NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funding is essential for many South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing financial aid to access tertiary education.
What is NSFAS, and Why is My Status Important?
Established in 1991, NSFAS has been instrumental in transforming lives by making higher education attainable.
Knowing your NSFAS application status keeps you informed about the progress of your funding request. It allows you to address any potential issues promptly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your NSFAS Status
- Navigate to the NSFAS Website:Â Visit the official NSFAS website (https://www.nsfas.org.za/) and locate the “MyNSFAS” student portal.
- Login to MyNSFAS:Â Â Use the login credentials (username and password) you created during the application process.
- Track Your Funding Progress:Â The portal has a “Track Your Funding Progress” section that displays your application’s current status.
Knowing Your NSFAS Application Statuses
- Application Submitted:Â This signifies that NSFAS has received your application.
- Filtering:Â Â The system verifies your student status (returning or new) and checks for existing qualifications. NSFAS funding is limited to your first qualification.
- Validation:Â NSFAS confirms your details with government departments like SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) and the Department of Home Affairs.
- Evaluation:Â This stage involves NSFAS assessing the documents you submitted with your application.
- Funding Eligibility:Â NSFAS verifies your household income based on the information provided. The current threshold is R350,000 per annum, with a higher limit (R600,000) for students with disabilities.
- Awaiting Academic Results/Admission:Â NSFAS awaits your academic results and confirmation of admission from your chosen institution.
- Awaiting Registration:Â NSFAS waits for your institution to confirm your registration before finalizing your funding agreement.
- Signing of Agreement:Â Once the funding agreement is ready, you must sign it to receive your allowances.
Note: It can take time to process your application, so be patient and check your status regularly.
What Does NSFAS Cover?
NSFAS funding goes beyond tuition fees. It can also cover:
- Registration Costs
- Accommodation (eligibility depends on your distance from the institution)
- Transportation (details available on the NSFAS website)
- Learning Materials (textbooks for university students, typically provided by TVET colleges)
Allowances are disbursed electronically through NSFAS-contracted service providers specific to your institution.
Appealing an Unsuccessful NSFAS Application
If your application is unsuccessful, you can appeal the decision. Here’s how:
- Log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Your Funding Progress.”
- If your status shows “Unsuccessful,” you’ll see an “Appeal Now” option.
- The appeal page will provide the reason for the rejection and allow you to choose the appropriate appeal reason.
- Upload any supporting documents required for your appeal.
- Submit your appeal.
You can track the progress of your appeal within your MyNSFAS account.
NSFAS Eligibility Criteria/Requirements
- Household Income:Â Â Your family’s combined annual income must be below R350,000 (R600,000 for students with disabilities).
- Admission Requirements:Â You must meet the admission criteria of your chosen institution.
- Citizenship:Â You must be a South African citizen.
- SASSA Grant Recipients:Â Automatically qualify for NSFAS funding.
- Continuing Students:Â Must maintain the required academic performance to retain funding.
NSFAS Contact Information
While contacting NSFAS directly can be challenging due to high demand, here are their contact details:
- Toll-Free Number:Â 0800 0 67327 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Email Address:Â [email protected]
Note: The NSFAS application window typically opens towards the end of the year, with deadlines falling in the following year.
Important Dates (Applications for 2023 are closed):
- The application period for NSFAS funding typically opens in September of the previous year and closes in January. Be sure to check the NSFAS website (https://www.nsfas.org.za/) for the exact dates for 2024.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Who is Eligible for NSFAS Funding?
To be eligible for NSFAS funding, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be enrolled in or planning to enroll in an undergraduate degree program for the first time.
- Be enrolled or planning to enroll at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.
- Not have already completed a previous qualification.
- Fall under at least one of the following financial categories:
- A SASSA grant recipient.
- From a household with a combined annual income not exceeding R350,000.
- Living with a disability and from a household with an annual income not exceeding R600,000 (if applicable).
- Studied before 2018 and from a household with an annual income not exceeding R122,000 (if applicable).
How to Apply for NSFAS Funding
- Create a myNSFAS Account:Â Visit the NSFAS website (https://www.nsfas.org.za/) and click “myNSFAS” in the top right corner. If you are a new user, register for an account. Register with a valid email address and a South African ID or birth certificate.
- Complete the Online Application:Â Once you have a myNSFAS account, you can access the online application form. Carefully fill out all the required information and upload any necessary supporting documents.
- Submit Your Application:Â Once you have completed and uploaded all supporting documents, submit it electronically.
How to Check Your NSFAS Application Status Online
- Log in to myNSFAS:Â Go to the NSFAS website (https://www.nsfas.org.za/) and log in to your myNSFAS account.
- Track Funding Progress:Â Look for the option to “Track Funding Progress” or “Check Application Status.”
- View Your Status:Â Your application status will be displayed online. It may be listed as “Pending,” “Approved,” or “Declined.”
What Does Your Application Status Mean?
- Pending:Â Your application is still being reviewed by NSFAS.
- Approved:Â You have been awarded NSFAS funding! Congratulations!
- Declined:Â Unfortunately, your NSFAS application was not successful. You can appeal the decision if you believe there was an error. The NSFAS website has information on the appeals process.