Applying for NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) can be a stressful process, but avoiding common mistakes and following the proper steps can improve your chances of being funded. Here’s a detailed guide to help you succeed with your NSFAS application.
Contents
- 1. Create and Verify Your Profile Correctly
- 2. Choose the Right Institution Type
- 3. Understand Your Funding Type
- 4. Fill in Your Academic Details Accurately
- 5. Submit the Right Documents
- 6. Verify Your Contact Information
- 7. Apply Early and Avoid Last-Minute Mistakes
- 8. Monitor Your Application Status
- 9. Understand the Role of Other Bursaries
- 10. Ask for Help If Needed
- Final Thoughts
1. Create and Verify Your Profile Correctly
The first step is creating a profile on the NSFAS portal. It may seem simple, but many applicants make avoidable mistakes:
- Use your own phone number and email address. Avoid borrowing these from others as you need access to verify your account and receive important updates.
- When setting up your profile, double-check your ID number, name, and date of birth. These must match the records at Home Affairs.
- Write down your password and keep it safe. Forgetting it can cause delays later.
Once your profile is set up, NSFAS sends you a verification code. Enter this correctly to finalise your account. If verification is incomplete, your status will remain “pending verification”, which halts the process.
2. Choose the Right Institution Type
During the application, NSFAS will ask whether you’re applying to a public or private university. Many applicants mistakenly select “private” for public universities like the University of Johannesburg or Durban University of Technology. Always choose “public” unless your institution is private.
3. Understand Your Funding Type
NSFAS categorises applicants based on their household income and SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) status:
- If you’ve ever received SASSA grants, you qualify for a bursary.
- If your household income is R350,000 or less annually, you also qualify for a bursary, even if you didn’t receive SASSA.
- Applicants with household incomes above this threshold must apply for a loan.
Choose the correct funding type to avoid delays.
4. Fill in Your Academic Details Accurately
When NSFAS asks for your highest level of qualification, follow these tips:
- If you’re currently in matric, select Grade 11, as your Grade 12 results aren’t final yet.
- If you’ve completed matric, select Grade 12.
Choose up to three course options from the universities you’ve applied to. If your specific course isn’t listed, select a related field. For example, if you applied for occupational therapy, you might need to select “health sciences.”
5. Submit the Right Documents
NSFAS verifies your information through Home Affairs, SASSA, and other databases. However, if your details aren’t already in these systems, you must provide:
- A signed consent form including both parents’ details (if applicable).
- Certified copies of your ID and your parents’ IDs.
Double-check all uploads to ensure the documents are clear and legible.
6. Verify Your Contact Information
Many applications remain incomplete because applicants fail to verify their phone numbers or email addresses. This step is crucial to move your application from pending to provisionally funded.
7. Apply Early and Avoid Last-Minute Mistakes
Applications for NSFAS open months in advance, but spots fill up quickly. Applying early reduces the chances of encountering system errors or delays.
8. Monitor Your Application Status
Once you’ve applied, regularly check your status. If it says “provisionally funded, subject to registration”, this means you’ve been approved but need to finalise your university registration.
9. Understand the Role of Other Bursaries
Even if you’re applying for NSFAS, it’s wise to apply for other bursaries as well. NSFAS can cover your registration, and other bursaries can complement this funding. For example, some bursaries require confirmation of NSFAS funding before processing their payments.
10. Ask for Help If Needed
NSFAS has a high volume of applicants, making direct responses challenging. However, there are online resources and community forums where you can get help. Always rely on trusted sources to avoid scams.
Final Thoughts
NSFAS is a lifeline for thousands of South African students, but securing funding requires careful attention to detail. By following these steps, double-checking your information, and applying early, you’ll greatly improve your chances of being funded.
If you encounter any challenges, remember: preparation and accuracy are key!
