After submitting your NSFAS application, you can check your funding status through the myNSFAS portal, by dialling the USSD code *120*67327#, or by contacting NSFAS directly. This guide explains how each method works, what the different status messages mean, and what to do if your application is rejected.
How to Check Your NSFAS Status on the myNSFAS Portal
The myNSFAS portal is the primary way to check your application status. NSFAS begins communicating results through the portal from mid-December each year.
Steps to Check Your Status
- Go to my.nsfas.org.za
- Log in using your South African ID number and the password you created during registration
- Select “Track Funding Progress” from your dashboard
- Your current application status will be displayed with the most recent update date
The portal shows your application moving through three phases:
| Phase | What it means |
|---|---|
| Application Submitted | Your application has been received — verify that all details and documents are correctly uploaded |
| Under Review | NSFAS is assessing your eligibility |
| Application Outcome | Your result is available — the portal will show your approval decision or a request for additional information |
If you cannot log in: Reset your password on the myNSFAS login page. If you still cannot access your account, contact NSFAS using the details in the contact section below.
Understanding NSFAS Status Messages
For the 2026 academic year, NSFAS processed 893,847 first-time applications and 545,952 continuing student assessments. Each application falls into one of the categories below.
First-Time Entering Students
| Status | 2026 numbers | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying for financial aid | 609,403 | You meet the financial eligibility criteria. You may still need confirmation of a valid acceptance from an institution — in most cases this is only available once matric results are released. |
| Rejected for financial aid | 49,538 | You do not meet the eligibility criteria. You have the right to appeal — see the appeals section below. |
| Incomplete (awaiting documents) | 218,043 | Additional documentation is outstanding. Your application will be returned for further evaluation once you submit the required information. See the section on outstanding documents below. |
| Withdrawn/cancelled | 16,863 | The application was withdrawn by the applicant or cancelled by NSFAS. |
“Eligible for a Bursary” Status
If your portal status shows “Eligible for a bursary”, your NSFAS funding eligibility for the academic year has been confirmed. You may proceed with registration at the institution where you have been accepted. NSFAS-funded students do not pay registration fees.
NSFAS is continuously processing outstanding documents and appeals, so application statuses may change as this process continues.
Continuing Students
| Status | 2026 numbers | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Met academic progression criteria | 416,688 | You qualify to continue receiving NSFAS funding. |
| Did not meet academic progression criteria | 129,264 | You did not meet the academic requirements for continued funding. You may appeal this decision. |
What to Do if Your Status Shows “Incomplete” or “In Process”
Applications classified as “in process” or “incomplete” mean NSFAS needs additional documentation from you. The outstanding documentation primarily includes:
- Parental consent form — correctly completed and signed
- Household income verification
- Parent or guardian details submitted through the NSFAS Declaration Form
How to Submit Outstanding Documents
- Log in to the myNSFAS portal
- Check which documents are requested in your application status
- Upload the required documents through the portal
The 30-Day Deadline
You have 30 days from the date NSFAS notifies you to submit the required information. Applications that remain incomplete after 30 days will not be processed further and will be deemed unsuccessful.
Other Ways to Check Your NSFAS Status
USSD Code
Dial *120*67327# from your mobile phone. This works on all networks and does not require internet access.
SMS and Email Notifications
NSFAS sends official status updates via SMS, email, and through the myNSFAS student portal. Keep your contact details updated on the portal to receive these notifications.
Contact NSFAS on WhatsApp at +27 63 093 5671 for general enquiries. Students needing help with the Central Application Service (CAS) can use WhatsApp at 081 308 4196.
What to Do After Your NSFAS Application Is Approved
If your status shows “Eligible for a bursary” or “Qualifying for financial aid”, follow these steps:
For University Students
- Confirm your university acceptance. Universities released admission offers between 13 and 16 January 2026. Check your university’s student portal for your acceptance status.
- Register at your institution. Students who are both accepted by a university and confirmed as NSFAS bursary eligible may proceed with registration. You do not pay registration fees.
- Apply for allowances. After registration, apply for allowances at your institution. Your institution determines whether you qualify for accommodation or transport based on your residential address distance from campus.
- Wait for funding package confirmation. Your funding details are confirmed once your application is approved and your institutional registration is completed and uploaded to NSFAS.
For TVET College Students
- Confirm your placement. Contact your nearest TVET college to enquire about available spaces, as registration and enrolment processes may already be underway.
