NSFAS increases living allowances for 2023 students. He endorsed the proposals presented by Blade Nzimande, Minister of higher education, science, and innovation.
TUT University students have disrupted classes and blocked entrance to the campus to protest inadequate funding from the university and the National Student Financial Aid Agency.
NSFAS increases living allowances for 2023 students
Students’ living allowances will increase by 10% under the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for 2023. According to NSFAS spokesperson Maduvha Maseda, the increase will be retroactively applied to the academic year that just began.
A few weeks ago, Blade Nzimande agreed with the proposal put before him by the minister of higher education. Among the participants in the consultations were Nzimande and the South African Union of Students (SAUS).
The fact that student allowances have not increased in the last three years makes this a significant development. Students’ economic disadvantages are eased by this measure, which acknowledges the impact of inflation on their livelihoods, said Maseda.
Students protested against the living and accommodation allowance this month due to the unaffordability of campus housing. There was an outpouring of support on the streets from TUT University students and students at the University of Johannesburg for homeless students sleeping at libraries.
As part of NSFAS naccommodation programs, students were provided with accommodation allowances of R45,000 per year, which meant they received R4,500 per month for a ten-month period. As soon as the final date for implementation of the amendment has been determined, NSFAS will communicate with institutions.