Accreditation process changes
OCSAS office has worked with the other Institutions over the past months to standardise the accreditation process. As a result, the office drafted an Off Campus Accreditation Policy, in alignment with Higher Education Act: Policy on minimum norms and standards for student housing at public universities.
The main objective is to formally assess private accommodation to ensure that all regulations, guidelines and monitoring procedures are adhered to, while dealing with student accommodation.
OCSAS will be working in partnership with Fundi, an external service provider. Fundi will be assisting UCT with the accreditation process from application to issuing compliance letter. As of January 2023, all Private Accommodation Service Providers will need to apply for the UCT Accreditation Compliance letter. These certificates will be for valid for 12 months and can be renewed for the following year.
There is a once off application fee attached to the application process which will be based on the size of your property. This fee is used to maintain the system used and inspection fee. It is important to note that a separate application needs to be submitted per property.
Application fee breakdown
| Size of Property | Application Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 - 5 beds | R 810 – R 1450 |
| 6 – 10 beds | R 1710 - R 2350 |
| 11 – 20 beds | R 2610 – R4050 |
| 51 – 100 beds | R 5385 – R 9550 |
| 21 – 50 beds | R 4310 – R 8950 |
| 101 – 150 beds | R 7210 – R 10 150 |
| 151 – 200 beds | R 10310 - R 13 250 |
| 201 – 250 beds | R 13410 – R 16 350 |
| 251 – 500 beds | R 16510 – R 31 450 |
Application process
- Property owner applies online.
Use the guideline to apply online on Fundi website. - Once the application fee is settled and application is submitted, OCSAS and Fundi will review documents.
- A site inspection will be scheduled and conducted.
This inspection will end with a detailed report which will be provided to the property owner. - Once approved, property owner will receive a compliance letter which is valid for 12 months and the property listing will be live on the listing website.
Property owners are under no obligation to apply for the accreditation. However, approved and accredited accommodation will be listed and referred to students.
Applications will be open on 15 December 2022 and close on 28 February 2023.