Parliamentary colloquium focuses on student accommodation costs, shortages and NSFAS

On Friday, the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training held a colloquium to discuss solutions to student accommodation challenges. The committee focused on the importance of student accommodation for university and technical vocational education and training (TVET) college success. They examined the National Student Financial Aid Scheme's (NSFAS) accommodation cap, funding, and accreditation, as well as the factors driving accommodation costs across the sector.

The Higher Education and Training Department revealed a shortage of student accommodation at institutions, along with substandard living conditions in existing accommodations. Student accommodation can be owned by institutions, leased, or privately-owned accredited housing on or near campuses. Data on accommodation facilities is not available per province; the focus is on the number of beds.

In 2019, the student housing provision survey estimated demand at 362,381 beds in universities and 182,748 beds in TVETs. Government partnerships with private providers have resulted in a projected 525,497 total beds at 26 public universities by 2026, including owned, leased, and privately accredited accommodations. However, 9,907 university-owned beds are unoccupied due to renovations, reducing total owned beds to 125,446 in 2026.

The department expects 3,100 additional student beds for the 2027 academic year at SMU, TUT, UKZN, and UL. A March 2026 survey showed TVET college bed capacity at 9,968 institution-owned beds, with 76,574 shortfalls. NSFAS allocated R18 billion for 2023-2026 university accommodations and R3.5 billion for TVETs. Private investment has expanded the supply of beds, especially in urban areas, with old commercial buildings converted into student communities.

Buti Manamela, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, expects a reconciled national accommodation baseline within 60 days, addressing the estimated 195,815-bed shortage and over R4 billion in maintenance needs. Private providers have become essential partners in increasing access, and occupancy must be reconciled monthly against registration and lease data.