BestBrainz Tools

NSFAS Status Meanings – Complete Guide to Understanding Your Status

Confused about what your NSFAS status means? Understand all status types, what they indicate, and what action you need to take for each status.

Note: This is an information guide. BestBrainz is not affiliated with NSFAS. Check your official status at www.nsfas.org.za.

Understanding your NSFAS status is crucial for knowing where your application stands and what you need to do next. This guide explains all common NSFAS status types and what they mean for your funding application.

Common NSFAS Status Types

1. Application Received / Submitted

What it means:

  • Your application has been successfully submitted
  • NSFAS has received your application
  • Your application is in the system

What to do:

  • Wait for processing to begin
  • Ensure all required documents are submitted
  • Check your status regularly for updates

Next status: Usually moves to "Pending" or "Under Review"

2. Pending / Under Review

What it means:

  • Your application is being processed
  • NSFAS is reviewing your documents and information
  • No decision has been made yet

What to do:

  • Be patient – this can take several weeks
  • Check for any messages or document requests
  • Respond immediately to any NSFAS requests

Next status: Can move to "Approved", "Documents Required", or "Rejected"

If your application has been pending too long, see our guide on what to do.

3. Documents Required / Additional Information Needed

What it means:

  • NSFAS needs more documents or information
  • Your application cannot proceed without these documents
  • You need to take action

What to do:

  • Check which documents are required
  • Gather and prepare the documents
  • Submit documents immediately through myNSFAS
  • Ensure documents are clear and readable

Next status: Usually moves back to "Pending" after document submission

Learn how to submit required documents correctly.

4. Approved / Funding Approved

What it means:

  • Your NSFAS funding has been approved
  • You will receive funding according to NSFAS schedule
  • Congratulations!

What to do:

  • Verify your bank account details are correct
  • Confirm your institution registration
  • Wait for payments to be processed
  • Check payment schedule in your account

Next status: Payments should be processed. If payments are delayed, see our guide on payment delays.

5. Rejected / Application Unsuccessful

What it means:

  • Your application was not approved
  • You will not receive NSFAS funding
  • You have the right to appeal

What to do:

  • Read the rejection reason carefully
  • Determine if you can appeal
  • Submit an appeal if you believe the decision was wrong
  • Explore alternative funding options

Next status: Can move to "Appeal Submitted" if you appeal

Learn more about rejections and appeals.

6. Appeal Submitted

What it means:

  • You have submitted an appeal
  • NSFAS has received your appeal
  • Your appeal is in the queue for review

What to do:

  • Wait for appeal review (can take 4-8 weeks)
  • Check appeal status regularly
  • Respond to any document requests immediately

Next status: Can move to "Appeal Approved" or "Appeal Rejected"

Learn how to check your appeal status.

7. Appeal Approved

What it means:

  • Your appeal was successful
  • Your funding has been approved
  • You will receive NSFAS funding

What to do:

  • Verify bank account details
  • Confirm institution registration
  • Wait for payments to be processed

8. Appeal Rejected

What it means:

  • Your appeal was unsuccessful
  • The original rejection stands
  • You may have limited further options

What to do:

  • Review why the appeal was rejected
  • Check if a second appeal is possible (rare)
  • Explore alternative funding sources
  • Consider reapplying next year

9. Payment Pending / Payment Processing

What it means:

  • Your funding is approved
  • Payments are being processed
  • Payments should arrive soon

What to do:

  • Ensure bank account details are correct
  • Wait for payment processing
  • Check payment schedule

10. Payment Made / Payment Completed

What it means:

  • Payment has been processed
  • Funds should be in your account or paid to your institution
  • Check your bank or institution for confirmation

What to do:

  • Check your bank account (for allowances)
  • Confirm with your institution (for tuition)
  • Keep records of all payments

Status Update Timeline

Typical status progression:

  1. Application Received (immediate after submission)
  2. Pending/Under Review (4-8 weeks)
  3. Documents Required (if needed) → Submit → Back to Pending
  4. Approved or Rejected (after review)
  5. Payment Processing (if approved)
  6. Payment Made (when completed)

What to Do Based on Your Status

If Your Status Is "Pending"

  • Wait patiently
  • Check weekly for updates
  • Respond to any requests immediately
  • Contact NSFAS if pending for more than 12 weeks

If Your Status Is "Documents Required"

  • Submit documents immediately
  • Ensure documents are clear and correct
  • Follow up if documents are rejected

If Your Status Is "Approved"

  • Verify all your details are correct
  • Confirm institution registration
  • Wait for payments
  • Follow up if payments are delayed

If Your Status Is "Rejected"

  • Read the rejection reason
  • Decide if you should appeal
  • Submit appeal before deadline
  • Explore alternatives

Checking Your Status

To check your NSFAS status:

  1. Visit www.nsfas.org.za
  2. Log in to your myNSFAS account
  3. Go to "My Applications"
  4. View your current status
  5. Read any messages or notifications

If you can't log in, see our guide on login problems.

Status Not Updating?

If your status hasn't changed in a while:

  • Check if you have pending document requests
  • Verify your contact details are correct
  • Contact NSFAS for an update
  • Check with your institution

Related Help

If you need help with specific status issues: