NSFAS Status Check Using ID Number

If you’ve applied for financial aid through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), one of the first things you’ll want to know is whether your application has been approved.

The process can feel overwhelming, especially when deadlines and tuition payments are on your mind.

What You Need Before Checking Your Status

You should have:

• ID number
• Registered myNSFAS email address
• myNSFAS password
• Cellphone number linked to your account
• Reference number (optional but helpful)

When You Should Check Your Status

The NSFAS database updates frequently, but major updates usually happen during:

• Document submission periods
• Appeal windows
• Registration periods at universities and TVET colleges
• Payment release dates
• Verification cycles with Home Affairs and SARS

Students often check during allowance season as well, and for that reason, the NSFAS allowance breakdown is given here.

Check Your NSFAS Status Online 2026?

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 their 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.

Check NSFAS Status on WhatsApp

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

• Save the official NSFAS WhatsApp number: +27 78 519 8006.
• Open WhatsApp and send a greeting message such as “Hi”.
• Follow the automated prompts, selecting the option for Application Status.
• Enter your ID number when prompted to verify your identity.
• 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 via USSD Code

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

• Dial *120*67327# on your mobile phone.
• Select the option for NSFAS Application Status.
• Enter your ID number when requested.
• 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.

If your NSFAS application has been rejected, it does not mean the end of the road. NSFAS allows students to appeal their application if they believe their rejection was made in error.

Check NSFAS Status Using Your 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.

• First, open the NSFAS Portal.
• Log in to your NSFAS account or register if you do not have an account.
• Tap My Application, and then tap Status Check.
• Enter your reference number.
• Tap Submit and view the progress.

How to Recover a Lost Reference Number

If you lost your reference number:

• Log in to your myNSFAS account.
• Check your application submission history.
• Search your email for “NSFAS Application Received”.
• Contact NSFAS support if needed.

Who Can Use the NSFAS Status Checker?

• Any South African student who has:
• Applied for NSFAS funding
• Submitted an appeal
• Created a myNSFAS account
• Registered at a university or TVET college

Checking Your NSFAS Payment Status

Depending on your institution, payments may be processed using:

• The NSFAS Mastercard
• Norraco Transact system
• Coinvest NSFAS wallet

You have individual articles covering all three platforms:

• Students using the Mastercard system benefit from your NSFAS Mastercard registration guide, which explains activation steps and wallet access.
• Students who belong to Norraco-supported colleges should follow your detailed Norraco payment management guide.

NSFAS Appeal Process

• Visit the NSFAS website and log in to your student account.
• Navigate to the “Appeal” section and complete the online NSFAS appeal form.
• Upload all required supporting documents.

Provide a Clear Explanation
In your appeal, clearly explain why your application should be reconsidered. Be concise, honest, and provide facts to support your case.

Submit Before the Deadline
Appeals are only accepted within the specified period, usually shortly after the rejection notification. Late appeals may not be considered.

Wait for a Response
After submitting your appeal, NSFAS will review your case. You can track your appeal status on your NSFAS portal. Once a decision is made, you will be notified via email or SMS.

Follow Up if Needed
If you don’t receive a response within the expected timeframe, contact NSFAS directly for an update.

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.

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

Full Meaning of All NSFAS Statuses (2025–2026)

Each NSFAS status represents a specific point in the evaluation process. Understanding these stages helps you respond appropriately to problems, supply missing documents on time, and track progress accurately.

A complete explanation of all stages is available in the in-depth guide on NSFAS stages and what they mean, but here is a summary for reference:

Application Submitted

This means your application was received successfully but has not yet been evaluated.

Filtering

NSFAS is checking for duplicates or basic eligibility errors.

Validation

Your personal and household information is being verified with:

Home Affairs

• SARS
• SASSA
• Other government databases

If validation fails, you may need to resubmit forms such as the NSFAS consent form, which authorizes financial checks.

Awaiting Supporting Documents

The system requires additional proof before your application can proceed.
This may include:

• Guardian ID copies
• Proof of income
• A signed declaration form

Your website already offers downloadable formats of both the NSFAS declaration form and the consent form, which is very useful for students at this stage.

Assessment

The NSFAS team reviews your documents and evaluates academic performance.

Funding Eligibility

You meet the household income criteria and academic requirements. Final confirmation still depends on institutional registration.

Provisionally Funded

At this stage, NSFAS has approved your application, but funding cannot begin until your institution provides registration data. Students often misunderstand this status, so linking them to your detailed explanation of what “provisionally funded” means helps clarify what happens next.

Awaiting Registration Data

Your institution must send confirmation of your course enrollment and study load.

If you study at an institution supported by NSFAS, you may also be interested in checking whether your living arrangements meet requirements. The article on NSFAS-accredited accommodation provides guidance on housing options eligible for funding.

Approved for Funding

Your tuition, registration, and allowances will be covered according to NSFAS rules.

Allowance details are explained in depth in the NSFAS allowances guide, which helps students understand monthly disbursements.

Rejected

Your application does not meet funding requirements. You may still appeal.

What to Do if Your NSFAS Status Does Not Show

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.

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.

How NSFAS Can Serve You Better?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps South African students who need financial support. They offer the following services:

1. Bursaries
   Need-based, non-repayable funds covering tuition, accommodation, travel, and book allowances.
2. Grants
   Awarded to high-performing students to support and encourage academic excellence.
3. Support Services
   Includes academic advising, career counselling, and personal development workshops.
4. Work-Study Program
   Provides part-time work opportunities so students can earn income and gain experience while studying.

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.

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Zola

Zola is a higher education analyst and student funding specialist with 7 years of experience helping South African students navigate NSFAS, bursaries, and other funding opportunities.

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