TVET Accommodation Payments Will Be Made on 27 June 2025

The national student financial aid scheme has officially announced that TVET College accommodation payments will be made on 27 June 2025. 

This comes as a relief to thousands of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students across South Africa who rely on NSFAS funding for their housing and living arrangements. 

Understanding the TVET Accommodation Payment

Accommodation support for TVET students is a crucial part of the NSFAS funding model. These payments cover the costs of off-campus or institution-owned housing for students who live far from college campuses. For many students, this financial aid is the only means to afford decent living conditions while focusing on their education.

NSFAS accommodation payments are disbursed directly to landlords, private accommodation providers, or in some cases, to students themselves — depending on the college and the agreement in place. 

The payment scheduled for 27 June 2025 is part of the second-quarter disbursement cycle, covering accommodation costs incurred from April to June 2025.

Who Qualifies for the Payment?

Not every student will receive an accommodation payment. To qualify, the following conditions must be met:

You must be a registered TVET College student funded by NSFAS.

Your accommodation must be approved by the college and NSFAS.

Your landlord or accommodation provider must be registered and verified through the NSFAS accommodation portal.

You must have submitted all required documentation, including a signed lease agreement, proof of residence, and banking details where applicable.

NSFAS Accommodation Rates for 2025

For 2025, the following standard NSFAS accommodation rates apply to TVET students:

Urban Area Accommodation: R3,300 per month (maximum)

Peri-Urban Areas: R2,700 per month

Rural Areas: R2,100 per month

These amounts may vary depending on the location, actual rent, and whether the student lives in institution-owned residences or accredited private accommodation.

How Will the Payment Be Made?

Accommodation payments can be made in the following ways:

Direct to Landlord: If your landlord is registered on the NSFAS system and your accommodation is verified, the payment will go straight to them.

Through College Accounts: Some TVET colleges act as intermediaries, collecting and paying funds to landlords on behalf of NSFAS.

Student Bank Accounts: In some cases, where landlords are not part of the system, funds may be paid into students' NSFAS bank accounts. Students are then expected to pay their landlords directly.

What to Do if You Don’t Receive Your Payment on 27 June

If you are expecting an accommodation payment but it does not reflect by the end of 30 June 2025, here are the steps to follow:

Check with Your College Financial Aid Office: Confirm whether your accommodation has been verified and submitted to NSFAS.

Contact Your Landlord: Ensure they are registered and have submitted their details via the NSFAS Accommodation Portal.

Check Your NSFAS Wallet or Bank Account: Log in to the NSFAS self-service portal to verify if any payments were made.

Lodge a Complaint: If all else fails, contact NSFAS directly through their contact center (08000 NSFAS) or log a ticket via the NSFAS website.

Be sure to have your ID number, student number, accommodation details, and contact info ready when making inquiries.

Common Issues That Can Delay Payments

Several issues have caused delays in past disbursement cycles. Students and accommodation providers are advised to avoid the following:

• Incomplete or unsigned lease agreements
• Unregistered landlords
• Banking details that do not match the student or provider’s information
• Failure to upload documents to the NSFAS accommodation platform
• Unapproved accommodation

NSFAS and DHET Urge Patience and Cooperation

Both the Department of Higher Education and Training and NSFAS have acknowledged past challenges in accommodation funding and are working on streamlining the process through the NSFAS Accommodation Portal.

 In recent statements, they emphasized the importance of student and landlord cooperation to ensure timely and accurate payments.

They've also committed to improving communication through SMS alerts, emails, and NSFAS portal notifications.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming accommodation payment on 27 June 2025 is a vital financial boost for many TVET students, ensuring they have a safe place to stay while pursuing their studies. 

While the process can sometimes be frustrating due to delays or verification issues, students who are proactive, well-informed, and organized are more likely to receive their payments on time.

If you're a student, now is the time to double-check everything, get your paperwork in order, and keep communication lines open with both your college and your accommodation provider. Don’t wait until the last minute — securing your payment is part of securing your success.

Helpful Contacts

NSFAS Contact Centre: 08000 NSFAS (08000 67327)

NSFAS Email: [email protected]

NSFAS Website: www.nsfas.org.za

TVET College Financial Aid Office: Visit your campus administration office for specific queries.