What Does “NSFAS Approved Status” Mean? and What To Do Next (2026). Seeing the words “NSFAS Approved” on your myNSFAS portal is one of the most relieving moments of your academic journey. After months of waiting, checking, and worrying, you finally have the green light.
But what does this status actually mean for your bank account, your registration, and your daily life as a student?
This article explains exactly what NSFAS Approved Status means for the 2026 academic year and provides a clear checklist of what you need to do next. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) uses specific terminology to communicate your funding approval, and understanding these terms is crucial to ensuring you register on time and receive your allowances without delay.
Whether you are a first-time applicant or a returning student, this guide will walk you through the meaning of approval and the practical steps that follow.
What Does “NSFAS Approved Status” Mean? (2026)
When your NSFAS status changes to “Approved,” it means NSFAS has verified your eligibility and confirmed that you meet all the financial and academic criteria for funding . However, you might see slightly different wording on your portal, and each phrase has a specific meaning.
“Provisionally Funded – Subject to Registration and Availability of Funds”
This is the most common approval status you will see before the academic year starts. It is a positive sign . It means your application has been approved in principle, but NSFAS is waiting for your institution to confirm that you are actually registered .
The phrase “availability of funds” refers to NSFAS’s budget, and in recent years, NSFAS has been able to fund all approved applicants . You can relax—this status means you are approved, and funding will be confirmed once you register .
“Approved for Funding”
This status usually appears after you have registered and the institution has sent your registration data to NSFAS. It confirms that your bursary is active and that NSFAS will pay your tuition, fees, and allowances for the academic year .
What the Bursary Covers Financially
Once approved, your NSFAS bursary covers a comprehensive list of expenses :
- Registration fees (you do not need to pay upfront)
- Tuition fees (full cost of your studies)
- Accommodation (unowned residences or accredited private accommodation)
- Transport allowance (if you live at home and travel to campus)
- Living allowance (for food and daily expenses)
- Book allowance (for prescribed textbooks and materials)
- Personal care allowance (for incidentals)
For students with disabilities, additional support includes assistive devices and human support such as scribes or sign language interpreters .
Who This Topic Applies To
Understanding what “Approved” means is relevant for different groups of students in unique ways.
- First-time applicants (FTEN): For you, approval confirms that your household income met the threshold and your application was successful. It is your ticket to starting tertiary education without financial barriers.
- Returning students: Approval for returning students is conditional on academic performance. You must meet the 60% pass rate for modules to continue receiving funding . Your approval confirms you have met these progression rules.
- TVET vs University students: The approval status applies to both sectors, but TVET students should note that funding cycles may align with trimesters. Your allowances will be paid once your registration is confirmed for the specific term .
- SASSA grant beneficiaries: If you are a SASSA beneficiary, you are automatically financially eligible. Approval for you confirms that your institution has verified your registration and academic details .
Requirements and Eligibility to Get NSFAS Approved Status
Before you see “Approved,” NSFAS checks that you meet strict criteria. Understanding these helps you know why you were approved and what conditions you must maintain.
- Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident .
- Household income thresholds: For the general bursary, combined household income must not exceed R350,000 per year. For persons with disabilities, the threshold is R600,000 per year .
- Academic requirements (continuing students): You must pass at least 60% of your modules in the current academic year to be funded in the following year . The N+ rule also applies, which sets the maximum time you can receive funding for your qualification .
- Special cases: Students with disabilities, orphans, or vulnerable children must have submitted the correct annexure forms to be approved for additional support .
How To Check NSFAS Approved Status (Step-by-Step Process)
Do not just wait for an SMS. Log in and verify your status yourself.
Step 1: Go to the Official NSFAS Website
Open your browser and go to www.nsfas.org.za. Do not use third-party websites to log in.
Step 2: Log in to Your myNSFAS Account
Click on the myNSFAS tab. Enter your ID number as your username and your password. If you have forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” link to reset it immediately .
Step 3: Navigate to “Track Funding Progress”
Once logged in, look for the “Track Funding Progress” section on your dashboard. This is where your current status is displayed .
Step 4: Read Your Status Carefully
Look for the keywords: “Provisionally Funded” or “Approved for Funding.” If you see these, your application was successful.
Step 5: Use Alternative Methods If Needed
If the website is slow, you can check your status via USSD by dialling 12067327# on your cellphone and following the prompts . You can also download the official myNSFAS app.
Documents Needed After Approval
You do not need to submit new documents just because you are approved, but you must ensure NSFAS has everything they need to finalise your funding.
- Certified ID Copy: Even though NSFAS has relaxed certification for some applications, it is wise to have a certified copy ready .
