Recently, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) addressed the matter of reimbursing registration fees after a student reached out asking, “I paid my own registration fees and I’m funded by NSFAS, do I need to apply for a refund or will I automatically be refunded and when?”
NSFAS responded by saying “NSFAS does not reimburse students that pay their own registration fees.”
Some universities tell students that they will get a refund if they paid the registration fee themselves, however, NSFAS has said that the message comes from the university and not them.
Certain universities allow students to apply for a refund through their financial aid office.
All approved NSFAS students will have their registration fee covered since it is part of the bursary. Should the institution require you to pay your registration fee, you will need to clarify that you are funded by NSFAS.
Students approved for funding receive more than registration fees and tuition from the bursary, they also receive the following:
- Accommodation: As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation may not exceed costs for university residence)
- Transport: (up to 40 km from the institution) of R7500 per annum
- Living allowance: R15 000 per annum
- Book allowance: R5200 per annum
- Incidental/personal care allowance: R2900 per annum for students in catered residences
NSFAS is a South African bursary funded by the government to help students from low-income families achieve their dreams through furthering their studies.