- Register at the college. Once placement is confirmed, the college and NSFAS will proceed with registration and funding in line with approved bursary guidelines. You do not pay registration fees.
- Capture your banking details. TVET college students must capture their own banking details directly on the NSFAS student portal.
Not Accepted at a University?
Students who were not accepted at a university but qualify for NSFAS funding are encouraged to consider TVET colleges, which offer a wide range of accredited programmes. Information on TVET colleges is available on the DHET website. Students who need guidance navigating entry into the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system can use the Central Application Service (CAS) on WhatsApp at 081 308 4196.
How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
Rejected students — whether first-time entrants or continuing students — have the right to appeal the NSFAS decision.
Steps to Appeal
- Log in to the myNSFAS portal
- Review the rejection reasons displayed in your application outcome
- Gather all supporting documents that address the specific reason for rejection
- Submit a formal appeal with supporting documentation through the portal
Appeal Deadlines and Rules
- You have a strict 30-day window from the date of your outcome notification to submit your appeal and all required documentation
- Failure to submit within this period will result in forfeiture of the appeal opportunity
- All required supporting documentation must be submitted as part of the appeal — incomplete submissions cannot be processed
- NSFAS will notify students of the outcome of their appeals on an ongoing basis
- The appeals window is open, so you should initiate the process as soon as you receive your outcome
Prepare all relevant documents in advance to ensure your appeal is considered in a timely manner.
NSFAS Status Check Timeline
Understanding the typical timeline helps you know when to check your status and what to expect at each stage.
| Period | What happens |
|---|---|
| August – November | NSFAS applications open and close for the following academic year |
| Mid-December | NSFAS begins communicating results through the myNSFAS portal |
| 31 December | NSFAS committed to processing all 2026 funding applications by this date |
| January | University admission offers released (between 13 and 16 January 2026 for universities); TVET results released on 13 January 2026 |
| Ongoing | NSFAS continues processing outstanding documents and appeals — statuses may change |
NSFAS Contact Details
The NSFAS contact page lists the following official channels:
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll-free line | 08000 67327 (08000 NSFAS) |
| info@nsfas.org.za | |
| +27 63 093 5671 | |
| CAS WhatsApp | 081 308 4196 |
| USSD | *120*67327# |
| Social media | @myNSFAS on X, Facebook, and Instagram |
| Physical address | The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001 |
| Fraud reporting | speakup@nsfas.org.za |
Security warning: NSFAS will never ask for or call you to share your password. If someone contacts you requesting your login details or banking information, report it to speakup@nsfas.org.za.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does NSFAS take to process applications?
NSFAS committed to processing all 2026 funding applications by 31 December 2025, prior to the start of the academic year. Results begin appearing on the myNSFAS portal from mid-December.
What should I do if my status hasn’t changed?
Log in to the myNSFAS portal and check whether NSFAS has requested any documents from you. If documents are outstanding, upload them immediately — you have 30 days from notification before your application is deemed unsuccessful. If no documents are requested and your status has not updated, contact NSFAS on 08000 67327 or via WhatsApp at +27 63 093 5671.
Can I check my NSFAS status without internet?
Yes. Dial *120*67327# from your mobile phone or call the NSFAS toll-free line at 08000 67327.
I was rejected — can I still study?
Yes. You have the right to appeal within 30 days of your outcome notification. If your appeal is unsuccessful, you may also explore other bursary options or consider TVET colleges, which offer a wide range of accredited programmes.
Do I need to reapply if I am a continuing student?
No. Continuing students who have met the academic progression criteria are automatically assessed for continued funding. You do not need to submit a new application.
What documents might NSFAS request after I apply?
NSFAS may request the following through your myNSFAS account:
- NSFAS Consent Form
- Declaration Form (for applicants 34 years or younger)
- Disability Annexure (if applicable)
- Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration (for applicants under 18 in eligible circumstances)
Upload these through the portal within 30 days of notification.
What does NSFAS funding cover?
NSFAS funding covers approved study-related costs, which may include:
- Tuition fees
- Accredited accommodation or transport (your institution determines which you qualify for based on distance from campus)
- Learning materials (for university students)
- Living allowances
Your funding package is confirmed once your application is approved and your institutional registration is completed and uploaded to NSFAS.
How do I protect myself from NSFAS scams?
NSFAS will never ask for or call you to share your password or banking details. If someone contacts you requesting this information, report it to speakup@nsfas.org.za. Only use the official channels listed in the contact section above.
