New
Urgent call to students who have not yet onboarded with eZaga in order to receive NSFAS allowances
The University of the Free State (UFS) would like to confirm that a large number of UFS-registered students who are funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and who were excluded from payment, have received their allowances on Friday 4 August 2023.
The UFS is aware that a small number of students have not yet onboarded successfully with eZaga to receive their NSFAS allowances. These students are requested to do so urgently, as they will not be able to receive any allowances until they have done so.
On a sectoral level, the university would also like to confirm that a statement has been issued by Universities South Africa (USAf) in which NSFAS and the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation are, among others, requested to urgently resolve the matter of the direct payment of allowances to students. The UFS fully supports the statement and is hopeful that an amicable and urgent solution to the matter can be found.
NSFAS and eZaga on-campus support
Dear Student,
We welcome you back to our campuses for the start of the second semester of 2023. We would like to bring the following important information to your attention.
Direct payments
To our NSFAS-funded students, we acknowledge and empathise with your concern about the challenges posed by the direct payment of allowances and the potential impact of non-payment on your academic activities. Rest assured, as a caring university we are doing everything possible and are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to the new process, rendering the necessary support as required.
We are pleased to inform you that the majority (17 031) of NSFAS-funded students have been successfully onboarded to ensure the allowance payment to students. Although we have made headway in our efforts to ensure that students are onboarded successfully, a few students have not been successfully onboarded due to insufficient information. Students are therefore urged to please update the necessary information with eZaga.
Meeting with Minister and NSFAS
In our efforts and commitment to support students’ transition to the new process, a meeting will be held during the week between the vice-chancellors (VCs) of universities, the Minister of Higher Education Science and Innovation, and the CEO and Chair of the NSFAS Board on, among others, the issue of direct payments; the outcome will be communicated soon.
eZaga on-campus support
The university is working closely with eZaga staff, who will also be available on our campuses to assist students who have not been onboarded. Students will have the opportunity to engage directly with eZaga for immediate assistance at the following venues:
Bloemfontein Campus:
George du Toit Building
Ground floor
Room S011
Qwaqwa Campus:
Gazelle CMFKK (Charlotte Maxeke and Fulufhelo Residence)
South Campus:
Student Affairs Building (part of admin building)
Ground floor
Office number 209
Unfunded students
We are aware of several students who are unfunded, and the matter is being addressed urgently with NSFAS. Students who have the option to appeal must please submit their appeals as soon as possible.
Outstanding information
Several students also had the opportunity to obtain funding but did not submit the necessary information on the required NSFAS portal. These students are urged to ensure that all the outstanding information is submitted as required by NSFAS.
Qwaqwa private accommodation
The proposal submitted by the CRSC to NSFAS for an increase in the private accommodation allowance for Qwaqwa students was approved.
Below is a breakdown of the Qwaqwa campus private accommodation allowance per annum over a period of 10 months subject to the student being registered for a funded qualification for the full year:
Rental amount (maximum) | 12,850 | Landlord |
Transport | 4,300 | Qwaqwa Taxi Association |
Transport | 3,418 | Student |
Data | 2,000 | Student |
Water and electricity | 7,952 | Student |
Students on the Qwaqwa Campus are encouraged to continue submitting applications for private accommodation before the closing date of 31 August 2023 to avoid further delay in the disbursement of their allowances.
For any questions and queries, please contact the Financial Aid Office
Bloemfontein Campus -
finaidenquiriesbfn@ufs.ac.zaQwaqwa Campus -
finaidqwa@ufs.ac.zaSouth Campus -
finaidenquiriessouth@ufs.ac.zaContact number: +27 51 401 9111 (
Option 3 - Finance)
The university remains committed to the success and well-being of our students and will ensure that your academic activities are not inconvenienced.