Did You Apply For NSFAS? NSFAS Login Details Explained For MyNSFAS

If you applied for a NSFAS bursary from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, you probably want to know what's happening with it.

NSFAS Login Details

You need to make sure you login to the official NSFAS website at www nsfas org za. There are other fake websites out there that are pretending to be the official site. Make sure you don't enter your personal details on any of those websites.

Tracking the progress of your National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) application regularly is an important step in the process, as you might not always receive updates on your application status. One of main challenges students experience during the application process are delays in the processing of their application.  

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING DELAYS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

NSFAS Application Status Codes

Your NSFAS status might seem stuck on 'Provisionally Funded' and you just want to move to the next step. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHAT THIS MEANS.

Perhaps you want to track your application? Or know what your NSFAS application status means? We can help!

An unfortunate turn of events would be NSFAS rejecting your application. Don't worry! NSFAS gives applicants a second chance by submitting a NSFAS appeal.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS ON NSFAS

You can also watch the NSFAS video on Youtube.

There's also some good news for a change. NSFAS has announced that students will receive an increase in living allowances.

Who Qualifies For NSFAS?

NSFAS has clear criteria for determining eligibility:

1. Financial Need: Primarily, NSFAS is geared towards students who come from households with an annual income of up to R350,000. For students with disabilities, this threshold is set at R600,000 per annum.

2. South African Citizenship: Only South African citizens are eligible to apply.

3. Academic Potential: While NSFAS emphasizes financial need, it also assesses the academic potential of applicants. Those applying for undergraduate studies must have passed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and meet the minimum requirements for their chosen course of study.

4. University or TVET College Admission: An applicant must have proof of admission or registration at a public university or TVET college. NSFAS doesn't fund private institutions.

5. Previously Unfunded: If a student was previously self-financed or funded by other means and is now in need, they can apply for NSFAS assistance, provided they meet the academic and financial criteria.

6. Continuation of Funding: For students who are already funded by NSFAS and wish to continue receiving support, they must maintain satisfactory academic performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About NSFAS

How do I apply for NSFAS funding?

To apply:

• Visit the official NSFAS website.
• Register as a new user and create your profile.
• Once registered, log in and click on the "Apply" tab.
• Follow the prompts, fill out all required information, and submit your application.
• After submission, you'll receive a reference number, which you should keep safe as it's essential for tracking your application's progress.

Note: Always ensure that the information provided is accurate and that you submit the necessary supporting documents.

What documents do I need when applying?

Here are some of the standard documents required:

• A certified copy of your ID or birth certificate.
• ID copies of parents, guardian, or spouse (if applicable).
• Proof of household income (like payslips or affidavits if your parents are unemployed). You may also have to submit a NSFAS consent form. The Consent Form allows NSFAS to confirm your household income.
• For dependent applicants, a signed and completed consent form which can be downloaded from the NSFAS website.
• If you have a disability, a completed and signed Disability Annexure A form (also available on the NSFAS website).

How do I check the status of my NSFAS application?

To check your application status:

• Visit the NSFAS website.
• Login to the NSFAS website using your username and password.
• Once you login to the NSFAS website, navigate to the "Track Application Status" tab.
• You'll be able to view the current status of your application there.

If approved, how will NSFAS funding be disbursed?

Upon approval, NSFAS will disburse funds directly to the educational institution. This covers tuition fees, accommodation, and other allowances. Certain allowances, like transport and living allowances, might be disbursed directly to the student's bank account or the new fintech companies who are managing the process on behalf of NSFAS.

What Funding Is Available For Student Accommodation?

University Accommodation:

If a student stays in an accredited university residence, NSFAS typically covers the full cost, as stipulated by the university's fees structure. In 2023 a a cap was introduced on the amount that would be paid for accommodation. This has been set at R45,000 per year. Many students have found that this is not enough to pay for decent accommodation near to their campus - particularly in big cities where accommodation is generally more expensive.

Private Accommodation:

NSFAS also provides funding for students living in private leased residences that are accredited by the university or TVET college. The amount allocated for private accommodation varies, but there's an approved rate set by NSFAS in consultation with institutions. This rate is designed to be competitive and representative of reasonable private accommodation costs.

