NSFAS Compliance Addendum

Effective Date: May 2026 · Aligned with NSFAS Accommodation & Data Handling Requirements

Key Commitments

Aligned with NSFAS Accreditation Guidelines
Compliant with POPIA & Student Housing Policy Framework
Gender-sensitive safety standards enforced
Student dispute escalation to NSFAS regional offices
Transparent bursary cap disclosure on listings

1. Purpose of This Addendum

This NSFAS Compliance Addendum supplements our Privacy Policy and outlines how AHA Student Home specifically addresses the accommodation and data handling requirements of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) of South Africa. This document is aligned with NSFAS Accreditation Guidelines and the Student Housing Policy Framework.

2. NSFAS-Approved Listings

AHA Student Home enables landlords to indicate whether their property is NSFAS-approved. Such listings are verified against the NSFAS accreditation criteria including safety standards, lease compliance, fair pricing, and proximity to institutions of higher learning. Students funded by NSFAS are encouraged to filter listings using the 'NSFAS Approved' filter to ensure their bursary can be applied to their accommodation.

3. Student Data Handling

In connection with NSFAS accommodation services, we may process student-specific information including: student number and academic institution, NSFAS funding status (where voluntarily provided), accommodation booking and lease commencement dates, and emergency contact information. This data is processed strictly for accommodation facilitation and is never sold or shared with unauthorised third parties.

4. Landlord Accreditation Data

Landlords applying for or holding NSFAS accreditation may be required to provide: municipal compliance certificates, title deeds or proof of property ownership, lease agreement templates, and accreditation body reference numbers. This information is stored securely and used solely for verification and compliance purposes.

5. Data Sharing with NSFAS

AHA Student Home may, where legally required or upon student consent, share relevant accommodation data with NSFAS for the purpose of processing bursary housing allowances. Such sharing will always be conducted in accordance with POPIA and any applicable NSFAS data sharing agreements.

6. Safety & Habitability Standards

All properties listed as NSFAS-compliant on AHA are expected to meet minimum habitability and safety standards as prescribed by NSFAS, including but not limited to: 24-hour security or controlled access, adequate sanitation and water supply, fire safety compliance, and protection from gender-based violence through gender-sensitive facilities where applicable.

7. Dispute Resolution

Students experiencing disputes with landlords regarding NSFAS-funded accommodation may report these via the AHA safety reporting tool. AHA will facilitate communication between parties and, where necessary, escalate to the relevant NSFAS regional office or the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

8. Student Rights Under NSFAS

NSFAS-funded students have the right to: receive a written lease agreement for any NSFAS-funded accommodation, not be charged above the NSFAS accommodation cap without prior written agreement, report unsafe or substandard conditions without fear of victimisation, and access their funding disbursement information through the myNSFAS portal.

9. Updates to This Addendum

This addendum will be updated as NSFAS policies and requirements evolve. Students and landlords will be notified of material changes via platform notification or email.

10. Contact

For NSFAS-related queries or to report a compliance concern, contact us at varsityhub@outlook.com. You may also contact NSFAS directly at 0800 067 327 or via www.nsfas.org.za.