NSFAS Consent Form: Download and Upload Guide

The NSFAS consent form is a compulsory document for everyone applying for funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). 

This form allows NSFAS to verify your information with third‑party data sources such as SARS and Home Affairs. 

Without it, your application cannot be processed or approved. 

What Is the NSFAS Consent Form?

The NSFAS Consent Form is a document that you and, where required, your parent, guardian, or spouse must sign so that NSFAS can check your identity and household income against official records. 

NSFAS uses the form to verify your household income as part of its eligibility assessment. 

NSFAS will not finalise your application until the consent form is received and all necessary signatures and certified ID copies are attached.

Why the Consent Form Is Important

Without the NSFAS Consent Form:

1. NSFAS cannot verify income or household information.
2. Your funding application will not move beyond the verification stage.
3. Your application may remain incomplete or even be rejected.
4. You risk missing the closing date for the funding cycle you are applying in.

This form protects both your rights and NSFAS procedures by ensuring you agree to how your personal data is checked and used.

Who Must Sign the Consent Form

The number of signatures required depends on your personal circumstances:

1. The applicant (student) must always sign.
2. Parents or guardians must sign if they contribute to your household income.
3. A legal guardian must sign if you live with a guardian and not with your parents.
4. A spouse must sign if you are married and financially linked.

Every signer must also supply a certified copy of their ID alongside the consent form.

How to Download the NSFAS Consent Form

1. Visit the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.
2. Go to the “Downloads / Required Documents” section.
3. Look for the consent form link for the cycle you are applying in, and click to download the PDF.

You can also see the form from the 2026 cycle here, but always download the current version from myNSFAS before you sign.

Always ensure you download the 2026 version and not an older form.

How to Complete the Consent Form

To complete the form correctly:

1. Print the downloaded PDF on clean A4 paper.
2. Fill in all personal details in black ink, including your full name and ID number.
3. List your parent/guardian/spouse details clearly on the form.
4. Obtain original signatures from every person whose information is listed.
5. Attach certified ID copies for each signatory.
   • Certification must be recent and done by a Commissioner of Oaths, police officer, or similar authority.
6. Check carefully that all fields and signatures are present.

The form must be completed by hand and not digitally typed or signed. No signature initials are allowed in place of full signatures.

How to Scan or Photograph Your Completed Form

Once the form is fully signed and all IDs are attached:

1. Use a scanning app such as Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, or CamScanner.
2. Ensure the scan or photo is clear, straight, and well‑lit.
3. Save the file as a PDF or high‑quality JPEG/PNG file.
4. Make sure the file size is not too large (most systems accept up to about 5 MB).

Do not upload blurry, dark, or cut‑off scans. These are often rejected and will delay processing.

How to Upload the Consent Form to NSFAS

After scanning:

1. Log in to your myNSFAS portal at www.nsfas.org.za with your credentials.
2. Go to the section titled “Upload Supporting Documents.”
3. Select the document category “Consent Form”.
4. Upload the file you scanned.
5. Confirm the upload and look for a “Document Received” confirmation on the screen.

You should also receive confirmation by email or SMS once NSFAS has processed the upload.

How to Check If NSFAS Received Your Document

Once you upload:

1. Check your myNSFAS portal under document status.
2. Use the USSD code: 12067327# and follow prompts.
3. Send a WhatsApp message with your ID number to 078 519 8006 to check document status.

Always verify that the consent form status changes to “Received” to be sure NSFAS has it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some common errors that delay NSFAS processing:

1. Using an old version of the form.
2. Missing signatures from required household members.
3. Submitting uncertified or expired ID copies.
4. Uploading blurry photos or unclear scans.
5. Not uploading the form under the correct category in the portal.

Carefully check each step before submitting to avoid unnecessary delays.

What Happens If You Don’t Submit the Consent Form?

If the consent form is not submitted:

1. NSFAS cannot verify household income.
2. Your status may stay on “Verification Pending” or “Awaiting Documents.”
3. Your application could be rejected or declared incomplete.

Submit the form as soon as possible and before the 30‑day deadline from when NSFAS asks for documents.