New NSFAS Rules 2027: What Students & Landlords Must Know
South Africa’s student accommodation sector could be facing important changes in 2027, with government preparing updated guidelines aimed at improving accommodation standards, funding arrangements and payment processes.
In September 2026, Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela announced that the Department of Higher Education and Training and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) would work towards finalising student accommodation protocols and funding guidelines by the end of October.
For students preparing to enter university or a TVET college next year, and for landlords providing student accommodation, these developments are worth paying attention to.
But what exactly is changing, and what does it mean for you?
Why Is NSFAS Reviewing Student Accommodation?
Finding affordable, safe and suitable accommodation remains one of the biggest challenges facing South African students.
For students who depend on NSFAS funding, securing a place to stay involves more than simply finding an available room. Accommodation must meet applicable requirements, funding must be approved, and payment arrangements must be in place.
When any part of that process breaks down, the consequences can be significant.
Students may find themselves unable to move into accommodation despite having secured university admission. Landlords may experience payment delays, while institutions struggle to verify accommodation arrangements and resolve disputes.
Addressing Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training on 23 September 2026, Minister Manamela acknowledged that preparations for the 2027 academic year must include resolving outstanding accommodation and payment challenges from 2026.
The proposed guidelines are intended to provide greater clarity and consistency across the student accommodation sector.
What Could Change in 2027?
Although the final guidelines have not yet been confirmed, several areas have been identified for attention.
Accommodation costs and funding
One of the key priorities is establishing clearer rules around reasonable accommodation costs and payment responsibilities.
For students, this could provide greater certainty about which accommodation expenses qualify for funding. For landlords, clearer payment arrangements could help reduce uncertainty when accommodating NSFAS-funded students.
Importantly, no new accommodation funding amounts should be assumed until the applicable guidelines have been formally published.
Accommodation standards and accreditation
The quality and safety of student accommodation are also receiving attention.
The proposed guidelines are expected to address residence grading, accommodation standards and procedures for dealing with unsafe properties.
Accreditation is already an important consideration for landlords who wish to accommodate NSFAS-funded students. The forthcoming guidelines may provide further clarity on how accommodation is assessed and verified.
For students, the objective is straightforward: access to funding should go hand in hand with access to accommodation that is safe and suitable for studying.
Payments and administration
Payment delays and administrative difficulties have been recurring concerns in the student accommodation sector.
Government has indicated that it wants to strengthen the ability of public institutions to administer accommodation funding, verify occupancy and manage payments.
The intention is to create a more accountable system in which students, landlords and institutions have greater clarity about their respective responsibilities.
Exactly how these arrangements will operate in 2027 will depend on the final guidelines and their implementation.
What Does This Mean for Students Looking for Accommodation in 2027?
If you’re planning to study at a university or TVET college next year, now is a good time to start researching your accommodation options.
You don’t necessarily need to sign a lease before receiving your admission or funding confirmation. However, understanding the accommodation available near your chosen institution, comparing prices and familiarising yourself with the requirements can save considerable stress later.
It’s particularly important for NSFAS applicants to understand that receiving funding approval does not automatically mean that any accommodation they choose will qualify for payment.
Students should confirm the applicable accommodation requirements with their institution and NSFAS before making financial commitments.
And even if you’re not relying on NSFAS funding, the same basic principles apply. Location, affordability, safety and the terms of your lease should all form part of your decision.
What Should Student Accommodation Landlords Be Doing?
For landlords, the proposed changes are another reminder of the importance of preparing well ahead of the academic year.
With thousands of students expected to enter or return to higher education in 2027, accommodation providers should already be thinking about their properties, pricing and readiness for the next intake.
A few practical steps worth considering include:
Review your accreditation status. If you intend to accommodate NSFAS-funded students, confirm the requirements applicable to your property and institution.
Check your property’s condition. Address outstanding maintenance, safety concerns and any issues that could affect compliance.
Review your rental agreements. Make sure payment terms, deposits, cancellation arrangements and responsibilities are clearly explained.
Prepare your 2027 listings. Update photographs, rental prices, amenities and availability so prospective students can make informed decisions.
Stay informed. Follow official NSFAS and institutional announcements rather than relying on speculation about the proposed changes.
Landlords should also be careful not to assume that existing arrangements will automatically continue unchanged in 2027.
Why Better Student Accommodation Standards Matter
The discussion around NSFAS accommodation is about more than funding and administration.
Student accommodation plays an important role in academic success. A student who has somewhere safe to sleep, reliable access to essential facilities and a reasonable commute to campus is better positioned to focus on their studies.
At the same time, accommodation providers need a predictable operating environment.
Maintaining properties, providing services and meeting compliance requirements all involve costs. Uncertainty around accreditation, occupancy and payments can make it difficult for landlords to plan and invest.
A well-functioning student accommodation sector therefore needs to work for both students and property owners.
Clear standards, transparent information and reliable processes are essential to building that confidence.
Planning for 2027 Starts Now
As the 2027 academic year approaches, students and landlords have an opportunity to prepare rather than wait for the January rush.
For students, that means researching accommodation options, understanding funding requirements and comparing properties before making commitments.
For landlords, it means ensuring properties are ready, information is accurate and prospective tenants can easily find available accommodation.
At Accomm4Students, we believe finding student accommodation should be simpler, safer and more transparent.
Our platform connects students searching for accommodation with verified accommodation providers, helping students explore their options while giving landlords a dedicated place to showcase their properties.
Whether you’re preparing for your first year at university or getting your property ready for the next student intake, there’s no reason to leave everything until the last minute.
Looking for student accommodation in 2027? Explore available properties on Accomm4Students.
Are you a student accommodation landlord? List your property on Accomm4Students and start connecting with prospective tenants preparing for the new academic year.
Please note: At the time of writing, the updated 2027 accommodation guidelines had not yet been confirmed. Students and accommodation providers should consult official NSFAS and institutional communications for the latest requirements.
