The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) continues to play a pivotal role in helping South African students from low-income households access higher education. With the 2025 application cycle in full swing, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about your funding application. Performing a regular NSFAS status check ensures you’re on top of your academic journey and prepared to act promptly should anything change.

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In this article, we’ll walk you through how to check your NSFAS status using your ID number, explain what different application status codes mean, and what to do if your application is declined. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a returning student, this guide will help you navigate the process with confidence.

Why an NSFAS Status Check Matters

Thousands of students rely on NSFAS to fund their university or TVET studies. With so many applicants, delays or errors can sometimes occur in the application or verification process. That’s why a regular NSFAS status check helps ensure:

You don’t miss key updates or requests for documents
You are ready to sign your bursary agreement once approved
You can quickly address any problems, such as a declined status or missing info

Whether you’re checking via the myNSFAS portal or tracking your NSFAS status using your ID number, staying updated is crucial.

How to Perform an NSFAS Status Check Using Your ID Number

Checking your NSFAS application status is simple and can be done online in just a few steps. Here’s how to stay informed throughout the process:

Step 1: Visit the Official NSFAS Website

Go to www.nsfas.org.za and locate the myNSFAS Student Portal tab. It’s usually highlighted in orange on the top right of the homepage.

Step 2: Log in to Your myNSFAS Account

To access your NSFAS status, log in using your South African ID number and password. If you haven’t registered yet, you’ll need to create an account using the following:

Your South African ID number
A valid email address
A secure password

Once logged in, you’ll land on your dashboard.

Step 3: Check Your Application Status

Click on the “Track Funding Progress” or “Check Your Application Status” button. Your current status will be displayed here, along with any necessary actions.

ALSO READ: How to Navigate the MyNSFAS Portal for Maximum Efficiency: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Your NSFAS Status: What Do the Codes Mean?

NSFAS uses several status codes to indicate where your application is in the process. Here are the most common ones:

Application Submitted: Your application was received successfully.
Filtering: NSFAS is assessing your basic eligibility.
Validation: Your personal information is being cross-checked with external databases (e.g., SASSA or Home Affairs).
Evaluation: Your documents are under detailed review.
Funding Eligibility: Financial data is being assessed.
Awaiting Academic Results/Admission: NSFAS is waiting for your results or acceptance letter.
Awaiting Registration: Your institution needs to confirm that you’ve registered.
Agreement Signing: You must sign the NSFAS bursary agreement for funding to be released.
Approved: Congratulations! You’re funded.
Declined: Your application didn’t meet funding requirements.

Understanding these codes helps you respond quickly—especially if your status changes unexpectedly.

What to Do If Your NSFAS Application Is Declined

A declined status can be disheartening, but in some cases, you may qualify for an appeal. Here’s a breakdown of who can and can’t appeal:

You Can Appeal If:

Your application was declined due to missing documents or minor technical errors
You meet the criteria but were affected by extenuating circumstances
You experienced a temporary drop in academic performance

You Cannot Appeal If:

You applied for an unfunded course
You exceeded the N+ rule (standard duration + 2 extra years; +3 for students with disabilities)
You failed to meet NSFAS academic requirements without valid justification

Appeals must be submitted through the myNSFAS portal. Make sure to include all supporting documentation.

NSFAS-Funded Career Paths in 2025

Choosing the right course is essential, especially if you’re looking to maximize your NSFAS funding. Here are the high-demand fields in South Africa supported by NSFAS:

Engineering
Information Technology
Data Science
Healthcare (Nursing, Medicine, Allied Health)
Education

These fields offer promising job prospects and align with South Africa’s development needs.

Contacting NSFAS for Support

If you encounter issues with your application or need clarification on your NSFAS status, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here are the best ways to get in touch:

Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
Facebook: NSFAS Facebook Page
Twitter/X: @myNSFAS
Instagram: @myNSFAS

Having your ID number and application reference number ready will speed up the support process.

Keep Checking: Don’t Miss Important NSFAS Updates

Regularly checking your NSFAS status using your ID number is a proactive step every student should take. From awaiting documents to final approval, each stage has specific actions you may need to complete.

Once your application is approved, remember to:

Sign your bursary agreement on myNSFAS
Confirm your registration with your university or TVET college
Stay updated with notifications or email requests from NSFAS

Stay Empowered with NSFAS Status Check Tools

Your academic future is too important to leave to chance. By using tools like myNSFAS and performing regular NSFAS status checks, you’re taking charge of your journey. Whether you’re monitoring progress, appealing a decision, or confirming your registration, every step matters.

Don’t wait—log in, check your NSFAS status, and stay ahead of the game in 2025.

ALSO READ: NSFAS Allowance Increase 2025: What Students Need to Know