Reasons why your NSFAS fees are not paid

By Thabo · Mar 5, 2025
Reasons why your NSFAS fees are not paid picture

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a vital role in supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds in South Africa. It covers tuition, accommodation, transport, and living expenses for students at public universities and TVET colleges. However, many students face delays or complications with their NSFAS funding, which can disrupt their academic journey. In this blog, we'll explore the common reasons why NSFAS fees might not be paid, and provide guidance on how to resolve these issues.

 

Common Reasons NSFAS Fees Are Not Paid

1. Eligibility Issues

NSFAS has strict eligibility criteria, and if a student fails to meet these requirements, their fees may not be covered. Below are some of the key eligibility issues that can prevent payment:

  • Income Exceeds the Limit
    NSFAS bursaries are only available to students whose household income is below a certain threshold. If your family's annual income exceeds R350,000 (or R600,000 for students with disabilities), you won't qualify for funding.
  • Non-South African Citizen or Permanent Resident
    Only South African citizens or permanent residents are eligible for NSFAS funding. If you're an international student or haven't secured permanent residency, you won't receive financial assistance.
  • Already Have an Undergraduate Qualification
    If you've already completed an undergraduate qualification and are seeking to pursue another, NSFAS will not fund your studies.
  • Private Institution Enrollment
    NSFAS only covers students at public institutions. If you are enrolled in a private institution, you won’t be eligible for funding.
  • Non-DHET or SAQA-Approved Course
    NSFAS funding is only available for programs that are approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). If your course isn't approved, you won't receive funding.
  • Failure to Meet Academic Progression Requirements
    NSFAS requires students to maintain academic progress in their studies. If you fail to meet the necessary academic standards or exceed the N+ Rule (the maximum number of years allowed to complete your course), funding may be suspended.

2. Payment Processing Delays

Even if you're eligible for funding, there are several reasons your NSFAS fees might not be paid due to delays in payment processing:

  • Institutional Delays
    One of the most common reasons for payment delays is when your institution fails to submit necessary registration data or funding allocation information on time. This can significantly affect the disbursement of your funds.
  • System Issues
    NSFAS occasionally experiences technical glitches or system upgrades that can delay payments. For example, during data adjustments or system updates, some payments may be delayed, especially during critical periods like exam time.
  • Incomplete or Incorrect Student Information
    If your personal information, such as your banking details or documentation, is incomplete or incorrect, payments will be delayed until the issue is resolved. Ensure that all required documents are submitted and that your banking details are up to date.
  • Disciplinary Actions
    In some cases, NSFAS funding can be suspended due to student misconduct or academic probation. If you're facing disciplinary actions, funding will only resume once the issue is resolved.
  • Reapplication Requirements Not Met
    Continuing students who change institutions or those who fail to reapply for funding may experience delays. Make sure to follow the reapplication process if necessary, as failure to do so will prevent NSFAS from releasing funds.

 

How to Check the Status of Your NSFAS Application

If your NSFAS fees have not been paid, the first step is to check the status of your application. You can easily do this through the NSFAS portal, where you can track your application and verify if any additional documents or information are needed.

Additionally, keep an eye on your email and the NSFAS portal for any updates or communication about your funding status.

 

Steps to Take if Your Fees Are Not Paid

1. Contact NSFAS Support

If you're unable to identify the cause of the issue, reach out to NSFAS directly. You can contact their support team via their helpline, email, or social media channels. Be sure to provide your ID and student number for quick assistance.

2. Follow Up with Your Institution

Since universities and TVET colleges play a role in processing NSFAS payments, it's essential to follow up with your institution's financial aid office. Confirm that your registration details and funding information have been submitted correctly to NSFAS.

3. Correct Any Documentation Issues

If the issue is related to incomplete or incorrect documentation, make sure to provide the necessary paperwork as soon as possible. Commonly required documents include proof of address or updated banking details.

 

NSFAS Contact Details

If you have any issues or queries regarding your NSFAS funding, you can reach out to them through the following contact channels:

NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre

Account, Payment, and Balance Enquiries

For queries regarding payments and balances:

General and Student Enquiries

For all other student-related queries:

Physical Address (Head Office)

The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

NSFAS Ethics & Fraud Hotline

To report fraud or corruption:

Outreach and Community Event Invitations

For inquiries regarding outreach or community events:

Media Inquiries

For media-related inquiries:

Make sure to reach out to the appropriate contact channel based on your query for prompt assistance.

 

Conclusion

While NSFAS offers crucial financial support to students, there are several reasons why fees might not be paid, ranging from eligibility issues to processing delays. It's essential to stay proactive by checking your NSFAS application status regularly, communicating with your university’s financial aid office, and ensuring your documents and details are correct. If you encounter issues, don't hesitate to reach out to NSFAS and your institution for assistance. By staying informed and addressing potential problems promptly, you can minimize disruptions to your academic journey and ensure that your funding is processed without delay.

 

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