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NSFAS Logo.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says it’s introducing a centralised, transparent database for accommodation applications and providers for the 2026 academic year.
Acting Board Chairperson, Dr. Mugwena Maluleke, says allowances for students in private accommodation will now be paid directly to accredited providers.
Previously, many students struggled to secure housing, with providers citing non-payment as a major issue.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, Maluleke says the accommodation portal is being upgraded.
It will allow students to apply for housing and track their application status online.
“In alignment with this initiative, all higher education institutions and private accommodation providers are required to adopt the new framework to ensure a seamless process for the allocation and management of accommodation for both new entrants and returning students. As part of this transition, all accommodation dates including opening, closing, move-in, and move-out periods, will be intrinsically aligned with the academic calendar to prevent students from being stranded at any point during the academic year,” says Maluleke.
Maluleke is upbeat the new system will the students’ lives better.
“We are upgrading the accommodation portal to enable students to apply for accommodation, track their application status, accept offers, and log maintenance issues, all within a single platform,” he adds.
WATCH | NSFAS says it has updated its student accommodation portal for the 2026 academic year, making it easier for beneficiaries to apply for approved housing and for landlords to register their properties under the new compliance rules. pic.twitter.com/M8D7Hm0sjw
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 6, 2026
