The myNSFAS portal is at my.nsfas.org.za. Your South African ID number is your username.
To log in:
- Go to my.nsfas.org.za.
- Enter your South African ID number.
- Click Login.
- NSFAS will send a One-Time Pin (OTP) to the cellphone number and email address registered on your account.
- Enter the OTP and click Submit.
You are now logged in to your myNSFAS account.
If you do not receive the OTP, click the Resend OTP option to have another one sent to you.
How to Create a myNSFAS Account (First-Time Registration)
If you do not have a myNSFAS account, you need to create one on the portal before you can apply for funding or check your application status.
What you need before you start:
- A valid South African ID number or birth certificate number
- A functioning cellphone with a valid cellphone number
- Your own email address
- A phone, tablet, or computer with internet access
Important: No two applicants may use the same cellphone number or email address. Each applicant must register with their own unique contact details.
To create your account:
- Go to my.nsfas.org.za.
- Click Create Account (or Register).
- Enter your ID number, name(s), and surname exactly as they appear on your ID document or birth certificate.
- The system immediately verifies your details against the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) records. If your details do not match DHA records, you will not be able to proceed — you must contact DHA directly to correct your records.
- Enter your cellphone number and email address.
- Create a password.
- Verify your account using the OTP sent to your cellphone.
Registration and application are free. There is no cost to create a myNSFAS account.
How to Reset Your myNSFAS Password
If you have forgotten your password, username, or both:
- Go to www.nsfas.org.za.
- Click on myNSFAS.
- Click Forgot Password.
- Enter your ID number.
- Select what you need help with: password, username, or both.
- Click Submit.
- Your username and a password reset link will be sent via SMS and email to the contact details linked to your account.
- Open the link from the SMS or email.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to create a new password.
If your cellphone number has changed and you cannot receive the SMS, contact NSFAS directly (see contact details below) to update your registered cellphone number before attempting a password reset.
Common myNSFAS Login Errors and Fixes
| Error / Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “ID number, name or surname does not match” | Your details do not match Department of Home Affairs records. | Enter your ID number, name(s), and surname exactly as they appear on your ID document or birth certificate. If still failing, contact DHA to verify or correct your records. |
| OTP not received | Network delay, incorrect cellphone number on file, or SMS delivery issue. | Click the Resend OTP option to have another one sent. If still not received, check that your registered cellphone number is correct. |
| Forgotten username or password | You have not logged in for some time or forgot your credentials. | Use the Forgot Password flow: go to nsfas.org.za → myNSFAS → Forgot Password → enter ID number → select what you need help with → submit. Your details will be sent via SMS and email. |
| Cannot create account — cellphone number or email already in use | No two applicants may use the same cellphone number or email address. | Use a unique cellphone number and email address that are not linked to another myNSFAS account. |
| Portal not loading or timing out | High traffic on the myNSFAS server, especially around application deadlines. | Try again during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening). Use a stable internet connection. Clear your browser cache and try a different browser. |
What You Can Do on the myNSFAS Portal
Once logged in, you can:
- Check your application status — Track your NSFAS application through three stages:
- Application Submitted — Verify that all your details and documents are correct
- Under Review — NSFAS is evaluating your application for eligibility
- Application Outcome — See whether your application was approved, or whether NSFAS requires additional information from you
- Upload supporting documents — If your application is under evaluation and requires additional documents, you can upload them directly through the portal. Required documents may include:
- NSFAS Consent Form
- NSFAS Declaration Form (for applicants 34 years or younger)
- Disability Annexure Form (if applicable)
- Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration Form (if applicable and under 18)
Documents do not need to be certified — NSFAS has removed this requirement.
- Sign funding agreements — Accept your Schedule of Particulars (SOP), Loan Agreement Form (LAF), or Bursary Agreement Form (NBA) electronically through the portal.
- Update your contact details — Change your cellphone number, home phone, or email address linked to your account.
- Make loan repayments — If you have an NSFAS loan, access repayment options through the portal.
NSFAS Contact Details
If you cannot resolve your login issue through the steps above, contact NSFAS directly:
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll-free phone | 08000 67327 |
| info@nsfas.org.za | |
| +27 63 093 5671 | |
| USSD | *120*67327# |
| Twitter / X | @myNSFAS |
| @myNSFAS | |
| Physical address | The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the myNSFAS portal URL?
The myNSFAS portal is at my.nsfas.org.za. You can also reach it by going to www.nsfas.org.za and clicking the “myNSFAS” link.
What is my myNSFAS username?
Your South African ID number is your username.
Why am I not receiving the OTP?
Click the Resend OTP option on the login page. If you still do not receive it, check that the cellphone number linked to your account is correct and that your phone has signal.
Can I use someone else’s phone number or email to register?
No. No two applicants may use the same cellphone number or email address. You must use your own unique contact details.
Do my supporting documents need to be certified?
No. NSFAS has removed the requirement for documents to be certified.
My name does not match when I try to create an account. What do I do?
The myNSFAS system validates your ID number, name(s), and surname against the Department of Home Affairs records. Enter your details exactly as they appear on your ID document or birth certificate. If they still do not match, contact DHA directly to correct your records.
What does NSFAS funding cover?
Approved applicants receive funding for registration fees and tuition fees. After funding is confirmed, you may also receive allowances for living expenses, learning materials, and personal care. For more on the application process and eligibility, see our NSFAS application FAQs.
Is there a fee to create a myNSFAS account?
No. Registration and application are free.