- Consent Form: You must have a signed consent form on file allowing NSFAS to verify your details with third parties like SARS and the Department of Home Affairs .
- Accommodation Documents: If you are staying in private accommodation, you may need to upload your rental agreement to the portal or your institution’s system to receive your accommodation allowance .
- Disability Annexure: If you are a student with a disability, ensure your Disability Annexure A is uploaded to access additional allowances .
Upload Tips: Use PDF format for all documents, ensure they are legible, and name the files clearly (e.g., “ID_Copy_Jones.pdf”) .
Common Problems and Solutions Related to NSFAS Approved Status
Even after approval, issues can arise. Here is how to handle them.
“My status says Provisionally Funded, but my university says I am not funded.”
- Problem: Your university has not yet received the final funded list from NSFAS, or your registration data has not been sent.
- Solution: Be patient for a few days after registration. The Financial Aid office receives regular updates from NSFAS and will allocate funding to your student account once confirmed . If it has been over a week, visit the Financial Aid desk.
“I am approved, but I have a registration block.”
- Problem: The block may be due to an outstanding NSFAS agreement that you have not signed .
- Solution: Check your email (including spam) for the NSFAS bursary agreement link. You must sign this electronically. Once signed, the block should lift within approximately five hours .
“My allowances are not being paid.”
- Problem: Your registration might not be finalised, or your institution has not confirmed your attendance.
- Solution: Confirm with your university or TVET college that your registration is complete. NSFAS allowances are usually paid during the first week of each month, but this depends on the institution sending valid registration data .
“I was approved, but now my status has changed to something else.”
- Solution: Check for any requests for information. If you do not respond to queries, your status can change. Log in immediately to see if action is required.
Important Tips and Warnings With NSFAS Approved Status
- You Do Not Pay Registration Fees: If you are approved, you do not need to pay registration fees upfront. The Financial Aid office will allocate your funding to lift the payment block . Do not borrow money to pay registration if you are approved.
- Avoid Scams: NSFAS will never ask you for money to “release” your approved funding or to “activate” your allowance. Ignore anyone on WhatsApp or social media offering to speed up payments for a fee .
- Sign Your Agreement Immediately: The bursary agreement is a legal contract. If you do not sign it, you will not receive your allowances, and you may be deregistered .
- Upload Banking Details Correctly: When prompted by your institution’s payment provider (like Fundi), upload your correct banking details. You only need to do this once .
- Know What NSFAS Does NOT Pay: NSFAS does not cover fines, gym fees, re-assessment fees, or residence deposits . Ensure you have a plan to cover these if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does “Provisionally Funded” mean I am guaranteed funding?
Yes, it means your application is approved. The funding is confirmed once you register at your institution, provided NSFAS has the budget, which they typically do for all approved students .
When will I receive my first allowance after approval?
Allowances are usually paid during the first week of each month. However, the first payment may take a few weeks after registration as the institution and NSFAS finalise data .
I am approved. Do I need to re-apply for funding next year?
No. Once approved, you do not need to re-apply. Your funding is renewed annually as long as you meet the academic progression requirements (passing 60% of your modules) .
Can I get a refund if I paid my own registration fees and then got approved?
Yes, you can apply for a refund. You must submit a refund request to your institution’s Financial Aid office, and they will guide you on the process. Note that NSFAS will not refund fees for items they do not cover, like fines .
What happens if I drop out after being approved?
If you deregister or drop out, your funding will stop. You may need to re-apply if you wish to resume your studies in the future, and you might have to repay any money paid on your behalf for the period you were not in class .
Does NSFAS pay for my honours or master’s degree if I am approved?
No, NSFAS generally only funds undergraduate qualifications up to the first certificate or degree. Postgraduate funding requires other sources .
I am approved, but my landlord wants a deposit. Will NSFAS pay this?
No, NSFAS does not pay private accommodation deposits or residence deposits .
Conclusion.
Seeing “NSFAS Approved Status” on your portal is a life-changing moment. It means the financial barrier to your education has been removed. But remember, approval is not the end of the process—it is the beginning of your responsibility.
Once you are approved, your focus must shift to registering on time, signing your bursary agreement, and attending classes. Your funding is conditional on your academic performance, so make the most of this opportunity. If you encounter any issues with your status or allowances, do not panic. Visit your institution’s Financial Aid office, contact NSFAS directly, and keep logging into your myNSFAS account for updates.
You have worked hard to get that approval. Now, go and succeed.
1. NSFAS Status Not Appearing? Reasons and Solutions
2. NSFAS Provisional Funding Eligibility Requirements
3. What is “NSFAS Waiting Evaluation”? – Complete Guide
4. What Does NSFAS Status Processing Mean? (Complete Guide)
5. How to Track NSFAS Application Online