NSFAS Court Order for Guardianship: Which Document You Need

ByZola

Independent guide. nsfasstatus.co.za is not the official NSFAS website. Document requirements can change each cycle, so always check what myNSFAS asks you for.

If you don’t live with your biological parents and someone else is responsible for you, NSFAS needs proof of who that person is. For a legal guardian, that proof is usually a court document showing guardianship. If your guardian was never appointed by a court, NSFAS accepts a declaration form instead.

Many students get stuck here, uploading an affidavit and waiting weeks only to be asked again. This guide explains what NSFAS actually wants, which document fits your situation, and how to get it.

What NSFAS asks for

In its December 2024 call for outstanding documents, NSFAS listed two options for applicants with a guardian:

  • a document issued by the court to prove guardianship, if a court appointed your guardian, or
  • the NSFAS declaration form, if your guardianship was not court-appointed.

The declaration form is completed by your school principal or a social worker. For applicants under 18 who are orphans or vulnerable children, there’s a separate Orphan/Vulnerable Child Declaration Form, completed by a social worker (NSFAS, December 2024).

Which document do you need?

Your situation Document to upload
A court appointed your guardian (e.g. aunt, grandparent, older sibling) The court order or court document confirming guardianship
You’re in foster care Your foster care court order
Someone looks after you, but no court was ever involved NSFAS declaration form, completed by your school principal or a social worker
You’re under 18 and an orphan or vulnerable child Orphan/Vulnerable Child Declaration Form, completed by a social worker
One or both parents have died Death certificate(s), plus guardianship proof if someone else is responsible for you
Your parents are divorced and one parent is responsible for you Divorce decree showing the arrangement
Your household receives a SASSA grant Usually no extra supporting documents; follow what myNSFAS asks

If you’re not sure which applies, ask yourself one question: has a court ever made a decision about who looks after you? If yes, you need that court document. If no, you need the declaration form.

Why an affidavit usually isn’t enough

A sworn affidavit from a police station is easy to get, so many students upload one. But an affidavit is only your own statement. It doesn’t prove a court appointed anyone, and it isn’t the form NSFAS lists for non-court guardianship. Several student guides report that NSFAS doesn’t accept an affidavit as proof of guardianship, and students who upload one are often asked for the correct document again.

If no court was involved, skip the affidavit and go straight to the NSFAS declaration form. It’s the document NSFAS has said it will accept in that situation.

How to get a court order for guardianship

If you need a court document and don’t have one, here’s the usual route.

  1. Speak to a social worker. Go to your local Department of Social Development office or a social worker at your school, clinic or community organisation. They can assess your situation and explain your options.
  2. Find out which court handles it. Depending on your situation, care and foster-care matters go through the Children’s Court at your local magistrate’s court, while some guardianship applications go to the High Court. The social worker or the Office of the Family Advocate can tell you which one applies.
  3. Gather documents. These usually include your birth certificate, your parents’ death certificates if relevant, the guardian’s ID, and proof of where you live.
  4. Attend the hearing if one is needed. The court then issues the order.
  5. Upload a clear, certified copy to myNSFAS.

Getting a court order can take weeks or months, and it isn’t needed in every case. If you’re applying soon and no court has been involved, the declaration form is usually the faster route.

How to complete the NSFAS declaration form

  1. Download the form from the official NSFAS website, or ask your school or social worker for it. NSFAS forms are often found alongside the NSFAS consent form.
  2. Ask your school principal or a social worker to complete and sign it. A family member’s signature is not enough.
  3. Check the details carefully. Your name and ID number must match your NSFAS application exactly.
  4. Make sure it’s stamped where the form asks for an official stamp.
  5. Scan or photograph it clearly and upload it on myNSFAS when asked.

Uploading guardianship documents on myNSFAS

  1. Log in to myNSFAS.
  2. Go to Track Funding Progress and look for the message asking for documents.
  3. Upload the correct document under the requested section.
  4. Check that the upload is readable and complete: every page, no blurry corners.
  5. Keep checking your status. If NSFAS still asks for the document, phone or email NSFAS through the official channels on our NSFAS contact details page.

Our NSFAS missing documents guide explains other documents NSFAS commonly asks for.

What happens if you don’t upload it

Your application stays at evaluation or shows a missing-documents message. If you don’t respond within the time NSFAS gives, your application can be closed or marked unsuccessful. If that happens, check the reasons NSFAS rejects applications and whether you can appeal with the correct document.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Uploading an affidavit when NSFAS asked for a court document or declaration form.
  • Having a relative sign the declaration form instead of a principal or social worker.
  • Leaving out pages of a court order.
  • Uploading blurry photos or uncertified copies.
  • Using a guardian’s details that don’t match the household information you entered on your application.

Frequently asked questions

Does NSFAS accept an affidavit for guardianship?

Generally not as proof of guardianship. Use the court document if a court appointed your guardian, or the NSFAS declaration form if it didn’t.

Who can sign the NSFAS declaration form?

Your school principal or a social worker. For applicants under 18 who are orphans or vulnerable children, a social worker completes the Orphan/Vulnerable Child Declaration Form.

I live with my grandmother. Do I need a court order?

Only if a court appointed her as your guardian. If not, upload the declaration form completed by your principal or a social worker.

My parents are alive but I live with my aunt. What do I upload?

If a court gave your aunt guardianship or care, upload that court document. If not, use the declaration form. Your parents’ details may still be needed for the income check.

How long does it take to get a court order?

It varies from weeks to months. Start with a social worker as early as possible.

Where do I check whether NSFAS received my document?

On myNSFAS under Track Funding Progress. Our guide to NSFAS stages and their meanings explains what each status means, and you can check your NSFAS status any time.

Zola
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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. As the writer and editor behind NSFAS Status Check, Zola publishes and maintains this site's guides to NSFAS applications, status meanings, allowances, payment dates and appeals, and updates them through the NSFAS cycle so students always work from current information.