NSFAS Accredited Accommodation Allowance | Requirments

As a new student at TVET colleges or universities, figuring out the NSFAS accommodation allowance and their accreditation can be a big challenge. In a nutshell, NSFAS provides students with an accommodation stipend, only if the property they are living in has the NSFAS seal of approval.

Do you have no idea whether your chosen accommodation is accredited with NSFAS? If not, how to apply for the NSFAS accommodation accreditation? Here is a complete guide answering your queries regarding NSFAS accommodation allowance and accredited accommodations.

What Does NSFAS Accredited Accommodation Include?

Simply put, the NSFAS-accredited accommodation is the property the university selects for student housing, for which the expenses are covered by a donor or sponsor. In this case, NSFAS is the type of donor that covers your rental costs.

However, for NSFAS to cover their accommodation expenses, the students must prove that the landlord has received the seal of approval from NSFAS. This certification ensures the accommodation’s capacity to support a peaceful and safe environment for the students.

Breakdown of NSFAS Accommodation Allowance

Here is the breakdown of the NSFAS accommodation allowance students receive to cover their housing expenses.

For TVET College Students

  • Urban area accommodation is around R24,000 per annum.
  • Peri-urban area accommodation is around R18,900 per annum.
  • Rural area accommodation is R15,750 per annum.

For University Students

  • The actual cost charged by the university. The private accommodation cost should not exceed the one decided by the university for residence.

Please note that NSFAS does not fully cover the cost of private housing. In this case, half of the expenses are paid by NSFAS, while the remainder is paid by the student.

NSFAS-Accredited Accommodation Requirements

Under NSFAS, each school has a different set of criteria for accommodation accreditation. These standards for off-campus student housing are set by the Department of Higher Education. Here is a breakdown of these guidelines and standard requirements you must follow as a student seeking NSFAS accreditation.

Location

The accreditation of your private property by NSFAS is determined by its location. Here are a few things you should consider if you are seeking the accreditation of your property for students.

  • First of all, the student private housing seeking the NSFAS accreditation must be not more than 20 kilometers from the campus.
  • Any accommodation beyond this distance must have authorized approval from the Department of Higher Education.
  • If the accommodation is within walking distance from the campus, it definitely gets an advantage. It is even better if it has shops and public facilities nearby.
  • If it is more than 2 kilometers of walking distance from the campus, the owner should offer transportation/ conveyance service to its students.
  • Access to transportation should be available all day long.

Accommodation Design

In addition, the design of the private accommodation is also critical for the NSFAS accreditation. Here are a few accommodation design requirements.

  • For starters, the rooms for single students should be more than 8 square meters in size, whereas the size for double rooms should be more than 14 square meters.
  • Every four people must have one sink.
  • Every seven people require one shower stall.
  • Every five people require one toilet.
  • Students must get personal space in the restrooms.
  • The living quarters must have adequate air circulation.
  • The students must get access to an internet connection (a wireless or fiber optic cable).
  • Laundry facilities or services must be provided to students.

Required Documents

The accommodation accreditation also depends on the approval from all respective institutions, including groups, city offices, and more. Additionally, the certificates must be renewed each year to complete the formalities. You must submit a few documents to get your accommodation accredited by NSFAS.

  • A document proving the applicant’s or landlord’s legal right to use the property for student housing. It can be a deed or lease agreement.
  • A construction blueprint approved by the municipality.
  • A valid residential permit.
  • Applicants’ occupational certificate.
  • Other relevant safety procedures.
  • Zoning certificate or other relevant documents.

Catering Services

The accommodation you are going for should be able to provide self-catering. Here are the NSFAS-accreditation food preparation requirements for private lodges.

  • Adequate areas for storage, preparation, and cooking food.
  • 1×4 burner stove per eight students.
  • 1×320 liter refrigerator or freezer per eight students.
  • 1×15 gallon sink per fifteen students
  • 1×15 gallon lockable cupboard per student.
  • 1×15 gallon microwave oven per fifteen students.

Security/ Well-Being

Apart from this, your private accommodation should also be able to meet the health and legislative levels. For this, you need an updated certificate of compliance issued by the relevant authorities. Here is what certification is required for the NSFAS-accommodation accreditation.

  • Electric and gas infrastructure.
  • Fire safety, detection, and prevention measures.

Support for Students

The owner of the private accommodation must also hire a resident caretaker, specially authorized to counsel and assist the students. Staff members can also take on the duty of ordering and running extracurricular activities for students.

How to Apply for NSFAS Accreditation?

Follow these steps to have your accommodation approved by NSFAS.

  • First, register and upload your lodging on the NSFAS student accommodation portal.
  • Provide essential information like address, property name, and relevant pictures.
  • After this, NSFAS will contact you and dispatch a team for a thorough evaluation.
  • Finally, they will either verify or reject your accommodation accreditation.

How to Check If Your Accommodation Is NSFAS Accredited?

NSFAS only covers the accommodation expenses that are approved by the organization and comply with its decided standards. To check if your housing is accredited with NSFAS, visit your institution’s website and check the list. Typically, the on-campus and nearby residences are placed on the official institution’s website.

In essence, having an on-campus or nearby accommodation that is accredited with the NSFAS is a critical aspect of a smooth academic journey. The stipend received by NSFAS helps you share the educational and accommodation burden and relieve the financial stress. Finally, I hope this guide has been helpful for anyone figuring out whether their accommodation is NSFAS accredited.