NSFAS News

Student Eviction Threats Due to Unpaid NSFAS Fees

Published

1 month ago

April 20, 2025

Student Eviction Threats Due to Unpaid NSFAS Fees. South Africa’s higher education landscape is currently facing a critical challenge as over 130,000 university and TVET college students are reportedly at risk of eviction due to unpaid accommodation fees by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This unfolding crisis has sparked national concern, as students fear being thrown out of their residences—an issue that could drastically affect their academic progress and emotional well-being.

Delayed NSFAS Payments

At the centre of the issue is NSFAS’s failure to make timely payments to accommodation providers. The delays have resulted in rising tensions between landlords and students, many of whom rely solely on the scheme for funding their tuition, living expenses, and accommodation.

Despite the urgency, NSFAS has appealed to landlords and student housing providers to exercise patience and avoid taking drastic actions such as evictions. While this call for compassion is necessary, it provides little comfort to the thousands of students who face daily uncertainty about their housing situation.

Closer Look at the Numbers

According to recent reports, over 130,000 students are currently affected by these delayed NSFAS accommodation payments. This staggering number highlights the widespread nature of the issue and raises concerns about the administrative efficiency and financial management of the funding scheme.

The affected students span various institutions across South Africa, including major universities in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape. For many, the inability to pay rent has already led to threats of eviction, with some students being locked out of their residences or having their electricity and water supply cut off.

Impact on Students’ Academic Performance and Mental Health

The looming threat of eviction does not only affect students’ physical safety but also has a serious impact on their academic performance and mental well-being. Living under constant fear of losing one’s home can create immense psychological pressure, making it difficult to focus on studies, attend classes, or even complete assignments.

Furthermore, many students are away from home, with no immediate family or support structure nearby. Being evicted could mean becoming homeless overnight, which could ultimately result in students dropping out of university or college altogether.

Calls for Accountability and Transparency

Student organisations, civil society groups, and higher education stakeholders have demanded greater accountability from NSFAS. They argue that the financial aid scheme must improve its administrative processes to ensure that such delays do not become a recurring issue.

There have also been calls for the Department of Higher Education and Training to step in and provide immediate oversight. Questions are being raised about how NSFAS is managing its funds, and why it continues to experience payment backlogs despite repeated government assurances.

Landlords and Institutions Left in Limbo

While students are bearing the brunt of the crisis, landlords and private accommodation providers are also feeling the pinch. Many have gone months without receiving rent payments, making it difficult to maintain their properties and meet their own financial obligations.

Some landlords have reluctantly begun eviction processes, stating they cannot continue to operate without payment. Others have expressed sympathy but have warned that their patience is wearing thin. Institutions, too, are under pressure, as they navigate the legal and ethical challenges of housing students whose rent remains unpaid.

NSFAS Response and Future Outlook

NSFAS has acknowledged the delays and attributed them to technical and logistical challenges linked to the newly introduced direct payment system. However, critics argue that these issues should have been resolved before implementation, given the high stakes involved.

In its latest communication, NSFAS has urged landlords not to evict students and has committed to resolving the backlog as soon as possible. While this offers a glimmer of hope, there is growing skepticism among students and accommodation providers about the scheme’s ability to deliver on its promises.

Reform and Rebuild Trust

To avoid future crises of this magnitude, NSFAS must undergo a thorough review of its systems and payment mechanisms. A transparent, efficient, and student-centered approach is essential for rebuilding trust with both students and service providers.

There is also a need for better communication between all stakeholders. Students should be kept informed of payment timelines, and landlords should have a reliable point of contact within NSFAS to address concerns.

Ultimately, the success of South Africa’s higher education system depends on ensuring that no student is denied education due to financial instability or administrative delays. With over 130,000 students at risk of eviction, the urgency to act has never been greater.

Conclusion

The ongoing NSFAS payment delays risk displacing thousands of students, disrupting education and well-being. Urgent reforms and transparent communication are vital to restore trust, ensure timely accommodation funding, and protect the academic futures of South Africa’s most vulnerable students.