The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is an important resource that helps students from low-income families in South Africa get access to higher education. By providing financial support, NSFAS makes it possible for students to pay for their studies and other related costs. Each year, many students rely on this funding to follow their academic dreams. As a result, NSFAS support not only relieves the financial burden on families but it also allows students to focus on their education, making it an invaluable resource for many aspiring graduates across the country. However, before you can benefit from the NSFAS finding, you must know how to create an NSFAS account and how to check NSFAS status.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of checking your NSFAS status and understanding the different stages of your application.
Table of Contents
What is the NSFAS Scheme?
While you learn how to check NSFAS status, you must know what an NSFAS scheme is. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government programme in South Africa that provides financial help to students who cannot afford to pay for their studies. It offers bursaries and loans to eligible students studying at public universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS covers tuition fees, accommodation, transport, and allowances for essentials like textbooks and laptops.
The scheme is funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training, and it was created to ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to higher education.
Which Courses Does NSFAS Fund?
Before we understand how to check NSFAS status, you must know the courses covered by this scheme. NSFAS offers financial support for a broad selection of undergraduate programmes available at South Africa’s public universities and TVET colleges. These courses cover various fields, helping students gain essential skills for the workforce and supporting sectors crucial to the country’s development.
Below is a list of some of the courses that NSFAS funds:
- Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming, and Leisure
- Human Resources
- Industrial & Organisational Governance and HR Development
- Information Studies
- Information Technology and Computer Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Literature
- Manufacturing and Assembly
- Marketing
- Mathematical Sciences
- Office Administration
- Performing Arts
- Personal Care
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Rehabilitative Health/Services
- Traditions, History, and Legacies
- Transport, Operations, and Logistics
- Urban and Regional Studies
- Visual Arts
- Wholesale and Retail
- Design Studies
- Drawing Office Practice
- Early Childhood Development
- Earth and Space Sciences
- Engineering and Related Design
- Environmental Sciences
- Fabrication and Extraction
- Film, Television, and Video
- Finance, Economics, and Accounting
Note: NSFAS only funds first undergraduate qualifications, including full-time and some online courses. However, it does not provide funding for:
- Postgraduate qualifications (Honours, Masters, Doctoral studies)
- Part-time studies
- Courses at private institutions
- Short courses
Explore the list of courses funded by NSFAS.
Who is Eligible for NSFAS Funding?
The scheme aims to assist those who demonstrate both financial need and academic potential. This way, deserving students can access the education they need for a better future. Hence, to qualify for this funding, the students must meet specific criteria. So, while you learn how to check NSFAS status, you must know the requirements for NSFAS funding are as follows:
- The applicant must be a South African citizen.
- Applicant must come from a low-income household:
- For a bursary, the family’s total income should not exceed R350,000 per year.
- For a loan, the family’s total income can be more than R350,000 but must be less than R600,000 per year.
- If the applicant has a disability, the family’s total income should not exceed R600,000 per year.
- Must demonstrate academic capability and potential for success in studies.
- Must have completed Grade 12 to be eligible for funding for university studies.
- The applicant must have applied or be applying to study at a public university or TVET College for a qualification.
How to Create an NSFAS Account?
Since you are trying to understand how to check your NSFAS application status, you must also learn how to create an NSFAS account. Setting up an account is an essential step in the NSFAS process, as it allows you to manage your application and track your funding status. So, the following are the key steps you must follow to create an NSFAS account:
- Step 1: Visit the NSFAS website atwww.nsfas.org.za.
- Step 2: Click on the “NSFAS Account” button on the homepage.
- Step 3: If you are a first-time user, register for an account by entering your email address and password.
- Step 4: Log in to your account and complete your personal details, including contact information and academic history.
- Step 5: Upload the required documents, such as your ID, proof of household income, and academic transcripts.
- Step 6: After completing all sections, submit your NSFAS application, ensuring that all information is accurate and up to date.
How to Check Your NSFAS Application Status?
Tracking your NSFAS application status is an easy process and can be done using various methods. That means you can check your status through your MyNSFAS account, ID number, WhatsApp, and SMS. Here, we will outline how to check NSFAS application status in all these ways:
1. Through myNSFAS account using ID Number
As you learn how to check NSFAS status, you must know that the most easiest and common way to track your application status is through myNSFAS account. Here are the key steps you can follow:
- Visit the NSFAS website.
