How to Check Your May NSFAS Allowance Status

As South African students continue their academic journeys in 2025, one critical aspect of their support system remains the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). 

For many students, NSFAS allowances serve as their financial lifeline during the academic year. With May now underway, students funded by NSFAS are eagerly waiting to receive their monthly allowances.

In this article, we explain how to check your NSFAS allowance status for May 2025 and what steps you can take if your payment hasn’t arrived.

Understanding the NSFAS Allowance

NSFAS allowances are disbursed monthly to cover the following:

1. Living allowance
2. Accommodation (on-campus or off-campus)
3. Transport (for students who live far from campus)
4. Book and learning material allowance

Who Is Eligible for the May 2025 Allowance?

To receive your May NSFAS allowance, you must:

• Be approved and funded by NSFAS for the 2025 academic year.
• Be registered at a public university or TVET college.
• Have your banking details correctly set up.
• Have your academic registration confirmed by your institution and submitted to NSFAS.
• If any of the above criteria are not met, your allowance may be delayed or withheld until the issues are resolved.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your NSFAS May Allowance Status

There are multiple methods to track your allowance status. Below are the most effective ways:

Step 1: Visit the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za
Step 2: Click on “MyNSFAS” and log in using your username and password.
Step 3: Once logged in, navigate to your dashboard.
Step 4: Under “Application Progress,” look for “Payment” or “Allowance” status.
Step 5: Check for the May 2025 allowance 

✅ Tip: If your status says “Pending registration data” or “Awaiting confirmation from institution,” contact your university or TVET college’s financial aid office immediately.

Why Your May NSFAS Allowance Might Be Delayed

Here are several reasons why your May 2025 NSFAS allowance may not yet reflect:

1. Late Registration Submission: If your institution hasn’t submitted your registration data to NSFAS, your payment will be delayed.
2. Incorrect or Missing Banking Details: If your account is not correctly set up with your payment partner, funds cannot be transferred.
3. Verification Issues: NSFAS conducts regular checks to ensure recipients remain eligible. If there’s a flag on your file, it may pause payment.
4. Institutional Delays: Some universities or colleges process updates slowly, causing bottlenecks in NSFAS communications.
5. Technical Glitches: Like any large system, occasional system failures or errors can delay processing.

Here's what to Do If Your Allowance Hasn’t Been Paid

If your allowance still hasn’t arrived by the second week of May, take the following steps:

• Contact Your Institution’s Financial Aid Office
• Ask if they’ve submitted your registration to NSFAS
• Confirm there are no issues on your student profile
• Confirm that your personal details match NSFAS records

Final Thoughts

For thousands of South African students, the NSFAS allowance is essential for surviving and succeeding in higher education. As we enter the fifth month of the academic year, it’s important to stay informed, proactive, and patient when dealing with allowance payments.

Checking your May NSFAS allowance status is easier than ever with online tools and dedicated payment platforms. However, if delays occur, knowing how to escalate the matter and who to contact can save you stress and time. Use this guide to track your status and ensure you receive what you’re entitled to.