How to Download the NSFAS Agreement Form

By Tevait Feanle •  Updated: 05/30/24 •  5 min read

Signing your NSFAS agreement form will be the critical last step before you are fully approved for NSFAS funding. So it is critical you do this timeously, and return it as soon as possible! If you’re confused as to what the form does or have questions on how to find it, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve assembled this easy guide to everything you need to know about the NSFAS agreement form to help.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

What is a Bursary Agreement?

A bursary agreement is a legal contract between a bursary provider (such as a government or a private organization) and the student who has been awarded a bursary. In South Africa, your NSFAS bursary is signed between you and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, overseen by the South African Government. This contractual agreement sets out the terms and conditions of the bursary. This includes the amount of funding, the duration of the bursary, and the obligations of the student and the provider.

The role of the bursary agreement is to ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose, that the student fulfills their academic (and any other) obligations, and that the provider’s investment in the student is protected. The agreement usually includes provisions relating to academic performance, anything applicable regarding the repayment of the bursary if the student fails to meet the conditions of the agreement, and the rights and responsibilities of both the student and the provider.

It is important for students to carefully read and understand the terms of the bursary agreement before accepting the bursary, as they will be bound by its terms throughout the duration of the bursary. It should be treated as a binding contract- as that’s exactly what it is!

How to Download the NSFAS Agreement Form

Luckily, the NSFAS agreement form can be downloaded easily through your My NSFAS portal. Head to the NSFAS website and log in.

The NSFAS agreement form will be downloaded as a pdf. You can open it using Adobe Acrobat Reader or any other PDF reader. Many browsers and cell phones now have pdf readers inbuilt into the operating system, so you are unlikely to have any issues.

Once downloaded, fill out the form by providing your personal details and sign the agreement. Once you are done, save it to your computer/phone and print out a copy for your records.

As we mentioned above, this is a binding contract. Ensure to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the NSFAS

- ADVERTISEMENT -
bursary before signing the agreement form. If you have any concerns or questions, you can contact the NSFAS contact centre at 08000 67327 or email them at info@nsfas.org.za. Don’t be shy to ask, as you will be bound to the terms once you sign.

What Does Signing of the Agreement Mean on NSFAS?

Signing the agreement on NSFAS means that the student has accepted the terms and conditions of the bursary offered by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This is the last step before you receive NSFAS funding. By signing the agreement, the student indicates that they understand the obligations and responsibilities associated with the bursary and agrees to abide by them throughout the duration of the bursary.

The NSFAS agreement is a legally binding contract between the student and NSFAS, and it outlines the conditions of the bursary. 

Who Signs the NSFAS Consent Form?

The NSFAS Consent Form is signed by the student who is applying for financial aid through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. This form allows NSFAS to collect, use, and disclose your personal information (and that of others mentioned, like your guardian/parent) for the purposes of processing and administering their financial aid application. This is a prerequisite for any ‘background check’ like this in South Africa, so it keeps them compliant with the POPIA act and the law. POPIA covers privacy and access to data in South Africa.

The student must sign the consent form as part of their application process. If the student is under the age of 18 or relies on someone else for support, the parent or legal guardian will also have to sign the form too, again due to POPIA restrictions.

How Long Does NSFAS Take to Pay After Signing?

Typically, once a student has signed the NSFAS bursary agreement form and has been fully registered and verified by their institution, the funds are sent directly to the institution within four to six weeks. The institution then allocates the funds to the student’s account.

However, in some cases, there may be delays in the distribution of funds due to verification delays or administrative issues. You can check your application status on the myNSFAS portal or by contacting the NSFAS contact centre at 08000 67327 or emailing info@nsfas.org.za for assistance.

The NSFAS agreement form is one of the most important parts of your NSFAS application, so once it is ready for you to sign, you should get it returned without delay.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

NSFAS Application Opening Date

NSFAS Application Opening Date

In this article, we provide information you may need to know about the 2024 NSFAS application opening date as well as the closing date. 

What is LAF NSFAS?

What is LAF NSFAS?

The LAF NSFAS is a binding document given by NSFAS to students to sign. The signing of this document guarantees the disbursement of your funds.

Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Deregister

Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Deregister

We've written this article to bring answers and clarity to any questions you may have regarding the cancellation of your NSFAS funding. 

How much does NSFAS Pay For Off-Campus Accommodation?

How much does NSFAS Pay For Off-Campus Accommodation?

 How much does NSFAS Pay For Off-Campus Accommodation?. The NSFAS provides funding for a variety of living and educational expenses.

What Does It Mean When Your NSFAS Status Is Blank?

What Does It Mean When Your NSFAS Status Is Blank?

so today, we are breaking down why a blank NSFAS status can occur and what to do about it. Luckily, it is not a major issue.

Why Did NSFAS Reject My Application?

Why Did NSFAS Reject My Application?

This article explains why some applications are declined and the measures you can take to appeal the decision. 

How Does NSFAS Wallet Work?

How Does NSFAS Wallet Work?

You don't necessarily have to break your neck to understand how your NSFAS wallet works; the service is super easy and accommodates everyone.

Do Government Employees Qualify for NSFAS?

Do Government Employees Qualify for NSFAS?

In this article, we examine the NSFAS bursary eligibility standards, including who is eligible to apply and who is not

How To Check My NSFAS Balance

How To Check My NSFAS Balance

In this guide, my focus is to render information on how to check my NSFAS balance online. I will also cover how to check it via cell phone & without airtime

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 Does ‘Awaiting Registration’ Mean on NSFAS?

What Does ‘Awaiting Registration’ Mean on NSFAS?

Sometimes you will find your application status showing ‘awaiting registration.’ Today, we look at what this means and what you should do about it.

NSFAS Application Evaluation Process And Meanings

NSFAS Application Evaluation Process And Meanings

But this article will shed some light on NSFAS Application Evaluation Process And Meanings.

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

How Long Does NSFAS Take To Approve Application?

How Long Does NSFAS Take To Approve Application?

On average, it takes days to a few weeks for your application to be reviewed by someone in the NSFAS office.

What Does NSFAS Cover for College Students?

What Does NSFAS Cover for College Students?

This article will present full information on What NSFAS Covers for College students at South Africa technical vocational education training colleges.