Living Allowance:

In addition to the accommodation allowance, NSFAS provides students with a monthly living allowance. This is meant to cover costs like food, personal care, and other day-to-day expenses.

Transport Allowance:

If a student lives at home or in accommodation that's not close to the campus, they might be eligible for a transport allowance instead of an accommodation allowance. This is to assist with the costs of commuting to and from the institution.

Ten Tips When Applying For NSFAS Bursary Funding

Applying for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary can be a critical step in financing your education in South Africa. Here are ten tips to help you when applying:

Start Early:

Begin the application process as soon as possible. It isn't 'first come first served' but don't act like South Africans normally do and wait for the last minute to do anything. The official closing date is the 31st of January 2024, but why not get started as soon as possible! This helps to avoid last-minute rushes and ensures that you have ample time to gather any documents they may ask for.

Understand Eligibility Criteria:

Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying. NSFAS supports South African citizens who are in need of financial aid and intend to study at a public university or TVET college. Read through the information on our website to see that you meet the combined family income threshold.

Don't Lie On Your Application:

In previous years some people thought it would be clever to pretend their family income was lower than it was. This seemed to work at first and they got into university or college - but then when NSFAS checked - and they do - they were found out! Then NSFAS withdrew their funding and the students were left owing many hundreds of thousands of Rands to their institutions and their landlords!

Gather Necessary Documents:

This shouldn't be too difficult. Most people will find they dont need too many documents as NSFAS are able to communicate directly with organisation like SARS and Home Affairs. However if they do come back to you and ask for more supporting documents you can upload them onto the MyNsfas student portal. This usually includes your ID document, proof of household income, and academic records.

Submit Application Online:

NSFAS applications are usually submitted online via their official website. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and understand the online submission process.

Keep Passwords and Login Details Secure:

After creating an account on the NSFAS portal, keep your login details and password safe for future access. You don't want anyone to login to your account and try to hijack your application and funding.

Don't Forget To Also Apply To University Or College:

The NSFAS funding isn't paid to you - most of it is paid to the university or TVET College and the allowances are only paid once you are registered at the institution. So there's no point being accepted at NSFAS if you don't have a place at a TVET College or public university.

Check for Updates Regularly:

Regularly check your email and the NSFAS website for updates regarding your application. They will also communicate via cellphone so if you can cellphone number be sure to check your email.

Be Aware of Deadlines:

Pay close attention to application deadlines and ensure your application is submitted well before the cut-off date of 31st January 2024.

Seek Help if Needed:

If you encounter difficulties during the application process, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from NSFAS. You don't have to attend in person. You can call their toll-free number or communicate with them via one of their social media accounts.

NSFAS Bursary Applications in 2023 For The 2024 Academic Year

The application period in 2023 opened on the 21st of November. If was officially announced by Higher Education Minister Dr Blade Nzimande. He announced that no supporting documents will need to be submitted when applying. This is because the NSFAS system can communicate directly with other government departments like SARS and Home Affairs. He also said that there is no need to wait for matric results to apply.

Why did NSFAS applications open so late?

Explaining why NSFAS applications opened so late, Nzimande said:

The reason for opening in November, is so that we can afford the beneficiary shorter turn around times for decision making which is aligned to our financial eligibility assessment which requires updated SARS information.

NSFAS was waiting for SARS to complete their tax period to make sure that the availability of necessary and updated information during the application season. This strategic timing facilitates the efficient processing of a NSFAS online application and aligns with the organisation's commitment to streamlining decision-making processes.

Sassa beneficiaries will receive immediate funding decisions. In 2023, Sassa beneficiaries made up 35% of NSFAS beneficiaries.

NSFAS Appeals

Should NSFAS applications be rejected, the first-time applicant would be able to appeal immediately. Returning students will only be able to appeal from the end of November.

The Minister also said that he has called for NSFAS and the department to tie up any loose ends of 2023, which would include NSFAS appeals for 2023. They are now working on finalising appeals and the payment of outstanding allowances for 2023.

The proposed funding policy is also almost ready with Nzimande revealing that it will be released at the end of November. It will cover issues brought up this year concerning eligibility criteria and allowances, such as the R45 000 accommodation allowance cap.

NSFAS is said to have improved on application processes as well as providing quick turnaround times on funding decisions.