NSFAS Status Check Using ID Number
So you've submitted your NSFAS application in order to get a NSFAS bursary and now you're wondering how you will know if NSFAS approved your application.
How To Track Your NSFAS Application
- Visit the NSFAS website.
- Click on the "myNSFAS" tab on the menu bar at the top of the page.
- Log in to your myNSFAS account using your username and password.
- Once you are logged in, click on the "track funding progress" option.
- Your application status will be displayed on the screen, indicating whether your application has been approved or not.
How To Check NSFAS Status on MyNsfas
If your NSFAS application has been approved, you will also be notified of the funding amount you will receive and any additional instructions you need to follow. If your application is still being processed or has been declined, you will be provided with information about what steps to take next.
What your NSFAS status means
Application Submitted
You have completed your application, submitted it and it has been loaded onto the NSFAS system successfully.
Filtering
The system is checking if you are a returning student and whether you have any previous qualifications.
Validation
NSFAS is conducting third party checks with SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs to verify any information you have provided.
Evaluation
NSFAS is verifying all the documents you have submitted during your application. If you have any missing documents, you will need to upload them.
Funding Eligibility
NSFAS is verifying your household financial status that was declared in your application. They are completing a check to confirm that you reach the financial eligibility criteria. If you earn above the combined household income threshold your application will be rejected.
Awaiting Academic Results/Admission
NSFAS is checking your academic results and your institution admission status to ensure that you meet the requirements to be funded by NSFAS. If you meet the necessary academic requirements, your application will be approved.
You may find yourself staying on this step for a while. This is because NSFAS has to wait for information from your chosen institution, before they can make a decision.
NSFAS Application Approved Funding
Your NSFAS application has been processed and when checking, NSFAS found that you are provisionally approved for funding according to the NSFAS funding criteria. Once your institution you are registered at submits your registration data to NSFAS, payment will then be processed to cover you and your studies.
Application Unsuccessful
This means that according to the funding criteria, you do not meet one or more of the NSFAS requirements. You should then submit an appeal if you think that this is unfair or incorrect. You may have been rejected because you earned above the household income threshold, you did not meet the academic requirements, you did not provide the necessary supporting documentation, you are funded by another bursary, or another reason.
Awaiting Registration
NSFAS is receiving data from your institution to enable them to create a bursary agreement.
This is another step students find themselves stuck on for a while. This is because NSFAS has to wait for information from your chosen institution before proceeding.
Signing of Agreement
At this stage, you need to sign your bursary agreement so that NSFAS can disburse your allowances.
Payments
Your allowances are now being paid either through NSFAS mobile wallet system or through your institution.
How will NSFAS let me know about my application?
NSFAS has said:
Application results will be communicated to all applicants once NSFAS received confirmation from the institution that an academic offer has been made to you.
NSFAS will inform you of their decision before the start of the academic year and this will be done through SMS, email as well as your myNSFAS account.
What if NSFAS rejects my application?
If you check your NSFAS application status and it reads 'application unsuccessful', don't stress just yet. NSFAS affords applicants a second chance by submitting a NSFAS appeal.
How to submit a NSFAS appeal
Here's how to submit your NSFAS appeal:
- Log into your “MyNSFAS" account on www.nsfas.org.za
- Click the 'Track Funding Progress' option
- Check the application progress tabs
- If your application status reflects an unsuccessful message, you may submit an appeal by clicking on the 'Submit Appeal Tab'
- Once you are on the 'Application Appeal' page, you can see the reason for your unsuccessful application status
- You are then able to choose the appeal reason
- Then upload certified supporting documents to support your reason
- Then click 'Submit Appeal'
- You may now track the progress of the appeal on your myNSFAS account.
How to check your NSFAS appeal status
- Log into your myNSFAS account on the NSFAS website
- Click the 'Track Funding Progress' option
- Check the application progress tabs
- You will be able to track the progress of your appeal via your myNSFAS account
What does NSFAS cover?
Once you are approved for NSFAS funding, the funding covers you until you finish your qualification. This does however depend on whether you continue to meet the academic criteria. You just need to focus on studying and passing your modules to secure your continued funding.
NSFAS funding is all-encompassing and it includes:
- Subsidised book allowance
- Subsidised meal allowances
- Prescribed learning material
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Subsidised accommodations
- Subsidised transport allowances for spending
Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?
It's important to remember that you need to apply or be studying at a public university or TVET college to qualify for financial assistance. Students who intend to study at private institutions will not be assisted by NSFAS.
NSFAS says, "NSFAS has helped millions of South Africans access higher education and unlock their potential, and you can be part of the millions too. Apply for NSFAS funding and let us take care of all your financial stress as you focus on your studies like your peers".
NSFAS offers funding to University students as well as TVET College students in the form of a bursary. Getting funded by NSFAS does not only cover your tuition fees but will have you receive funding for other needs you have as a student.
What is NSFAS?
NSFAS is a South African government-funded organisation that provides financial aid to eligible students who cannot afford tertiary education on their own. Its goal is to promote access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the aim of creating a more equitable society.
Since its development in 1991, NSFAS has assisted countless students in pursuing their dreams of higher education, and continues to play an important role in supporting education in South Africa.
What are the NSFAS requirements?
NSFAS bursaries are highly sought-after and go beyond just covering your tuition fees. Here's the NSFAS eligibility criteria:
- South African citizen or permanent resident
- Plan on registering or are registered at a Public University or TVET College in South Africa
- SASSA grant recipients immediately qualify
- Combined household income comes to R350 000 or less
- If you are living with a disability, your combined household income must come to R600 000 or less
How are these NSFAS allowances paid?
Since 2022, NSFAS has been using the NSFAS Mastercard which is a special bank account which can only be used by students who are funded by a NSFAS bursary. This bank account will be used by both TVET college and university students.
Does NSFAS cover postgrad courses?
NSFAS only funds undergraduate courses and does not fund postgrad. NSFAS has recommended that students apply for postgrad funding through the National Research Foundation (NRF).
Will NSFAS pay for short courses?
Unfortunately, NSFAS does not cover short courses. NSFAS only funds full-time courses meaning that part-time students won't qualify as well.
How Does NSFAS Work?
After you apply and are approved, NSFAS then waits for registration data from your University or TVET College. They will then pay your registration fee and your tuition fees for the year.
The funding goes beyond tuition fees. However, only certain students are eligible.
How To Contact NSFAS
Prospective students who need to contact NSFAS for any inquiries or assistance can use several different methods to contact the financial aid scheme.
You can reach out to them via email at [email protected] or connect with them through social media on Facebook at "National Student Financial Aid Scheme," on Twitter at "@myNSFAS," and on Instagram at "@myNSFAS."
Alternatively, you can use WhatsApp by adding their number +27 78 519 8006 to your contacts. Another quick way to access their services is through USSD by dialling 12067327#.
These various contact channels ensure that you can easily reach out to NSFAS for any inquiries or assistance you may need regarding student financial aid. For quick access to their services, you can also use the USSD code 12067327# on your mobile device.
To find out more about NSFAS, head to our NSFAS page.
