Easy Steps to Create an NSFAS Account for South African Students

ByEli Doyle

Creating an NSFAS account is the first and most important step for South African students who want to apply for government financial aid. Whether you are a first-time applicant, a matriculant, or a returning student, having a MyNSFAS account on the NSFAS student portal provides general NSFAS information and allows you to apply for funding, upload documents, and track your application status.

Why You Need an NSFAS Account

An NSFAS account (also known as a MyNSFAS account) is essential because it allows you to:

  • Apply for NSFAS funding
  • Upload required supporting documents
  • Track the progress of your application
  • Receive important notifications from NSFAS
  • Sign your funding agreement if approved
  • Manage your funding throughout the academic year

Colleges in Durban with NSFAS

Who Can Create an NSFAS Account?

You can create an NSFAS account if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are a South African citizen
  • You have a valid South African ID number
  • You are planning to study or are already studying at a public university or TVET college
  • You come from a household that meets the NSFAS income threshold
  • You are a SASSA grant beneficiary (automatically qualifies financially)

Both new applicants and returning students are allowed to create NSFAS accounts.

Requirements Before Creating an NSFAS Account

Before you begin the registration process, make sure you have the following:

  • A valid South African ID number

  • An active email address (preferably personal)

  • A working cellphone number

  • Stable internet access

  • Personal details that match Home Affairs records

Having these ready will help prevent delays or errors during registration.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create an NSFAS Account

Follow these steps carefully to create your NSFAS account:

Step 1: Visit the NSFAS Website

  • Go to the official NSFAS website and click on “MyNSFAS”.

Step 2: Click on “Register”

  • On the MyNSFAS portal, select the Register option.

Step 3: Enter Your Personal Details

Provide your:

  • South African ID number

  • Names and surname (as per ID)

  • Email address

  • Cellphone number

Make sure all details are correct.

Step 4: Create a Password

  • Create a strong password that meets NSFAS requirements (combination of letters, numbers, and special characters).

Step 5: Accept Terms and Conditions

  • Read and accept the NSFAS terms and conditions.

Step 6: Verify Your Account

  • You will receive a One-Time Pin (OTP) via SMS or email. Enter the OTP to verify your account.

Step 7: Account Successfully Created

  • Once verified, your NSFAS account will be active and ready to use.

Common Problems When Creating an NSFAS Account (and Solutions)

ID Number Already Registered

  • This means an account already exists. Use the forgot password option or contact NSFAS support.

OTP Not Received

  • Check network signal

  • Confirm your phone number or email

  • Request OTP again after a few minutes

Password Not Accepted

  • Ensure your password meets all security requirements and does not contain personal details.

System Errors or Downtime

  • NSFAS systems can be busy during peak application periods. Try again later or use a different device or browser.

What to Do After Creating an NSFAS Account

After creating your account, you should:

  • Start your NSFAS application

  • Upload all required supporting documents

  • Regularly check your application status

  • Respond to NSFAS requests or notifications

  • Sign the funding agreement if approved

Failure to complete these steps may result in delays or rejection.

Creating an NSFAS account is the foundation of your financial aid journey as a South African student. It allows you to apply for funding, track your progress, and manage your support throughout your studies. By following the steps outlined in this guide and preparing the required information in advance, you can complete the process smoothly and avoid common mistakes.