NSFAS Status Check, Eligibility, Stages & Meaning, nsfas.org.za

The NSFAS is a South African government initiative that provides financial assistance to students who cannot afford tertiary education. Throughout the application process, students can track their application status using their myNSFAS account. 

NSFAS Status Check

If you have applied for NSFAS funding, it is important to check your application status regularly to ensure that you receive the necessary funding. Step-by-step method for checking your NSFAS status:

• Visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.
• Click on the myNSFAS tab and log in using your username and password.
• Once you are logged in, click on “Track Funding Progress” to check your NSFAS status.
• Your NSFAS application status will be displayed.

NSFAS Application Status Stages

Meaning of the difference stage of NSFAS Application Status are as follows.

• Application Submitted: This means that your application has been loaded into the system.
• Filtering: This signifies that the system is determining whether you are a returning candidate and what previous credentials you possess.
• Validation: This means that NSFAS is conducting third-party checks with SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs.
• Evaluation: This means that NSFAS is verifying all the documents you have submitted with your application.
• Funding Eligibility: This signifies that NSFAS is confirming your household’s financial situation as stated in your application.
• Awaiting Academic Results/Admission: This means that NSFAS is checking your academic results and your institution’s admission status to ensure that you meet the requirements.

Alternative methods for checking NSFAS Status

If you encounter technical difficulties with MyNSFAS, or simply prefer an alternative method, the following options are available:

• USSD Code: Dialing 12067327# and following the prompts allows you to check your status via your cellphone using your ID number.
• WhatsApp: Save the NSFAS WhatsApp number, +27 78 519 8006, and send a message requesting your application status. Follow the prompts and provide your ID for verification.
• SMS: Send an SMS with your ID number to 31144 to receive information about your application.
• Contact Centre: Call the NSFAS Contact Centre at 0800 0 NSFAS (0800 0 67327) for assistance with checking your status or any other inquiries you may have.

NSFAS Status Eligibility 

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, you must meet the following criteria:

Nationality and Residence:

• You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.

Academic Eligibility:

• You must be a first-time entering undergraduate student at a public university or TVET college.
• You must meet the specific academic requirements of the institution and course you’re applying to.
• You must maintain a satisfactory academic performance throughout your studies to continue receiving funding (usually a minimum 50% average).

Financial Eligibility:

• Your combined gross household income must not exceed the annual threshold set by NSFAS. As of October 2023, the thresholds are:
  • R350,000 per year for most applicants
  • R600,000 per year for applicants with disabilities
• SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify on financial eligibility.

How Often You’ll Receive Your NSFAS Allowances in 2024?

The frequency of NSFAS allowance payments in 2024 varies depending on the month and semester:

For the first few months of 2024:

• January: Upfront payments for tuition and accommodation are made to universities at the end of the month (January 31st).
• February and March: Bi-weekly payments are made to students instead of monthly payments.

From April onwards:

• Standard monthly payments:Allowances are generally paid out at the end of each month to students.

• Payments may be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances or public holidays.
• Different universities and TVET colleges may have slightly different payment schedules.
• You can check your specific payment schedule and track your allowance progress through your MyNSFAS account or by contacting the NSFAS Contact Centre.

NSFAS Allowances in 2024

Navigating your finances as a student can be tricky, but luckily, NSFAS offers valuable support in the form of monthly allowances. Let’s unpack how these allowances work in 2024:

Direct Payments and Frequency:

• Get ready for a direct deposit, as NSFAS will send your allowances straight to your account after the 25th of every month, eliminating the need to wait for your institution’s disbursement.

Breakdown of Allowances:

• Living: University students receive R16,500 per year, while TVET college students get R6,000.
• Accommodation: Depending on your university-provided accommodation type, you’ll receive either R61,500 per year for catered or R45,000 per year for self-catered.
• Learning materials: University students have a R5,460 annual allowance, while TVET college students receive R3,000.
• Transport: If you live farther than 10 km from campus, you’ll be eligible for a R7,780 annual transport allowance.

Timing for University Students:

• University students receive ten allowance payments, spread evenly across the ten months from February to November.