NSFAS Guide

Your NSFAS status changes as they check your application. Here’s what each one means in the easiest words: Application Submitted  – They got your application. Filtering  – They’re doing quick basic checks. Validation  – They’re confirming your details with government systems. Evaluation  – They’re checking your documents and income. Funding Eligibility  – You passed the money check; now they’ll check academics. Awaiting Academic Results / Admission  – NSFAS is waiting for your school to confirm your results or acceptance. Awaiting Registration  – Your school must send your registration details. Approved  – You’re funded. Allowances will follow. Rejected  – You were not approved, but you can still appeal. Appeal in Progress  – They’re reviewing your appeal documents.

If you don’t have a myNSFAS account yet, here’s the easiest way to make one: Go to  www.nsfas.org.za . and click  Register Enter your ID number and personal details Add your email and phone number Create a password Upload your required documents Verify your email and phone Log in to your account That’s it. Once you’re logged in, you can quickly check your status and manage your NSFAS application anytime. University vs TVET: Why Processing Times Differ Universities and TVET colleges work on different schedules, and that’s why processing times aren’t the same. University Students They apply once a year. Because there are so many applications at the same time, checking everything takes longer. TVET Students They apply every semester or trimester. Since applications come in smaller batches, NSFAS can process them faster. Think of it this way: universities move in one big round, while TVETs move in smaller, quicker rounds.  

  How to Apply and Reserve Student Accommodation for NSFAS beneficiaries Follow these steps to secure accommodation as an  NSFAS beneficiary ,  provisional funded applicant , whom  registered at a University or TVET college for the 2026 academic year . CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR ACCOMMODATION NOW

  You can do an  NSFAS status check  using your ID number if you’ve forgotten your login details or lost access to your account. This method helps you find out if your application is moving forward, even without full login access. In this guide, you’ll learn how the process works, check your NSFAS status with just your ID number, and how to recover your portal access if needed. Can You Check NSFAS Status Using ID Number Only? Yes, but with limitations. Your ID number is the key identifier NSFAS uses to track your application. In most cases, you’ll still need to log into your  myNSFAS account  to get the full update. Here’s what’s possible with your ID number: You can  recover your myNSFAS account  if you forgot your password NSFAS and some institutions may give you basic status updates if you provide your ID You cannot access full application history or payment details without logging in If you lost your password, don’t worry. There is a way to reset i...

NSFAS status check via USSD is one of the fastest ways to see if your application is being processed. You don’t need mobile data or a smart device. Just a working cellphone and your South African ID number. This article shows you exactly how to check your NSFAS application using USSD, what to expect, and what to do if it doesn’t work. What Is the NSFAS USSD Code? NSFAS offers a USSD service to help students check their funding progress. This method works on any cellphone and does not require data or internet access. USSD Code:   *120*67327# Cost:  Standard network rates may apply Availability:  Works on any SIM card in South Africa Step-by-Step: NSFAS Status Check Using USSD You’ll need your South African ID number and access to the cellphone linked to your NSFAS account. Open your phone’s dial pad Dial  *120*67327# Press the call/send button Follow the prompts Enter your ID number when requested Read your status update on screen If the system is busy or under mainte...

  Checking your NSFAS status using your reference number is an important step in tracking your application and making sure everything is moving forward. The reference number is a unique code issued when you apply for NSFAS funding, and it helps identify your application in the system.  This guide explains what your reference number is, how to use it to check your NSFAS status, and what to do if you’ve lost it. What Is an NSFAS Reference Number? An  NSFAS reference number  is a unique code assigned to your application after you submit it. It acts as a tracking ID for NSFAS staff and support channels. You will find it in: The confirmation email from NSFAS The SMS sent to you after submitting your application Your application receipt or PDF copy You will need this number whenever you contact NSFAS about your application. Step-by-Step: NSFAS Status Check Using Reference Number Here’s how to use your reference number to track your application: Go to the official NSFAS web...

  NSFAS requires personal information from agencies relating to the employment status and level of income of the parents or guardians/spouse of the applicant. 1.  NSFAS Declaration Form  is completed by the Principal of the School or the Social Worker. (Non-SASSA only). 2. The  Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form  (for applicants under 18 years) is completed by the Social Worker. (Non-SASSA only). 3. The  NSFAS Consent form  is completed by applicant and/or parent/s, guardian or spouse. SASSA recipients do not require this form. (Non-SASSA only). 3. If an applicant has indicated that they have a  Legal guardian , they must provide proof of guardianship issued by the Court. 4. Guardianship (not court appointed) applicant to provide  NSFAS declaration form . 5.  Disability Annexure Form:  The form must be filled out by a certified, duly registered medical doctor or another suitably qualified professional (such as an optometri...

