NSFAS Status Check: What “Awaiting Evaluation” Means in 2026

When you check your NSFAS status on the official myNSFAS portal and see the message Awaiting Evaluation, it can feel confusing. 

Many applicants worry that this means something is wrong or that their application is rejected. 

In 2026, Awaiting Evaluation is a normal part of the funding review process and usually does not mean your application has been declined. 

What Does Awaiting Evaluation Mean on NSFAS?

When your NSFAS status says Awaiting Evaluation, it means your application has been received by NSFAS and is now being reviewed. 

During this stage, NSFAS staff check your documents and details to decide whether you qualify for financial aid under the 2026 funding rules. 

It is not a rejection or a final decision. It simply indicates that the evaluation process has begun and is ongoing.

This stage is essentially an in‑depth review of your application information, including your identity, income, supporting documents, academic results where applicable, and other eligibility factors. 

NSFAS must ensure every application is accurate and complete before moving it to the next step in the process.

Why are you seeing Awaiting Evaluation?

Your NSFAS application will show “Awaiting Evaluation” for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Document verification is still in progress. NSFAS needs to confirm that the documents you submitted (such as proof of household income, certified IDs, and academic records) are correct and valid.
2. NSFAS is reviewing your eligibility. The scheme assesses whether your household income, residency, academic status, and other criteria meet the qualification thresholds for funding.
3. High application volumes. During peak application times, like late in the year and early in January when many 2026 applicants apply, NSFAS can take longer to process every application due to the number of submissions.
4. Awaiting additional verification from third parties. This can include confirmations from Home Affairs, SARS, SASSA, or your institution. The status may remain the same while these external checks are completed.

In some cases, NSFAS may have requested additional documents or clearer scans. 

If this happens, your application might remain at this stage until you upload the required files.

How Long Does Awaiting Evaluation Last?

There is no fixed timeline for how long “Awaiting Evaluation” will remain on your NSFAS status. The time depends on:

1. Completeness of your documents and application. Complete submissions usually move faster.
2. Volume of applications at that time. Peak periods can delay evaluations.
3. External verification processes. NSFAS often waits on confirmation from other systems (e.g., Home Affairs or institutions).

Typically, applicants may wait a few weeks to a couple of months before the status changes.

This is normal, and being patient is important while your application is under review.

Does Awaiting Evaluation Mean You Will Be Funded?

Not necessarily. “Awaiting Evaluation” does not guarantee funding, but it does mean that your application is in the official review process. 

NSFAS will still decide whether you qualify based on all the information and documents you provided.

If any requirement is not met, your application could later be moved to a “Rejected” or “Unsuccessful” status once evaluation is complete.

What “Awaiting Evaluation” does not mean:

1. It is not a rejection.
2. It is not a confirmation of funding.
3. It is not a signal that you need to reapply unless NSFAS explicitly asks for more documents or states otherwise.

What You Should Do While Waiting

While your NSFAS status shows “Awaiting Evaluation”:

1. Check for notifications. Keep an eye on your myNSFAS portal, email, or SMS for any messages requesting additional documents.
2. Verify your documents. Make sure everything you uploaded is clear and properly certified if required. Incomplete or blurry documents can delay progress.
3. Be patient and check regularly. Status updates do not appear instantly and can take time due to high volumes and verification steps.
4. Contact NSFAS support if it gets stuck. If your status has not changed after many weeks, consider contacting NSFAS for guidance, especially if you did not receive notifications or document requests.

Should You Wait to Apply to University or College?

You should not delay your university or TVET application or registration just because your NSFAS status says “Awaiting Evaluation”. 

You can apply and register for your programme as usual. 

By the time registration closes, your NSFAS evaluation is often completed or near completion, allowing your funding to align with your academic needs.