NSFAS refers to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme in South Africa. It aims to provide financial support to students with financial difficulties to enter into tertiary education. As the most extensive bursary scheme, it has attracted an increasing number of NSFAS applicants in recent years.
If you have applied for NSFAS and are waiting for the final result, it is important to keep track of your application status. In this passage, we are going to introduce how to check NSFAS status using ID number or other alternative methods.
What is an NSFAS Application Status?
NSFAS status means learning how far your financial aid application has progressed. It has to go through a variety of stages before the allowance is finally distributed. Understanding each stage of your NSFAS review helps you know what is going on and what will happen (listed in the chart below). You have to keep track of the status to be informed of the outcome and take responding actions in time. The final result remains uncertain when you see Applications Submitted, Applications Pending, or Incomplete Applications. Application approval is the most appreciated. Application rejection is depressing, but it does happen occasionally.
| Stage | What’s happening | Estimated Time |
| Application Submitted | All initial steps are done. Application forms and required documents have been received. The system is capturing details and storing them in the NSFAS database. A primary review might be undertaken. | About a few days to weeks |
| Filtering | Applicants are divided into two categories: first-time students and returning students.The two groups will go through different eligibility reviews. For the former group, NSFAS will conduct a fresh assessment according to the financial and academic criteria. For the latter, NSFAS will review your past funding history and academic progress.Therefore, applicants must Keep the provided information updated and respond timely to provide extra information or clarification as required. | Usually within one week |
| Validation | NSFAS is working with third parties like the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to verify the authenticity and consistency of details in the application.It aims to ensure the funding is fairly distributed and goes to those truly in need. | several weeks |
| Evaluation | NSFAS is reviewing each document thoroughly and verifying the accuracy of the information, including the applicants’ identity, academic records, financial proof, etc. It is another essential step to determine eligibility. | a few weeks to a couple of months |
| Funding Eligibility | As household financial conditions are declared before, NSFAS is verifying the applicant’s need for financial aid. For example, your annual household income should not exceed R350,000. If you are living with a disability, it should not be higher than R600,000. | A few days |
| Awaiting Academic Results/Admission | NSFAS will enquire the chosen institution about the applicant’s academic performance and wait for it to confirm the applicant’s admission or current enrollment. After that, applicants will be informed of the outcome: either approval or rejection. | a few days to several weeks. |
| Awaiting Registration | It appears when the NSFAS application is approved, but NSFAS is still waiting for information from your institution about whether you have fulfilled the registration process. | a few days to several weeks. |
| Signing of Agreement | It is the final confirmation of the funding decision. To receive the allowance, applicants and the NSFAS will sign a formal bursary contract that outlines the terms, conditions, and obligations of both parties. | a few days |
| Payments | The funds have been disbursed directly to the educational institution, personal NSFAS wallet, or personal bank account. It is usually used to pay for tuition, accommodation, learning materials, and living allowances. | a few days |
Why Check NSFAS Status
There were times when applicants set it aside after applying and didn’t take further actions as required, thus missing the financial aid. Therefore, it is necessary to have an NSFAS status check for the purposes below:
- Timely Update
Staying updated on the progress of your application helps you not to miss any important notice.
- Verification of Information
The provided information must be authentic, accurate, and complete. If you find it stuck at a certain stage, it is necessary to check the details of your application.
- Taking Necessary Actions
Sometimes the authority might require extra information or proof to support your application. Checking your status helps you not to miss it.
Required documents for NSFAS application
To make sure financial supports are offered to students in need, NSFAS has strict
assessments to verify the applicant’s eligibility. Here are what you should prepare before applying.
- Copy of South African ID or birth certificate.
- Completed and signed consent form available on the NSFAS application portal.
- Proof of household income, such as payslips, social grant/pension receipts, or affidavits or statements for self-employment or unemployment (if applicable).
- Copy of your parents, legal guardians’, or spouse’s IDs.
- Death certificate if one or both parents are deceased.
- Academic records, such as the latest academic transcripts or Grade 12 results.
- Disability Annexure A Form and a medical certificate (if applicable)
📣Read Also: How to Apply for a South African Smart ID Card?
How to Check My NSFAS Status Using ID Number
NSFAS provides several channels for applicants to track their application progress, including online and offline.
Online Portal for NSFAS Status Check 2024
It is considered the most convenient and efficient method. In this case, you can fulfill the NSFAS status check using ID number by the following steps without leaving your home and waiting in a long line at an NSFAS center.
- Visit the Official NSFAS Website.
- Click on the “myNSFAS” button at the top-right corner and log in with username and password which is the same as that for NSFAS application. Supposing you don’t remember the passport, the “forgot password” link will help you. If you don’t have an account, click on “Register” to create one.
- Click on “check your application status”.
- Enter and submit your ID number. You will see the request status. It is also possible to learn about your funding progress and the amounts of awards you have received.
Contact Center for NSFAS Status Check 2024
When it comes to how to check NSFAS status offline, you can contact the NSFAS Contact Center directly through the following channels.
- Telephone: 08000 NSFAS (67327)
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Live chat: NSFAS online portal
The working hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Monday to Friday). In any case, it is suggested to be concise and polite. Include all necessary information, such as your purpose of calling/emailing, name, and ID number.
Alternative Ways to Check NSFAS Status
Although it is highly recommended to check NSFAS status online, it is not the only way. In this part, we will explore more options for NSFAS status check.
Whatsapp is a popular and easy-to-use instant messaging app. Applicants can add NSFAS on WhatsApp through 078 519 8006 and track progress by chatting with the staff.
- SMS
It is acceptable to check NSFAS status via SMS using the USSD code. Please dial *120*67327# and press call. You will be required to provide your ID number and personal information. Just follow the on-screen instructions step by step.
- Reference Number
Besides NSFAS status check using ID number, you can also enter the reference number to check it online after logging in to the official NSFAS website. The number can be found on your profile or dashboard.
- Visit an NSFAS Office
If there is a regional office near you, you can visit there with a valid South African ID as well as supporting documents and ask the agents to check the condition of your request. Please note that some offices might require a prior appointment.
- Contact your Educational Institution
Some organizations represent their students to liaise with NSFAS. It is possible to learn about updates on your application from relevant staff in your colleges, universities, or other educational institutions.
How Long Does It Take to Process an NSFAS Application?
The processing time is subject to the number of applications, the completeness of your application, the time of reviewing and validating, and so forth. Generally, it will take several weeks to months. Therefore, it is suggested to wait patiently and check NSFAS regularly so as to respond timely to any further requirements.
FAQ
Q: How often can I check my NSFAS status?
A: You can check it at any time after submitting applications, and once a week or
every two weeks would be favorable.
Q: How To Submit An NSFAS Appeal?
A: There is a “Submit Appeal” button next to your application status when you see the notice – Application Rejected. Click it and you will see why your request is unsuccessful. Choose the appeal reason and upload documents to explain the reasons for the appeal.
Summary
Submitting an NSFAS application doesn’t mean everything is done. You might be approved, rejected, or required to provide additional evidence. Therefore, it is necessary to learn about the meanings of different stages and keep track of your application status regularly in case of missing the chance of getting financial aid. The NSFAS status check can be done online, by contacting the Contact Center, or by inquiring about the educational institutions, through ID number or reference number. Make sure to keep updated and respond timely to any requirements. If the status remains unchanged for an unexpectedly long period, don’t hesitate to contact NSFAS for help.