NSFAS Applications Status and Their Meanings

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is helpful for South African students who are seeking financial assistance for their tertiary education.

After submitting your application, understanding your NSFAS application status can sometimes be challenging.

NSFAS Application Statuses

Once you submit your NSFAS application, it goes through a series of checks and verifications.

The status on your myNSFAS account reflects the current stage of this process.

Here’s a list of some of the most common statuses:

  1. Application Submitted: This is the initial stage, indicating NSFAS has received your application.
  2. Filtering: The system checks if you’re a returning student and verifies any previous qualifications.
  3. Validation: NSFAS conducts third-party checks with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Home Affairs to confirm your information.
  4. Evaluation: This stage involves verifying all documents you submitted to ensure they meet the funding requirements. If any documents are missing, you’ll be notified to upload them.
  5. Funding Eligibility: Here, NSFAS assesses your household income declared in the application against the financial eligibility criteria.
  6. Awaiting Academic Results/Admission Status: NSFAS awaits confirmation of your academic results and admission status from your chosen institution.
  7. Awaiting Registration: This means your application is provisionally approved, but NSFAS awaits registration confirmation from your institution before finalizing funding.
  8. Application Approved: Congratulations. Your application has been thoroughly reviewed and approved for funding. However, disbursement may depend on completing registration at your institution.
  9. Withdrawn: This status indicates your application is no longer being considered. It could be due to a deliberate withdrawal on your part or a technical error. If you didn’t withdraw the application, contact NSFAS for clarification.
  10. Not Approved: Unfortunately, your application did not meet the NSFAS funding criteria. You can appeal the decision if you have compelling reasons.

What does “application submitted” on NSFAS mean?

“Application submitted” simply means that NSFAS has received your application.

It’s the first step, and further processing will begin.

How long does NSFAS take to evaluate applications?

The processing time can vary depending on the application volume and the complexity of your case.

It typically takes several weeks, but it’s best to check your application status regularly for updates.

What documents do I need to submit for NSFAS funding?

The required documents can change, so always refer to the latest NSFAS requirements on their website.

Generally, you’ll need documents like your ID book, proof of income for yourself and your parents/guardian, and your school report card.

What does Application Withdrawn on NSFAS mean?

“Application withdrawn” means your application is no longer being considered.

If you didn’t withdraw it yourself, contact NSFAS immediately to investigate the reason.

How do I check my NSFAS application status?

You can check your NSFAS application status by logging into your myNSFAS account.

What happens after my NSFAS application is approved?

Once your application is approved, NSFAS will notify you and your chosen institution.

You’ll need to register at your institution for funding to be disbursed and cover your educational expenses.