What documents do I need for NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) utilizes an automated verification system that relies on the accuracy and legibility of uploaded documents.

A missing or incorrect file is the leading cause of application delays or administrative rejections.

All applicants must prepare a digital “portfolio of evidence” before beginning the online process. These documents allow the scheme to verify identity and socioeconomic status through a cross-reference with national databases.

Step 1: Primary Identity Documents

Identity verification is the first gate in the application process. The system validates these details directly with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

• Applicant ID: A clear copy of the South African ID card (both sides) or the green barcode ID book. If the applicant is under 16 and does not yet have an ID, an unabridged birth certificate is required.
• Household IDs: Clear copies of the identity documents for parents, legal guardians, or a spouse. These are necessary to link the applicant to a specific household income profile.

Technical Note: While NSFAS has previously required certified copies (stamped by a Commissioner of Oaths), recent administrative updates have focused on the legibility of the digital scan. However, it remains a best practice to have copies certified within the last three months to avoid any potential disputes during manual audits.

Step 2: Financial Proof of Income

The bursary is strictly means-tested. Applicants must provide objective proof of the total gross annual household income to ensure it falls within the required threshold (R350,000 for standard applicants; R600,000 for students with disabilities).

Required financial documents include:

• Employed Members: Recent payslips or a letter of employment (not older than 3 months).
• Unemployed Members: A signed and dated affidavit confirming unemployment status.
• Pensioners: An official pension slip or a bank statement showing the government pension deposit.
• SASSA Recipients: Generally, if an applicant is a SASSA grant recipient, no further proof of income is required, as the system verifies this status automatically. However, a copy of the ID is still mandatory.

Step 3: The Mandatory NSFAS Consent Form

The NSFAS Consent Form is a critical legal document. By signing this form, the applicant and their household members grant the scheme permission to verify financial and employment data with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and other third-party agencies.

• Format: The form must be downloaded from the official portal, printed, and signed by hand.
• Signatures: It requires the signatures of the applicant and all household members whose income is being declared.
• Accuracy: No correction fluid (Tipp-Ex) should be used on this form; any errors should be crossed out and initialed by all parties to maintain the document’s legal integrity.

Step 4: Specialized Documents for Specific Circumstances

Certain applicants must provide additional proof to verify their specific socioeconomic or physical status.

• Students with Disabilities: A completed Disability Annexure A Form is mandatory. This must be filled out and signed by a registered medical professional or a disability support office.
• Orphans and Vulnerable Children: A completed Vulnerable Child Declaration Form, usually signed by a registered Social Worker from the Department of Social Development.
• Deceased Parents: A certified copy of the death certificate for any parent or guardian listed as deceased.
• Divorced Parents: A copy of the divorce decree or a sworn affidavit explaining the separation and the current financial support structure.

Step 5: Final Verification and File Formatting

Before the final upload, all documents must meet the technical specifications of the myNSFAS portal to prevent system errors.

• File Size: Each individual file must be smaller than 2MB.
• File Format: The portal accepts PDF, JPEG, and PNG files.
• Consistency: Ensure the ID numbers on all supporting documents match the ID numbers entered in the digital application form.

By ensuring every document is current, legible, and correctly formatted, applicants significantly increase the probability of an automated approval without the need for manual intervention.