The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is urging students who have not yet finalised their accommodation to complete the necessary agreements as soon as possible to guarantee a smooth start to the academic year.

According to NSFAS, the scheme has received 224,983 accommodation applications from students nationwide. NSFAS board chairperson Mugwena Maluleke says they remain committed to ensuring that all qualifying students have access to safe and suitable accommodation.

“A significant number of applicants have not yet submitted their signed leases. NSFAS urgently appeals to these students and accommodation providers to complete the process by signing and submitting their leases as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in delays or complications in the allocation of accommodation and related allowances.”

Meanwhile, acting CEO Waseem Carrim reminded students that the NSFAS registration portal closes at the end of this month.

“I think we have really done a lot to plan better, to communicate better and be more transparent. We released the majority of our funding decisions before the matric results would have been released. That assisted in reducing the pressure and anxiety in the system.”