uncertainties regarding accommodation accreditation. NSFAS acknowledged ongoing operational pressures faced by accommodation providers, such as rising utility costs and municipal service challenges.

NSFAS reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with sector associations and solution partners to address outstanding issues, including finalising 2026 rental rates and implementing a more predictable and transparent payment system. The scheme emphasized its dedication to the prompt, case-by-case resolution of all payment challenges and encourages accommodation providers experiencing difficulties to contact them directly for assistance.

NSFAS further expressed appreciation to accommodation providers for their ongoing partnership and assured all stakeholders of its focus on long-term stability, effective administration, and the wellbeing of NSFAS funded students.