Universities are best placed to make a determination on the applications for travel, subsistence and accommodation allowances. Eligible students who have obtained accommodation in university managed student accommodation (including operational leases for student accommodation between the university and a service provider) will automatically qualify.
Qualifying students who have been identified as eligible for student housing in terms of the university’s student housing policy, but due to limited residence space cannot be accommodated in university managed accommodation, may be eligible for an allowance for suitable off-campus private accommodation after official confirmation from the university that the student qualifies. NSFAS may require confirmation from the university that the accommodation is suitable for student use.
A set of criteria will be applied at each institution to identify which of these students will qualify to receive subsidised accommodation and food and/or transport.
In general, qualifying students whose home address is within a radius of 30 kilometres from the university campus would not be considered for an award for an accommodation allowance. These students may be considered for an award for travel and/or subsistence allowances. However, it is recognised that some students whose home address is within this radius may require accommodation where living conditions are not conducive to support effective study. Universities will identify these students for support in terms of their housing policies.