The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has clarified what a ‘Loan in Progress’ NSFAS status means.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS funding covers tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
What Your 'Loan In Progress' NSFAS Status Means
The ‘Loan In Progress’ NSFAS status means that your application has been received by NSFAS and the scheme is evaluating your eligibility.
Who Qualifies For The NSFAS Loan
There are two sections of NSFAS loan eligibility that students must meet namely academic eligibility and financial eligibility.
Financial Eligibility
- Household income is assessed based on the applicant's marital and dependency status:
- Unmarried applicants: Combined income of biological/adoptive parents or guardians.
- Married applicants: Combined income of the applicant and spouse.
- Independent unmarried applicants: Exempt from NSFAS declaration forms.
- Income Thresholds: Students with a household income between R350,000 and R600,000 may qualify, excluding students with disabilities.
- Verification: NSFAS uses third-party data and requires accurate, signed consent forms.
Academic Eligibility
- Students must meet progression criteria to maintain funding:
- University Students: Pass at least 60% of modules per term.
- TVET Students: Pass 3 out of 4 subjects or 5 subjects to progress to the next NC(V) level.
- Occupational Programmes: TVET Colleges determine criteria, which NSFAS implements.
- Only NSFAS-approved academic pathways are funded.
Once NSFAS has completed its eligibility criteria they will inform students whether or not their NSFAS loan application has been approved.
