The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has provided guidance to students on what steps to take if they receive an "Awaiting Academic Eligibility" NSFAS status.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. This includes money for tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.
Some students have encountered an "Awaiting Academic Eligibility" NSFAS status. If you are one of the students who received this status, you will need to take specific actions to ensure you receive NSFAS funding.
What You Should Do If Your NSFAS Status Is 'Awaiting Academic Eligibility'
If your NSFAS status reads "Awaiting Academic Eligibility," it means NSFAS is currently reviewing your academic qualifications to verify whether you meet the necessary academic requirements for funding.
Here’s what you can do while waiting:
- Be Patient: The review process may take some time.
- Check Your Application Regularly: Log into your myNSFAS account to monitor your application status.
- Ensure Your Contact Information is Up-to-Date: Verify that NSFAS can reach you if additional information is needed.
- Contact Your Institution: If you have concerns, reach out to your institution's financial aid office for assistance.
What Is NSFAS Academic Eligibility?
Academic eligibility for NSFAS funding depends on your study level and academic performance.
- First-Time Entering Students (FTEN): University students must pass at least 50% of their courses in the previous academic term. TVET College students must pass a minimum of five subjects at their previous NC(V) level.
- Continuing Students: University students must pass at least 55% of their courses in the previous academic term, while TVET College students must pass five subjects at their previous NC(V) level.
The N+Rule is also part of NSFAS’ academic eligibility criteria.
The "N" in the N+1 Rule represents the minimum number of years required to complete a qualification (the "record time"). The "+1" adds an extra year to this period, allowing a student additional time to finish their qualification. This sets the maximum duration for which funding is provided.
The N+1 Rule applies to all years a student has been registered at any public university in South Africa, whether or not they were funded by NSFAS during that time.
What to Do If You Do Not Meet NSFAS Academic Eligibility
NSFAS allows students who do not meet the academic eligibility criteria to submit an appeal, but these appeals are only considered under specific circumstances.
Appeals for academic eligibility will only be reviewed if the student:
- Is a continuing student, not a first-time entrant.
- Experienced severe ill health for more than two months or during exams.
- Suffered a death in the immediate family.
- Was a victim of a violent crime.
- Was pregnant and gave birth, with institutional confirmation of timely qualification completion.
- Has a disability preventing academic completion, with institutional confirmation of timely qualification completion.
- Can provide evidence of incorrect academic results submitted to NSFAS.
How to Check Your NSFAS Status on myNSFAS
To track your NSFAS status and receive updates on your application:
- Log in to the myNSFAS student portal: This is the main platform for NSFAS status updates.
- Enter your username and password: Access the official NSFAS website and click "Sign In."
- Click "Track Your Funding Progress": This will display your current NSFAS status.
Regularly checking your NSFAS status will help you stay informed about the progress of your application and any required actions.