- Click on ‘MyNSFAS’ and log in using your ID number and password.
- Navigate to the NSFAS dashboard.
Click on “Track Funding Process” tab to check your NSFAS application status.
2. Through WhatsApp Method
You can check your NSFAS status via WhatsApp by messaging +27 78 519 8006. Start a conversation with a representative and ask for your application status. This is a quick way to find out how to check nsfas status.
3. Through SMS
To check your NSFAS application status, dial *120*67327# from your phone. This USSD code provides a fast way to get updates on your application, helping you easily learn how to check nsfas status.
Also, read our article on how to cancel NSFAS application
NSFAS Application Status and Its Meaning
While you learn how to check NSFAS status, understanding the various stages of your NSFAS application status is essential to stay informed about your funding process. Below is a table that highlights the different application statuses along with their meaning:
| No. | Application Status | Meaning |
| 1. | Application Submitted | Your application has been successfully entered into the NSFAS system. |
| 2. | Filtering | The system is assessing whether you are a returning student and checking your prior qualifications. |
| 3. | Validation | NSFAS is verifying your information with external parties, such as SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs. |
| 4. | Evaluation | NSFAS is reviewing all submitted documents to ensure they are complete and authentic. |
| 5. | Funding Eligibility | Your household income is being evaluated to determine if you meet the financial criteria for funding. |
| 6. | Awaiting Academic Results/Admissions | NSFAS is checking your academic results or your admission status with the educational institution. |
| 7. | Awaiting Registration | The system is waiting for registration data from your institution to process your bursary agreement. |
| 8. | Signing of Agreement | You have met all requirements and need to sign the bursary agreement for the funds to be disbursed. |
| 9. | Payments | Your funding has been approved, and the allowances are being sent either to your NSFAS wallet or directly to your institution. |
Common Problems Faced by NSFAS Applicants
While you learn how to check your NSFAS status, you must know that while tracking your application progress, you may face various issues. Here are some common problems faced by the applicants while checking their NSFAS status:
- Application Not Found: This may happen due to issues in entering your information or if it hasn’t been processed yet. Reach out to NSFAS for help with your application status.
- Website or Portal Issues: Technical difficulties on the NSFAS site can prevent access. Try again later or contact NSFAS for updates.
- Delays in Processing: High volumes of applications can lead to delays in results. If you haven’t received updates, contact NSFAS for a status check.
- Lack of Communication: If you haven’t received updates for a while, verify that your contact information is accurate and up to date. If the problem persists, reach out to NSFAS for clarification.
NSFAS Contact Details
If you have any doubts regarding how to check NSFAS status, you can reach out to NSFAS through the following channels for assistance:
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327
- Email Address: info@nsfas.org.za
Conclusion
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays an essential role in providing financial assistance to students from low-income families in South Africa. Therefore, by understanding how to create an NSFAS account and check your application status is crucial for making the most of this support. Besides, you must familiarise yourself with the different application statuses to keep track of your progress and know what to expect. However, if you ever face difficulties on how to check your NSFAS status, you must not hesitate to reach out to NSFAS through their contact details for support.
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How To Check NSFAS Status – FAQs
What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government programme in South Africa that provides financial assistance to students from low-income families. It offers bursaries and loans for eligible students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.
How to check for NSFAS status?
You can check your NSFAS application status through several methods, including your MyNSFAS account, WhatsApp, or SMS. Simply log in to your MyNSFAS account or use the contact methods provided in this article.
How to check NSFAS status using ID number?
To check your NSFAS status using your ID number, visit the NSFAS website, log in to your MyNSFAS account with your ID number and password, and then navigate to the NSFAS dashboard. Click on the “Track Funding Process” tab to view your application status.
What courses are funded by NSFAS?
NSFAS provides financial support for a wide range of undergraduate programmes available at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa, covering fields such as hospitality, engineering, information technology, and more.
Who is eligible for NSFAS funding?
To be eligible for NSFAS funding, applicants must be South African citizens from low-income households, demonstrate academic capability, and have completed Grade 12. Specific income thresholds also apply.
