Hey there, students! The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been a lifeline for countless learners seeking funding for their tertiary education. If you're one of the lucky ones benefiting from this program, you might wonder how to check your NSFAS balance. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of checking your NSFAS balance online and share some essential tips to help you stay financially organized.

Simple steps to check your NSFAS balance online. Photo credit: National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) (Modified by editor) Source: Facebook

Checking Your NSFAS Balance Online
- How to Check Your NSFAS Balance Using Your ID Number
- How to Check Your NSFAS Balance Without Airtime
Does NSFAS Check Your Bank Account?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was launched in 1991, replacing the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA) in 1999. Funded by the South African government, as well as local and international donations, NSFAS aims to support students who need financial assistance to pursue their tertiary education. This funding is specifically designed to help financially disadvantaged students achieve their dreams of studying at public universities or TVET colleges.

If you're one of the students benefiting from NSFAS, it's crucial to know how to check your NSFAS status and ensure that the funds are being reflected correctly. So, how do you check if the NSFAS money is available in your account? Let's dive into the details.

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Checking Your NSFAS Balance Online

Checking your NSFAS balance online is easier than you think. You don't need to log in to any website to see if funds are available. Here's a step-by-step guide for first-time users:

Step 1: Set up your account and visit the NSFAS wallet webpage.
Step 2: You'll receive an SMS welcoming you to your NSFAS wallet.
Step 3: Verify your account by dialing the NSFAS USSD code *120*176# and entering your ID number.
Step 4: Once verified, you'll receive a five-digit password that you'll need for transactions.
Step 5: With your password, you can withdraw funds at various retailers, including ShopRite, Usave, SPAR, Checkers, Boxer, or Pick n Pay.

It's important to keep your password safe at all times. Anyone with access to it could potentially access and spend your funds. The NSFAS team recommends logging onto Celbux.appspot.com to update your password to something more secure and personalized.

Thousands of students across the country depend on NSFAS funding. Photo: Maskot (modified by author) Source: Original

How to Check Your NSFAS Balance Using Your ID Number

Here's the deal: You don't actually need your ID number to check your NSFAS balance. The system works just like a regular bank account, requiring only your five-digit or updated password to view your available funds. It's that simple!

How to Check Your NSFAS Balance Without Airtime

Checking your NSFAS status doesn't require airtime. You can do it in just a couple of quick steps:

Step 1: Dial the NSFAS USSD code *120*176#.
Step 2: Enter your five-digit password to confirm your available funds.

Does NSFAS Check Your Bank Account?

NSFAS will liaise with your bank to confirm your banking details, but they don't have the authority to directly access your bank account. However, when applying for funding, you must provide a certified or original copy of a recent payslip and a letter of employment for each parent or guardian who supports you. If you're employed, you'll also need to submit relevant supporting documents. This ensures that you qualify for NSFAS funding.

Will NSFAS Fund You If You Have an Outstanding Balance?

There are situations where NSFAS won't cover certain fees, including:

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Outstanding fees from previous years.
Doctor's fees.
Breakage costs.
Fines.
Rental of appliances.

Checking your NSFAS balance through your phone is quick and easy. Photo: JLco - Julia Amaral Source: Getty Images

How to Submit Your Banking Details

To ensure NSFAS can deposit funds into your account, you'll need to submit your banking details. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the NSFAS website.
Step 2: Select the 'myNSFAS portal' tab.
Step 3: Log in to your myNSFAS account using your username and password.
Step 4: Navigate to the 'profile information' section.
Step 5: Select 'bank account details.'
Step 6: Fill in your relevant banking details.
Step 7: Click the save button.

Once you've submitted your details, NSFAS will verify them through your bank. It's a straightforward process that ensures your funds are deposited correctly.

NSFAS Online Application for 2025

Applying for NSFAS funding for 2025 is simple and can be done in just a few steps. As of September 25, 2024, there are 81 days left to apply, with the deadline set for December 15, 2024. Here's how to apply:

Step 1: Go to the NSFAS website.
Step 2: Select 'register.'
Step 3: Fill out all the necessary information.
Step 4: Upload all required supporting documents.
Step 5: Confirm that all information is correct.
Step 6: Select 'submit.'

Participating retailers make it easy to access your NSFAS funds. Photo: Srdjan Pav Source: Getty Images

Supporting Documents

To increase your chances of a successful application, make sure to include the following documentation:

A certified copy of your ID document.
A certified copy of each household member's ID document (including parents or guardians).
A certified copy of your most recent academic transcript or exam/test results (not required if you're in Grade 12).
A letter confirming that you're exempt from paying school fees (if applicable).
An original or certified copy of your most recent payslip (if employed).
An original or certified copy of the most recent payslip of both parents, guardians, or anyone supporting you financially.
A copy of an official pension payslip (if applicable).
Documentation proving that your parent(s) or financial supporters are informal traders (if applicable).
A certified copy of a death certificate (if applicable).
A divorce decree (if applicable).
If your parents don't live at home, provide an affidavit explaining why.
If you're supported by someone other than your parents, provide an affidavit explaining the situation.
A certified copy of a SASSA letter if your family members receive social grants and contribute to household income.
Proof of registration or acceptance if any household members attend a TVET college or university.
Supporting documents proving a disability (if applicable).

Here's the good news: you don't need to check your NSFAS balance online. Just dial the USSD number on your mobile device to see your NSFAS status, check your balance, and get details about your available funding in minutes. Withdrawing funds is also quick and can be done at participating retailers in no time.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It's intended for general informational purposes only and doesn't address individual circumstances. It's not a substitute for professional advice or help and shouldn't be relied upon to make decisions. Any action you take based on the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

READ ALSO: SASSA Branches, Contact Details, and Office Hours (Detailed Guide)

SASSA is another government-funded program designed to assist financially disadvantaged individuals by providing essential funding to eligible South Africans. Site