NSFAS Application Status Meaning: If you’ve finished your NSFAS Online Application and have been monitoring your application status, you may encounter various terminologies.
NSFAS Application Status and meaning
There are nine (9) distinct NSFAS application statuses that students who have applied for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) may encounter when tracking the progress of their applications. Below, we will provide an explanation of these NSFAS application statuses to help you better understand them.
- Application Submitted
- Filtering
- Validation
- Evaluation
- Funding Elighibility
- Awaiting Academic Results or Admission
- Awaiting Registration
- Signing of Agreement
- Payment
Application Submitted
When reviewing your NSFAS application status, you might encounter the term “Application submitted.” This status indicates that you have successfully completed and submitted your funding application.
Furthermore, when your NSFAS application status displays “Application Submitted,” it signifies that your application has been received, fully processed, and is currently within the NSFAS system.
In essence, NSFAS is confirming your successful application submission when your status reads “application is submitted.”
Filtering
When you check your NSFAS application status and it displays “Filtering,” this indicates that NSFAS is in the process of determining whether you are a new applicant or a returning student applicant, and whether you meet the eligibility criteria for NSFAS funding.
NSFAS caters to both prospective students and those returning for further education, and this filtering stage helps them identify the nature of your application so they can process your bursary accordingly.
Here’s the key point: If you are a returning student but applying for the first time, you are still considered a new or first-time applicant. The only difference is that the information you provide reveals your status as a current TVET or university student (returning student).
Conversely, if you are a returning student who previously applied for NSFAS but had your application rejected, you are classified as a returning student reapplying for funding. In such cases, we recommend referring to our comprehensive guide on “How Do I Reapply For NSFAS.”
However, returning students whose funding was canceled merely need to submit an NSFAS Appeal Motivational Letter.
At this point, we hope you have a clearer understanding of NSFAS application statuses and their meanings. Now, let’s continue.
Validation
When your status displays “Validation,” it means that SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) and the Department of Home Affairs are currently conducting third-party verifications. It’s important to note that if you are receiving financial assistance from NSFAS, you may not be eligible for a SASSA grant. However, if you are receiving funding from SASSA, you are still eligible to apply for NSFAS support.
Evaluation
The “Validation” status signifies that SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) and the Department of Home Affairs are in the process of conducting third-party checks. It’s essential to understand that if you are already receiving financial aid from NSFAS, you might not qualify for a SASSA grant. Conversely, if you are currently receiving funding from SASSA, you can still apply for NSFAS assistance.
Funding Eligibility
Within the context of an NSFAS application, the term “Financing Eligibility” indicates the process of scrutinizing the details you’ve supplied regarding your household’s financial circumstances.
To be eligible for NSFAS funding, students need to demonstrate that their household income does not exceed R350,000 per year.
Awaiting Result
In addition to verifying your academic achievements, this NSFAS application status signifies that you have secured admission to the institution you applied to or are already enrolled.
It is crucial to inform NSFAS promptly once you have received admission to your chosen school. NSFAS relies on your university’s confirmation of your admission status before they can proceed with approving your application.
Awaiting registration
When you visit NSFAS’ status check page, you may come across the status “Awaiting Registration,” which indicates that your institution has not yet forwarded your registration details to NSFAS.
It’s essential to understand that if your institution fails to provide NSFAS with your registration information, NSFAS will be unable to proceed with funding you through a bursary arrangement.
The signing of the agreement
If your NSFAS status is “Signing Agreement,” you must sign your bursary contract before NSFAS will distribute your allowances.
You have now been approved for a grant from NSFAS Bursary Funding. All you have to do is sign the consent form provided by NSFAS to agree to the loan contract.
Payment
“Payment” in the NSFAS status indicates that your allowances have been paid, and you can withdraw it or use it at NSFAS partners.