NSFAS Status Check Using ID Number

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is started by the Government of South Africa. Who gives financial support like New books, accommodation, living allowance, and personal care allowance to needy student. The basic purpose of taking this initiative is to help the student who can’t continue their studies due to a lack of a source of income. Here we help the student to track NSFAS Status check. NSFAS 2026 Applications Are Officially Open. We are pleased to announce that we are officially accepting funding applications for the 2026 academic year. After the submission of the application, it is important to know does NSFAS will fund you. And are you qualified for the allowance or not?

NSFAS Application Status Check At Portal

The myNSFAS portal is the official and most reliable way to check your NSFAS status. All students who apply for funding are encouraged to use it because it provides real-time updates on your application.

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za
• Click on the myNSFAS tab and log in with your ID number and password.
• Once logged in, select “Track Funding Progress” from the dashboard.
• You’ll see your current application stage, such as Application Submitted, Validation, Approved, or Unsuccessful.

The portal also allows you to upload missing documents, update personal details, and submit appeals if required.

NSFAS Status Check through WhatsApp

NSFAS has introduced a WhatsApp self-service channel to make it easier for students to stay updated without using data-heavy platforms.

1. Save the official NSFAS WhatsApp number: +27 78 519 8006.

2. Open WhatsApp and send a greeting message such as “Hi”.

3. Follow the automated prompts, selecting the option for Application Status.

4. Enter your ID number when prompted to verify your identity.

5. You’ll receive your latest NSFAS status directly in the chat.

This option is especially useful if you have limited internet access but still want quick updates.

NSFAS Status Check using SMS or USSD

If you don’t have regular access to the internet, you can check your NSFAS status through a simple SMS or USSD code.

1. Dial *120*67327# on your mobile phone.

2. Select the option for NSFAS Application Status.

3. Enter your ID number when requested.

4. You’ll receive an SMS with your current funding status.

This method works on all South African mobile networks and does not require a smartphone.

How to Create myNSFAS Account?

To use the online portal or mobile app, you first need to create a myNSFAS account. This account serves as your personal profile, where all funding information is stored.

1. Visit www.nsfas.org.za
2. Click on myNSFAS and then select Register.
3. Provide your South African ID number, full name, and surname as they appear on your ID.
4. Enter a valid email address and cellphone number.
5. Create a secure password.
6. Upload a certified copy of your ID document.
7. Agree to the terms and conditions, then click Register.

NSFAS Status Check Using Reference Number

When you submit your application, NSFAS issues a unique reference number. This number is important because it confirms that your application was successfully lodged and allows you to follow up.

How to use it:

• If you contact NSFAS via the call centre (0800 067 327) or email ([email protected]), you’ll need to provide this reference number.
• It helps NSFAS staff quickly locate your application in the system.
• While you cannot directly log in using the reference number alone, it serves as proof of application and speeds up support queries.
• Always keep your reference number safe, as you’ll need it for appeals, queries, or troubleshooting login issues.

NSFAS Statuses & Their Meaning

Following the NSFAS status results, which you can see while checking your application status. So their understanding is required. Read it, understand it, and implement it as well.

• Application Submitted

Application Submitted means that NSFAS received your application .After that, your application is under processing.

• Documents Missing

This means that your application is submitted, and some of your documents have not been submitted or received. So, upload your missing documents for further processing.

• Application is Under Review

It means that the application is under review, and your eligibility will be approved soon.

• Application is Approved

This means that your Application is submitted and approved as well. Your funds have been approved successfully.

• Application is Rejected

It means that your application is rejected for some reason. The rejection’s reason is also explained.

Why Is My NSFAS Status Not Showing?

If your status is blank or missing during NSFAS status check, it means that your application is still under review and you need to wait for some more dyas. It is only possible when an error occurs. So your NSFAS status is not showing due to these reasons;

• System Glitch: This may be a technical issue that occurs in the NSFAS Website that causes delays. Or error is displayed while checking the application status. So wait and try again.
• Incomplete Application: Maybe some of your information is missing or something so skipped mistakenly. So, try to check your application, whether you fill it out completely or not.
• Missing Documents: Maybe you can’t upload your documents completely, or the documents are not uploaded completely. So, check and upload all the documents completely.

NSFAS Payout Schedule

Students funded under the National Student Financial Aid Scheme get their allowances released according a fixed payout schedule. This timetable ensures timely disbursement of funds for meals, transport, and study materials, usually through direct bank deposits or the NSFAS Wallet.

