The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has cautioned students against verifying their bank account details via SMS, following a rise in phishing scams.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to qualifying students enrolled at universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS funding covers tuition, registration, and provides allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
In 2025, nearly one million students will be funded by NSFAS. University students will receive allowances through their institutions, while TVET college students will be paid directly by NSFAS.
The warning follows reports of students receiving fraudulent SMS messages asking them to verify their bank details through suspicious links.
We have been made aware of an ongoing cyber scam targeting NSFAS-funded students. Scammers are sending SMSes and emails requesting students to verify their banking details through a link,
The financial aid scheme urged students not to share personal information or myNSFAS credentials and emphasised that it will never ask for payment.
Please remember that NSFAS services are free. We will never ask you to pay a fee for assistance with your enquiries, and you should never share your personal or myNSFAS details with anyone.
How NSFAS Allowances Are Paid
University Students
University students receive their NSFAS allowances from their institutions. While NSFAS had planned to pay students directly into their personal bank accounts, this has been delayed due to an ongoing court case. Read more about how university NSFAS allowances are paid.
TVET College Students
TVET college students are paid directly by NSFAS. Students must upload their banking details to the myNSFAS portal to ensure timely allowance payments. Only students with confirmed NSFAS funding and submitted registration data can upload their details.
NSFAS has called on TVET students to resubmit their banking details.
How to Upload Banking Details on myNSFAS (TVET Students)
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Visit the myNSFAS portal.
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Log in with your myNSFAS credentials.
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Select "Bank Account Details" under "Profile Information."
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Enter your banking information.
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Click "Save."
For everything you need to know about NSFAS bursaries, loans, 2025 applications, and appeals, visit our dedicated NSFAS section.
