Zuko Komisa
- Over 100,000 university students have benefited from three major disbursements totalling R1.1 billion this quarter.
- 95% of providers are now verified for direct payments, with FNB users receiving funds instantly and others following standard banking cycles.
- NSFAS has internalised payment management for 2026 to eliminate previous administrative bottlenecks and ensure long-term stability.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) confirmed that the latest round of private university accommodation payments was released on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
While First National Bank (FNB) clients received funds immediately, providers using other institutions may see slight delays due to standard interbank processing.
To date, 95% of providers on the scheme’s partner portals have successfully verified their banking details.
For the remaining 5%, NSFAS is conducting individual consultations to integrate them into the direct payment system. To maintain transparency, the scheme will now issue a monthly disbursement schedule to all accredited providers.
The transition to internal payment management in 2026 was legally mandated to resolve historical issues, such as student misclassification and accreditation uncertainties.
Despite this progress, NSFAS acknowledged the financial pressures on providers, including rising utility costs. Providers are reminded that valid, signed lease agreements and confirmed funding statuses remain essential prerequisites for all disbursements.
Moving forward, the scheme aims to finalise 2026 rental rates and implement a more predictable payment framework. Accommodation providers facing specific challenges are encouraged to engage directly with NSFAS to ensure prompt, case-by-case resolutions.
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