University housing is in short supply in comparison to the number of students who need it. To satisfy the growing demand for student housing, NSFAS Accredited Accommodation providers like Campus Africa sprung up. In South Africa, tenants and college students have many inquiries about how rental property can be NSFAS-approved and its requirements.
This information is crucial for new landlords because misinformation can hamper their accreditation process. Plus, it can slow down the search for South African student accommodation that meets NSFAS standards.
Finding NSFAS accredited accommodation near Gauteng can become super easy with the help of Campus Africa to assist you. However, first, you should understand what requirements any lodging must meet to be NSFAS accredited. So, we will try to break down what NSFAS accredited accommodation entails and its requirements for students to help you reap its benefits.
See Also: Vital Role: Accommodation Environments in Boosting Student Mental Health and Wellbeing
What Does NSFAS Accredited Accommodation Entail?
In a nutshell, NSFAS Accredited Accommodation indicates that the university selects appropriate structures for student housing, where the donor or sponsor, specifically NSFAS, covers the cost of rent for approved lodgings.
The university determines which structures can serve as dorms. NSFAS is one type of donor/sponsor funding that can help to cover rental costs.
The money that you receive could cover your housing, tuition, and transportation needs while you are a student. Additionally, it may cover the cost of textbooks, supplies, and other educational necessities.
However, for NSFAS to cover the cost of a student’s private housing, the student must first verify that the landlord has received NSFAS’s seal of approval. In addition, while NSFAS does not directly cover the cost of private housing, it may cover a portion of the expenses after the institution or student pays the remainder.
Therefore, the student can pay for their private housing after receiving the NSFAS housing allowance. The scheme has also informed the public that it will introduce proposals for private accommodation in the future.
What Is The Importance Of NSFAS Accredited Accommodation?
According to a study by the Department of Education, just 10% of beds were available at the 50 TVET public colleges in South Africa. With thousands of students applying for these spots, it’s pretty apparent that there is a shortage of student accommodation.
In addition, there is a shortage of student beds at universities despite the growing number of students who require them. That’s why many college students look for private rentals instead of living in dorms.
Students who meet specific requirements and attend public universities can apply for fully subsidized funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (“NSFAS”). Each school has its own standards and criteria when selecting students to live in private lodgings.
How To Meet The Requirements For An NSFAS-Accredited Accommodation?
As we have already covered, each school has different criteria and standards when selecting students to live in accredited accommodation. The Department of Higher Education establishes the criteria and guidelines for off-campus housing.
Accommodations off-campus must conform to the rules. For example, single and double (shared) off-campus rooms must meet the exact minimum requirements. It also applies to lodging with a high occupancy rate, such as dorms. You can find all these requirements on the application for the accreditation of private student accommodation.
Here, we will give you a summary of the requirements. The six primary components of NSFAS-approved accommodation requirements are as follows:
Location
Student housing seeking NSFAS accreditation must be no more than 20 kilometers from the campus. Any accommodations beyond this level of distance must be approved by the Department of Higher Education.
The accommodation can get an advantage if it’s within walking distance from the campus and has shops or public facilities nearby. But if it’s more than 2 kilometers of walking distance from the campus, the owner should provide reliable transportation services for its students. It’s also important to have access to transportation first thing in the morning and all day long.
Design Of Accommodation
Rooms for single students must be more than 8 square meters in size. The size of a double room should be more than 14 square meters. In addition, the students’ living quarters must meet the following criteria to aid in fostering a teaching and learning atmosphere:
- One sink for every four people
- One shower stall for every seven people;
- One toilet for every five people;
- Personal space in the restrooms;
- Enough air circulation in the living quarters;
- Access to the Internet (wireless or fiber optic cable)
- Laundry facilities or service
Required Documents
Accreditation is necessary for a student residence hall. The approval should come from all the respective institutions, groups, and city offices. Of course, certifications must be renewed every year to ensure the safety of pupils. All of the following are included in this category:
- Documentation establishing the applicant’s or landlord’s legal right to utilize the property for student housing, such as a deed or lease agreement;
- Municipality-approved construction blueprints;
- A valid residential permit;
- Occupational certificate;
- Safety procedures;
- Zoning certificate and any other documents needed.
Catering Services
Private lodgings must provide self-catering units that meet the following requirements for food preparation:
- Suitable areas for storing, preparing, and cooking food;
- 1 x 4-burner stove per 8 students;
- 1 x 320-liter refrigerator/freezer per 8 students;
- 1 x 15-gallon sink per 15 students;
- 1 x 15-gallon lockable cupboard per student;
- 1 x 15-gallon microwave oven per 15 students.
Security And Well-Being
The private accommodation should also meet all applicable health and safety legislation levels. Plus, there should be up-to-date certificates of compliance issued by the appropriate authorities that are up to date in the following areas:
- Fire safety, detection, and preventive measures;
- Electric and gas infrastructure;
Support For Students
The service provider is responsible for hiring a resident caretaker authorized to counsel and assist the students. Staff members can also maintain order and run extracurricular activities, an excellent perk for students.
Conclusion
For students and landlords, NSFAS-accredited accommodation requirements can be a crucial concept to keep in mind. Especially for those searching for student accommodation near Gauteng, knowing the requirements beforehand can help the process run faster and smoother.
We hope now you are fully prepared for your search for NSFAS accredited lodging with Campus Africa!
