With applications for the 2024 Academic year officially closed and funding disbursements underway, the NSFAS Board delivered the much anticipated NSFAS allowance payments schedule for the year.
A crucial element of this process has been the submission of registration data by institutions. To date, 29 institutions have submitted their registration data, enabling NSFAS to organize a catch-up NSFAS allowance payments schedule.
According to Prof. Lourens Van Staden, the acting Chairperson of NSFAS, this step was imperative due to delays primarily caused by registration challenges. Consequently, NSFAS requested that these institutions operate as an intermediary to disburse the February and March NSFAS allowance payments to students. This decision was communicated to all universities, along with detailed instructions on the allowances distribution channels and the commitment dates for allowance payments.
Directive for On-Time NSFAS Allowance Payments
NSFAS has set a clear directive for the timely NSFAS allowance payments for students. The direct payments for the 2024 academic year are scheduled to commence in April, with institutions handling the disbursements for February and March.
This two-month window for institution-administered payments is intended to bridge the gap until the new direct NSFAS allowance payments platforms are operational, ensuring that no student is disadvantaged during this transition. Prof. Van Staden emphasizes that this structure is designed to accommodate the challenges faced at the start of the academic year, with no room for deviations from the plan.
NSFAS Allowance Payments Schedules Per Institution
| University Name | Allowance Payment Commitment Date |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology | 29-Feb and will continue to make payment this week |
| Central University of Technology | 02 March 2024 |
| Durban University of Technology | 29 February 2024 |
| Mangosuthu University of Technology | Loading registration data |
| Nelson Mandela University | 01 March 2024 |
| North-West University | 01 March 2024 |
| Rhodes University | 28 February 2024 |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University | 04 March 2024 |
| Sol Plaatje University | 26 February 2024 |
| Tshwane University of Technology | 04 March 2024 |
| University of Cape Town | 17 -26 February & 01 March |
| University of Fort Hare | 26 February 2024 |
| University of Free State | The Institution will continue to pay the outstanding funds |
| University of Johannesburg | 07 March 2024 |
| University of Kwa Zulu Natal | 08 March 2024 |
| University of Limpopo | 26 February 2024 |
| University of Mpumalanga | 01 March 2024 |
| University of Pretoria | 04 March 2024 |
| University of South Africa | 04 March 2024 |
| University of Stellenbosch | 29 February and 01 March |
| University of the Western Cape | 23 February & 01 March |
| University of the Witwatersrand | 01 March 2024 |
| University of Venda | 26 February 2024 |
| University of Zululand | 01 March 2024 |
| Vaal University of Technology | NSFAS is engaging with the Institution |
Upfront Payments to Alleviate Registration Pressures
To ease the financial burden and ensure students can begin their academic year without delay, NSFAS has made two significant upfront payments to institutions. The first disbursement, amounting to R2.8 billion for universities and R580 150,950 for TVET colleges, was made in January 2024.
These NSFAS allowance payments were primarily aimed at covering book allowances, calculated at half the cost of the previous year, and one month of accommodation costs. For medical students, a provision was made for two months’ worth of allowances, reflecting NSFAS’s attention to the varied academic calendars across different fields of study.
The second upfront payment included the second half of the book allowance, based on the 2023 academic year costs, and accommodation allowances for March 2024. This proactive approach not only facilitated the smooth registration of students but also ensured that institutions had sufficient funds to distribute allowances starting from the last week of February 2024.
Read More: 25 Universities Receive NSFAS February Allowances to Cover Books and Accommodation Expenses
Frequently Asked Questions on the NSFAS Allowance Payments
Q: How are institutions submitting registration data to NSFAS, and why is it important?
A: Institutions submit their registration data to NSFAS to facilitate the organization of a catch-up allowance payments schedule. This process is crucial for enabling NSFAS to make informed decisions about disbursements, ensuring that financial aid reaches eligible students promptly. As of now, 29 institutions have complied, allowing for a smoother distribution of allowances.
Q: What if my institution has not yet submitted registration data to NSFAS?
A: Institutions yet to submit their registration data are urged to do so promptly. This is crucial for organizing a catch-up NSFAS allowance payments schedule, enabling NSFAS to provide timely financial support to eligible students.
Q: Can institutions administer NSFAS allowances beyond March 2024?
A: No, institutions will administer NSFAS allowances only for February and March 2024. Direct payments from NSFAS will commence in April 2024, with no exceptions or deviations from this schedule allowed.
Q: What progress has been made in the student accommodation pilot project?
A: NSFAS’s pilot project for student accommodation has registered 88,705 beds on their portal, marking a significant step towards providing secure and affordable housing. To date, 30 out of the 40 participating institutions have successfully placed students in accredited accommodations, demonstrating active efforts to address the housing demand.
As the 2024 academic year unfolds, Prof. Van Staden’s call to action for institutions that have yet to submit their registration data resonates as a clear reminder of NSFAS’s unwavering dedication. This request is not merely an administrative one; it is a significant echo of NSFAS’s broader commitment to creating a comprehensive financial aid system that ensures no student is left behind in the quest for education.