Important: MyInfoHub is an independent information site and is not affiliated with NSFAS or any government department. Only use official NSFAS links when entering or checking personal information: https://www.nsfas.org.za.
Last updated: [Last updated: 2025-11-03]
This guide explains how to check your NSFAS application status and funding outcome for 2025 and 2026, what each status means, how allowances work (University vs TVET), how to fix common login and verification issues, and what to do if your funding is declined.
Always check your NSFAS status via the official NSFAS website. Do not rely on screenshots, social posts, unofficial portals, or private messages.
Note: NSFAS periodically updates its portal design. If you cannot find the status check area, use the site search on the official site or the āStudent Support / Contactā pages on https://www.nsfas.org.za.
Below are typical status messages you will see and how to respond. Exact wording may vary by year ā always read the full explanation on your portal entry.
Meaning: NSFAS has received your application and it is being processed. This is an early status and does not guarantee funding.
Action: Wait for document requests or verification steps. Keep your contact details up to date on the portal so NSFAS can reach you.
Meaning: NSFAS needs supporting documents (ID, proof of income, proof of registration, etc.) to continue assessing your application.
Action: Upload the requested documents using the portal instructions immediately. Use clear, legible scans or photos, and only upload on the official portal.
Meaning: NSFAS has approved funding for you for the period shown (e.g., academic year, semester). This usually means your registration will be funded and allowances (if applicable) will be paid on schedule.
Action: Check the allowances page (see internal link below), confirm your institution has registered you with NSFAS, and provide any banking/payee instructions required by the institution or NSFAS.
Meaning: NSFAS has determined that you do not meet the eligibility criteria or insufficient supporting documentation was submitted.
Action: Read the decline reason carefully. If you believe an error occurred, gather supporting documents and follow the official appeals procedure (see āAppealsā section below). Do not pay anyone to help you appeal ā appeals are free.
Meaning: NSFAS has scheduled allowance or registration funds. Payment dates may be issued by the university/TVET or by NSFAS depending on the disbursement model.
Action: Confirm the payment method (bank, institute paypoint, or account credit). Allow processing time ā banks and institutions may take 1ā5 working days to reflect payments.
Meaning: Your application or documents need further verification (identity checks, duplicate checks, income confirmation).
Action: Wait for NSFAS to complete the referral or provide additional documents if requested. Repeatedly uploading the same documents without modification usually delays processing.
NSFAS funding model includes full cost-of-study support for qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges. This typically covers:
Universities vs TVETs: universities often deal with NSFAS registration and tuition deductions directly; TVET allowances may be disbursed differently (termly or as refunds). Check the allowances and payment schedule on the official NSFAS allowances page or with your institutionās funding office.
For details and the official breakdown of allowance types and rates for 2025ā2026, use the official NSFAS pages on https://www.nsfas.org.za.
When a portal status requests documentation, typical items include:
Important: Always upload documents only through the official NSFAS portal. Redact sensitive bank numbers if not required, and follow the portalās exact file type and size rules.
Fix: Use the official password reset process on the NSFAS site. If you cannot reset, contact Student Support through official NSFAS channels ā do not use third-party āhelpā services.
Fix: Ensure file type & size meet portal rules (JPEG/PNG/PDF usually accepted). Use clear scans, avoid blurred photos, and try a different browser or device. If persistent, contact the institutionās NSFAS office for assistance.
Fix: NSFAS funds registration through institutional processes. Contact your university/TVET finance or student funding office ā they may need your NSFAS reference and registration invoice. Retain portal screenshots and any reference numbers.
Fix: Confirm with your institution whether allowances are paid by NSFAS directly or administered by the institution. Ask for the payment run date and check the bank account on the institutionās record. Allow 2ā5 working days after the stated payment date for funds to clear.
If your NSFAS application is declined and you believe this to be an error, you may have the right to an appeal or to submit additional evidence. Follow only the official NSFAS appeals process:
Always remember: Appeals are free. If someone asks for money to help you appeal, it is a scam. Use only official NSFAS channels and your institutionās student funding office.
Students are often targeted by scammers promising NSFAS funding, bursary āfast-tracksā, or money for registration. Protect yourself:
If you encounter a scam, report it immediately to your institution and to relevant authorities. You can also use our siteās Grant Scam Awareness and Report a Scam pages to learn more about actions you can take, as well as to notify our editors so we can publish warnings when needed.
NSFAS funds and authorises the coverage, but institutions carry out registration and may administer allowances. Key responsibilities of institutions include:
If you have difficulty with registration even when NSFAS shows āfundedā, contact your institutionās student funding office immediately with your NSFAS reference.
Always use official contacts. Below are useful starting points:
We do not provide direct NSFAS support. Use the links above and your institutionās offices for official help.
Visit the official NSFAS site and use the āMyNSFASā or status check tool. Depending on the portalās options, you may be able to check using only your ID number and application/reference number; however some actions require login credentials.
Processing times vary depending on verification, document submission, and institutional processes. It can take several weeks from application submission to final funding decision. Upload requested documents promptly to speed assessment.
Backdating rules are determined by NSFAS policy and the funding year. In some cases where evidence supports a retrospective award, funds may be applied for prior periods ā check official NSFAS policy or your institutionās funding office for clarity.
Household income evidence can include payslips, affidavit income declarations, UIF statements, tax documents (SARS), or other documents as specified by NSFAS. If income cannot be proven, NSFAS may accept a sworn affidavit from a commissioner of oaths.
āIneligibleā can be due to missing or incorrect documents, not meeting the financial threshold, or being enrolled in a course not covered by NSFAS. Review the reason shown, gather supporting documents, and appeal if you have evidence to the contrary.
For quick access to other NSFAS help pages in this hub, see:
Disclaimer: This page provides general guidance only. MyInfoHub is not affiliated with NSFAS or any government department. For official actions, applications, status checks and appeals use only the official NSFAS website: https://www.nsfas.org.za and your institutionās student funding office.