NSFAS Benefits for University & TVET Students

Those qualifying for this can get the following benefits.

For University:

• Free accommodation (Only university accommodation, private not included).
• It will cover transportation charges for students of R 7,500 per annum.
• A living allowance of R1500 per annum and book allowances of R5200 per annum are also given to the students.
• The personal care charges given to the students are R2900 per annum.

For TVET:

• In urban areas, accommodation charges are R24,000 per annum and in peri-urban areas, it is R18,900 per annum. You will receive accommodation charges of R15,750 per annum in rural areas.
• The transport allowance is R7000 per annum.
• A personal care allowance of R2900 per annum will be given.

Many public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa receive financial support through NSFAS. These approved institutions allow eligible students to access funding for tuition, accommodation, and learning materials. Exploring the colleges supported by NSFAS helps you choose the right option for your studies.

Common NSFAS Issues & How to Fix Them

When checking the progress of NSFAS applications, various challenges may arise, potentially delaying the process. Below are common problems applicants face and their corresponding solutions:

Application Not Found
If your NSFAS application can’t be found, some information may be missing or incorrect. Double-check that all details were submitted properly. If you’re sure it was submitted, contact NSFAS with as much info as possible.

Incorrect ID or Login
Using the wrong ID or password will block access to your NSFAS account. Make sure your login details are correct. If you forgot your password, click “Forgot Password” to reset it.

Website or Portal Issues
NSFAS portal may go down due to technical issues. Try again later. If it continues, contact NSFAS for help.

No Communication
NSFAS updates usually come via email or SMS. If you haven’t received anything, verify your contact details. If they’re correct and you still hear nothing, reach out to NSFAS directly.

When Will NSFAS Stop Covering Your Studies

NSFAS will stop covering your studies if you exceed the N+ rule, which allows funding for the minimum duration of your course plus one extra year. It also ends if you fail to meet academic requirements, change courses too often, or already hold another qualification.

Clarifying the Term Provisionally Funded

Your NSFAS application has been approved based on the details you submitted, but final confirmation is still pending. This status will remain until your household income and academic records are fully verified, after which you may be officially funded.

What expenses does NSFAS cover?

NSFAS covers a wide range of student expenses, including tuition fees, registration costs, and essential study materials. It also provides allowances for accommodation, meals, and transport, ensuring that financially needy students can focus on their studies without worrying about basic needs. So some of the expenses that NSFAS covers are as follows;

TVET College Students’ Expenses covered by NSFAS

NSFAS provides comprehensive support by covering essential student expenses. While the scheme is widely known for assisting undergraduates, it also forms part of South Africa’s broader efforts in education support, alongside opportunities such as postgraduate funding for higher learning.

University Students’Expenses covered by NSFAS

NSFAS Budget Allocation 2025-2027

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) budget for the current academic year is R48.7 billion and it will increase to R51 billion next year (2026) and R53.4 billion in 2027.
In the 2025 academic year, NSFAS is supporting approximately 811, 011 students across various universities and TVET Colleges. 580 000 students are at universities and 231 000 students are at TVET Colleges

Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS also supports a TVET college and a public university so that students can get an education there. But the undergraduate degreesare funded only for the first year. Many students rely on the NSFAS Status check to ensure their diploma or degree program is covered under the list of NSFAS-funded courses. NSFAS funded the following colleges;

Can You Get NSFAS and the R350 Grant Together?

Students who are funded by NSFAS are not eligible to receive the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant simultaneously. This is because NSFAS already offers full financial support, while the SRD grant is specifically intended for individuals who have no other source of income or government assistance. To confirm eligibility for this type of aid, applicants can use the SASSA SRD website service.

Support Details

If anyone is still facing any kind of error or issue in NSFAS status check so they can also get help from NSFAS support channels. The National Students’ Financial Aid Scheme always tries to support the students in different ways. If you need help or want to reach NSFAS directly, here are the official NSFAS contact details including phone numbers and emails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Performing an NSFAS status check isn’t just about peace of mind, it ensures you stay on top of your funding journey. By logging in regularly, you’ll catch any missing requirements early and avoid unnecessary delays. Even if your application is unsuccessful at first, the appeals process gives you a second chance.

Your education is an investment in your future, and NSFAS exists to support you in making it possible. Take charge, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to follow up, your persistence today could secure the financial support you need tomorrow.