  The NSFAS Disability Bursary Programme provides financial support to students with disabilities who require financial aid and possess the ability to pass their academic subjects. It is intended to open opportunities in higher education, provide the necessary additional teaching and support for students to overcome learning barriers resulting from disabilities. Funding for assistive devices follows the same approval process as for financial aid.  If you are successful in your application for financial aid and you have received notice of the final approval amount from NSFAS, you may arrange to purchase your assistive device through the student disability unit at your university or TVET college. The university or TVET college can purchase the assistive device on your behalf. 

  Keep your details up-to-date Students who wish to change their contact details can do so by: Login to my.nsfas.org.za On the already registered tab Enter your username and Password Click on sign in button Click on my personal details Go to the cellphone number section Delete and remove and type in the new cellphone number Click on update details OTP will be sent to your new number Enter OTP and submit Number is successfully changed (if a duplicate number exists student will get an error message) Students who are unable to change their details online can use the manual process by emailing certified copy of their green barcoded ID or smart card, and a completed affidavit specifying that they have changed their cell phone number; with the new and old number listed to  uds@nsfas.org.za.

  A TVET qualification will equip you with vocational & occupational skills that you will need to find employment in South Africa. Also, it will enable your entrepreneurial potential to start new ventures. South Africa is in shortage of skills in engineering, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, etc. that will build a strong economy; and the TVETs are the vehicle to a new skills revolution. 

  Public TVET Colleges offer a very wide range of courses/programmes that have been developed to respond to the scarce skills needed by employers. Courses vary in duration from a short course of a few hours to formal diploma courses of three years. Naturally the costs of the courses also vary considerably but it is important to remember that Department of Higher Education and Training programmes are subsidised by 80% of the delivery cost and for the remaining 20% that would be paid by the student, many full bursaries are available. NSFAS funds Ministerial approved programmes and students must refer to each college, however the generally funded programmes are below: Engineering Studies - (National Certificate -Vocational) NQF levels 2-4 & Engineering studies - Report 191 N1-N6 Engineering and Related Design; Electrical Infrastructure; Civil Engineering Construction and Information Technology & Computer Science Business & Utility Studies (National Certificate – Vocational...

  Only South African citizens are eligible for this bursary scheme; A student must be registered or intending to register on a PLP, NC(V) or Report 191 programme at any of the fifty (50) public TVET Colleges in South Africa; Must be in need of financial assistance (NSFAS will determine whether or not a student meets the financial eligibility criteria);  Returning students must demonstrate proven and accepted academic performance (academically deserving) in line with the College’s progression policy or the progression prescriptions of the Bursary Rules and Guidelines (whichever is higher);  Must not be enrolling for a qualification that duplicates previous learning that was state-funded; and Applicants will qualify if they fall within the maximum threshold of up to R350,000 of combined gross family income per annum and are admitted/received a firm offer for enrolment in a College.

  National Certificate Vocation (NC(v)) , Semester 1 and Trimester 1  - Annual - online application and walk in assistive capture application at the beginning of each year Trimester 2 & 3 as per DHET calendar , in May and September respectively , also Walk in assistive capture application  Semester 2 June  - July walk in, assistive capture application Where to apply for TVET College funding? You can apply through: TVET college bursary offices Online NSFAS head office

  Below are the Alowances for TVET College Funding Registration & Tuition Fees Personal Care Allowance Transport Allowance Accommodation Allowance

  Legislations >  TVET College 2020 Bursary Rules and Guidelines >  TVET Admissions Policy >  Continuing Education and Training Act, No 16 of 2006 (as amended) >  National Norms and Standards for Funding of FET (TVET) Colleges >  Report of the Ministerial Committee on the Review of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme >  Amended Rules and Guidelines for the Administration and Management of the Department of Higher Education and Training >  Continuing Education and Training Act 16 of 2006 >  DHET Attendance and Punctuality Policy - Public TVET Colleges (Nov 2013) >  Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College Academic Calendar for 2019 >  TVET College 2020 Bursary Rules and Guidelines