How to Check Your NSFAS Status Using USSD

How to Check Your NSFAS Status Using USSD – Quick 2026

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 maintenance, try again later in the day.

What You Can and Can’t Do with USSD

USSD gives you a quick update, but it doesn’t offer full features like the myNSFAS portal. Here’s what you can expect:

What You Can Do	What You Can’t Do
View basic application status	View payment amounts or history
Check if your application exists	Sign bursary agreement (NBA)
Track progress like “Awaiting Results”	Change contact or banking details
Confirm your ID is linked to NSFAS	View detailed rejection reasons

If you need to download documents or make changes to your profile, you’ll need to use the NSFAS portal.

Tips to Avoid Errors or Delays

Use the same cellphone number you registered with NSFAS
Dial slowly and correctly – errors can result in failed attempts
Try during office hours – responses may be faster during working times
Have your ID number ready before starting

If your number isn’t linked to your myNSFAS profile, you may not get accurate results.

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Rules and Guidelines

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

Apply For Accommodation

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

NSFAS Status Mean?

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.

NSFAS Guide

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