How to Check Your Status
1. Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click myNSFAS.
2. Log in using your South African ID number and password.
3. Click on 'Track Funding Progress'. Your current progress tracker bar will indicate your active stage.
The 11 Official NSFAS Application Stages
1. Application Submitted
Your application form has been received and loaded into the central NSFAS system. Your unique Application Reference Number (ARN) has been generated.
Action: None required; wait for batching.
2. Filtering
The system checks whether you are a returning student or a first-time applicant, and verifies that you do not already hold an active undergraduate qualification.
Action: None required.
3. Validation (DHA Check)
Your ID number, full names, and citizenship are cross-referenced with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) database to verify legal identity and deceased records.
Action: Wait for database sync.
4. Evaluation
A NSFAS case worker reviews your submitted documents (ID copies, declarations) to verify that all mandatory uploads are present and legible.
Action: Check portal regularly for any document rejection requests.
5. Financial Assessment
NSFAS verifies household income with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and UIF databases to determine if combined household earnings are under R350,000 p.a.
Action: If you are a SASSA recipient, this step is verified automatically.
6. Awaiting Supporting Documents
One or more uploaded documents were rejected (e.g. blurry scan, expired payslip, missing signature on consent form).
Action: Click the 'Upload Documents' tab immediately and upload the requested items within 14 days.
7. Awaiting Academic Eligibility
NSFAS is waiting for official academic results: matric examination results from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or university progression data.
Action: Ensure you are registered with an accredited institution.
8. Provisionally Funded
Congratulations! You meet all financial and citizenship criteria. NSFAS has approved your funding, contingent upon you formally registering at a public university or TVET college.
Action: Proceed to register at your chosen institution during registration week.
9. Registration Received
Your public university or TVET college has confirmed your formal enrollment and submitted your student registration data directly to NSFAS.
Action: Sign your digital Bursary Agreement Form (NBA) if prompted.
10. Payments & Allowances
Tuition and campus residence fees are disbursed directly to your institution. Your monthly living and book allowances are queued for disbursement to your designated student bank account.
Action: Onboard your direct bank account via the portal.
11. Application Unsuccessful
Your application was rejected. The portal will specify a reason code (e.g., household income exceeds R350,000, failed N+1 academic progression, DHA record mismatch).
Action: Lodge an official appeal within 30 days →
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is My Status Stuck on "Financial Assessment"?
During December and January, SARS third-party verification experiences large data backlogs. If parents are informal traders or unemployed, manual document verification takes longer. Do not submit a duplicate application, as this causes database conflicts.