How Long Does NSFAS Take to Verify Identity?

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 10/03/24 •  4 min read

You’ve probably completed your NSFAS application and are waiting to find out how long NSFAS take to verify identity. We’ve all been there; the wait can be daunting. 

In case you’re wondering how long it takes to verify your identity, this article has all the answers. We’ve done our homework to ease your worries by providing you with the information you need to know concerning the outcome of your application. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How Long Does NSFAS Take to Verify Identity?

Immediately! NSFAS confirms and verifies applicants’ identities when they create an account on the myNSFAS portal. 

NSFAS works with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), giving the financial aid scheme access to the DHA database for instant verification of applicants’ names, surnames and ID numbers. 

Applicants who encounter challenges with their verification are advised to consult the DHA for assistance.

How do I know if my NSFAS application was successful? 

NSFAS will send you a message regarding the outcome of your application via email, SMS and on your myNSFAS account portal. 

This will only happen once NSFAS has received confirmation of an offer for admission from the tertiary institution you’ve applied to before the start of the academic year. Simply put, candidates must be accepted to study at a tertiary institution before NSFAS can approve their funding application. 

If you’re currently in your matric year, you’ll have to wait until your final matric results are released in January, followed by a firm offer to study, before your funding application is approved. 

Applicants who have already completed matric have a shorter waiting period. They will most likely know the outcome of their application as soon as their chosen tertiary institution has made a final offer of admission. 

What To Do Whilst Waiting For NSFAS Approval Message

It’s not a nice feeling to be in the dark, especially in situations where all you can do is wait. You might not have control over the final outcome of your application, but you can certainly stay up to date with your application status whilst waiting for that message of approval. 

The myNSFAS is a useful platform for keeping track of your application. Simply log onto the portal with your usual logins and click on the “TrackFunding Progress” menu to check the status of your application. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Constantly checking your myNSFAS account can also help you detect missing information or outstanding supporting documents, which could delay your application’s progress. 

Since the outcome of your tertiary application depends directly on your funding application, as an applicant still waiting for final matric results, you may find it useful to regularly follow up with your chosen tertiary institution regarding your admission status.

Will NSFAS Send Me Notification If My Application Was Unsuccessful?

Just as it does with successful applications, NSFAS will notify an applicant if their application was unsuccessful, so they are not left wondering. 

Applicants will be notified via email and SMS if their application falls through. The outcome will also be reflected on the myNSFAS portal. 

What do I Do If My Application Is Unsuccessful?

Not the outcome you’d hoped for? It happens; it’s not the end of the world. An NSFAS application may be declined for various reasons, which will be indicated to accompany the outcome of your application. 

If your application was unsuccessful, you might either appeal the outcome if you think it’s unfair, or you may simply re-apply in the next application cycle. 

If you choose to go for the appeal route, all you have to do is log onto the myNSFAS portal and follow these 5 easy steps:

  1. Go to “Track Funding Progress” 
  2. Your application status will indicate “unsuccessful”. Proceed to click on the “Submit Appeal Tab”. 
  3. Under the “Submit Appeal Tab”, a reason will be provided for the outcome of your application. Proceed to select the reason for your appeal. 
  4. Upload supporting documents to support your reason. 
  5. Click “Submit Appeal”. 
- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How To Activate NSFAS Wallet 2026?

How To Activate NSFAS Wallet 2026?

How Much Does the NSFAS Pay for Tuition?

How Much Does the NSFAS Pay for Tuition?

How much does the NSFAS Pay for Tuition?. The NSFAS covers all tuition costs for approved students as well as an additional allowances

When Will I Receive My First NSFAS Allowance?

When Will I Receive My First NSFAS Allowance?

To give readers a thorough grasp of the NSFAS allowance system, we shall examine this query in this post along with several similar ones.

Does NSFAS Fund Teaching Courses?

Does NSFAS Fund Teaching Courses?

NSFAS always funds teaching courses. To be considered for NSFAS funding, students must meet certain eligibility criteria and demonstrate financial need. 

Which Universities And Colleges Do NSFAS Fund?

Which Universities And Colleges Do NSFAS Fund?

In this piece, we will look at the list of universities and colleges NSFAS fund and discuss what NSFAS has for private institutions. 

Where Are NSFAS Offices Located?

Where Are NSFAS Offices Located?

Knowing where the nearest physical NSFAS office is located can help you in the appeals process, the topic that shall be explored in today’s article.

What Is the Difference Between Nsfas And Fundi?

What Is the Difference Between Nsfas And Fundi?

If you are looking to fund your tertiary education in South Africa, both NSFAS and Fundi are exceptionally common ways to get financial assistance.

Top NSFAS Bursary Alternatives to Fund your Education

Top NSFAS Bursary Alternatives to Fund your Education

Not only NSFAS provides financial support for tertiary institutions; there are other NSFAS bursary alternatives and institutions

What You Should Do About “NSFAS Registered” SRD Status

What You Should Do About “NSFAS Registered” SRD Status

What You Should Do About "NSFAS Registered" SRD Status. This article explains what you should do about "NSFAS Registered" SRD status.

Reasons Why NSFAS Will Stop Funding a Student

Reasons Why NSFAS Will Stop Funding a Student

The purpose of this article, to explain and list some reasons why NSFAS will stop funding a student.

How to Check If You Are Still Funded by NSFAS

How to Check If You Are Still Funded by NSFAS

How to Check If You Are Still Funded by NSFAS. There are easy ways to check if you are funded or still funded by NSFAS.

List of Courses Funded By NSFAS

List of Courses Funded By NSFAS

 In this article, we will look at the list of courses funded by NSFAS and what you should know about these courses

What is NSFAS?

What is NSFAS?

What is NSFAS? NSFAS helps undergraduates who cannot afford tertiary education, enabling students to contribute to the country's development.

Does NSFAS Require An Affidavit When Applying?

Does NSFAS Require An Affidavit When Applying?

Does NSFAS require an affidavit. Certified identity documents, payslips, and affidavits are some of the supporting documents required by the bursary

How to Apply for NSFAS Trimester

How to Apply for NSFAS Trimester

How to Apply for NSFAS Trimester. This article explains everything you want to know about applying for the NSFAS when registered at TVET College.