How to withdraw NSFAS money at ShopRite

For many students, NSFAS funding is needed for covering living expenses while they pursue their education.

This article will guide you through the process of withdrawing your NSFAS allowance at ShopRite, one of the participating retail partners.

What is NSFAS and how does it work?

NSFAS is a government-funded program that provides financial aid to South African students who demonstrate financial need to pursue post-school education at public universities, colleges of technical and vocational education and training (TVET colleges), and some private institutions.

The funding is awarded based on a set of criteria, including household income and academic performance.

NSFAS funds are not directly deposited into your bank account. Instead, NSFAS uses a system known as sBux (NSFAS Student Bank Account) which is a virtual account.

Students can access their funds through various methods, including cash withdrawals at participating retailers like ShopRite.

Before you Withdraw Cash at ShopRite

There are a few things to keep in mind before heading to ShopRite to withdraw your NSFAS allowance:

  1. Check your balance: It’s important to verify how much money you have available in your sBux account before attempting a withdrawal. You can check your balance through the following methods:
    • Dial 134176# from your cellphone and follow the prompts (free USSD service).
    • Download and log in to the NSFAS Wallet App.
    • Log in to your NSFAS online account.
  2. Be aware of withdrawal limits: ShopRite, like other participating retailers, has a daily withdrawal limit for NSFAS funds. The current daily limit at ShopRite is R1000.
  3. Have your ID ready: You will be required to present a valid South African ID document at the time of withdrawal.

How to Withdraw NSFAS Money at ShopRite

Withdrawing NSFAS money at ShopRite is a straightforward process.

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Locate the customer service desk: Proceed to the customer service desk at your nearest ShopRite store.
  2. Inform the cashier: Let the cashier know that you would like to withdraw cash using your NSFAS allowance.
  3. Provide your ID: Present your valid South African ID document to the cashier for verification.
  4. Generate a cash voucher (optional): This step is optional, but it can be helpful for security reasons. You can generate a cash voucher through the following methods:
    • Dial 120176# from your cellphone and follow the prompts (free USSD service). This will generate a unique voucher code that you can provide to the cashier.
    • Use the NSFAS Wallet App to generate a voucher code.
  5. Specify the withdrawal amount: Inform the cashier of the amount you wish to withdraw, keeping in mind the daily limit of R1000.
  6. Receive your cash: Once the verification process is complete, the cashier will dispense your requested amount.

Can I withdraw NSFAS money at any ShopRite?

Yes, you can withdraw NSFAS money at any ShopRite store nationwide that participates in the NSFAS cash withdrawal program.

Are there any fees associated with withdrawing NSFAS money at ShopRite?

Currently, there are no additional fees charged by ShopRite for withdrawing NSFAS funds.

However, it’s always a good practice to check your bank statement for any potential charges from your bank.

Can I use my NSFAS card to make purchases at ShopRite?

Unfortunately, the NSFAS card is not a debit card and cannot be used for direct purchases at ShopRite or any other retailer.

The NSFAS card is for identification purposes only when withdrawing cash.

What happens if I lose my NSFAS card?

If you lose your NSFAS card, you should report it immediately to NSFAS.

You can do this by calling the NSFAS Contact Centre at 0800 00 NSFAS (0800 00 67327) or visiting your nearest NSFAS service center.

What other stores can I withdraw NSFAS money from?

In addition to ShopRite, you can withdraw NSFAS cash vouchers at other participating retail stores including:

  1. Checkers
  2. Usave
  3. Boxer
  4. Selected Spar stores

How long does it take for the NSFAS allowance to reflect in my account?

The timeframe for receiving your NSFAS allowance can vary depending on your institution’s disbursement schedule.

Typically, it takes 48 working hours after receiving your sBux password or confirmation of your account details for the funds to be available.

What happens if I lose my NSFAS cash voucher?

Unfortunately, lost or stolen NSFAS cash vouchers cannot be replaced.

If you lose your voucher code, you’ll need to generate a new one by following the steps mentioned earlier.

Can someone else withdraw cash using my NSFAS cash voucher?

No, an NSFAS cash voucher is tied to your specific account and ID document.

The cashier will verify your ID before dispensing any funds.