How Long Does It Take to Be Approved by NSFAS?

Applying for funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) can be a lifeline for many South African students who want to further their studies at public universities or TVET colleges. One of the most common questions applicants ask is: “How long does it take to be approved by NSFAS?”

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including when you applied, whether your application is complete, whether supporting documents are valid, and how quickly your chosen institution submits registration data to NSFAS. 

This post breaks down the full NSFAS approval process so you’ll know what to expect and how to prepare.

NSFAS Approval Process: Step-by-Step

1. Application Submission

The NSFAS application cycle typically opens around late September or early October and closes by the end of December. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of being processed early.

Once you apply through the myNSFAS online portal, your application goes through an initial automated check. NSFAS verifies your:

• ID number
• Household income (through SARS and other databases)
• Academic eligibility (for returning students)
• Disability status (if applicable)

NOTE: After your application is submitted successfully, you will receive a reference number, which confirms that your application has been received and is in the queue for review.

The submission step itself is immediate, but your application will move to the “Awaiting Evaluation” status soon after. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how busy the system is.

2. Application Evaluation

Once your application is marked “Awaiting Evaluation,” NSFAS starts checking the details you provided. During this time, they verify:

• Your household income (must be less than R350,000 per year, or R600,000 for students with disabilities)
• Whether your documents (e.g., ID, proof of income, consent forms) are valid and legible
• Whether you meet the academic criteria (e.g., passing at least 50% of your modules if you're a returning student)
• If any documents are missing or unclear, you’ll receive a notification to upload the correct documents. Failure to respond to document requests can delay your application or result in rejection.

Evaluation typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how early you applied and how many applications NSFAS is processing at the time.

3. Funding Eligibility and Confirmation 

After evaluating your application and verifying your documents, NSFAS will update your status. If successful, your status may change to:

• “Application Approved” – you have been approved for funding, but the funding still depends on whether your institution registers you.
• “Awaiting Registration” – NSFAS is waiting for your university or TVET college to send your registration data.

Even if your application is approved, NSFAS cannot release any funding until they receive confirmation from your institution that you’re registered for the academic year.

It depends on when your institution submits the registration data to NSFAS.

This can take 1 to 3 weeks after you register at your institution.

Some institutions submit data in bulk, while others do it in phases, which may delay your approval.

4. Final Approval and Payment

Once NSFAS receives your registration data and matches it with your approved application, your status changes to:

“Funding Approved” – which means NSFAS will begin disbursing your allowances.

You’ll start receiving your accommodation, transport, living, and learning material allowances based on your specific circumstances.

Payments usually begin in March or April, depending on how soon the registration information is processed and uploaded by your institution.

If everything goes smoothly, from application to payment, it can take about 6 to 10 weeks from the date of application to the date of first payment.

Factors That Can Delay NSFAS Approval

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documents

If you upload blurry or incorrect documents (like missing signatures on consent forms), NSFAS will ask you to resubmit. This can set your application back by weeks.

2. Late Registration by Your Institution

If your university or TVET college delays submitting registration data, NSFAS cannot process final approvals or release payments.

3. Appeals

If your application was rejected and you submit an appeal, this can extend your wait by another 4 to 6 weeks, or even longer.

4. System Backlogs

During peak season (January–March), NSFAS receives hundreds of thousands of applications, which naturally slows down processing times.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take to be approved by NSFAS?

On average, the full NSFAS application and approval process can take 6 to 12 weeks, from submission to first payment — if everything goes smoothly. However, delays caused by missing documents, institutional backlogs, or appeals can stretch this timeline.

The key is to apply early, submit accurate information, and stay actively involved by checking your application status regularly. 

Remember, NSFAS funding can be the difference between continuing your studies or missing out on a full academic year — so take the process seriously and act promptly.