UniHelp
South African education help portal

NSFAS required documents checklist (South Africa)

NSFAS does not always ask every applicant to upload documents immediately.
In many cases, the portal will tell you exactly what to upload based on your situation.

Use this checklist to prepare the most common documents, so you don’t get stuck when NSFAS requests them.

Before you start (quick tips)

  • Use clear photos/scans (not blurry, not cut off)
  • If you upload an ID smart card, include both sides
  • Only upload documents that apply to your situation
  • Keep copies saved (you may need them again for appeals)

Core documents (commonly requested)

You may be asked for:

  • Your ID (or birth certificate if you don’t have an ID yet)
  • Parent/guardian/spouse ID(s) (where applicable)
  • Proof of income (where applicable)

If NSFAS requests documents, the portal will show what’s needed.

Proof of income (examples NSFAS may request)

Depending on your household situation, NSFAS may ask for one or more of:

  • Payslips or letter of employment
  • UIF documents (if unemployed)
  • Retrenchment / termination letter
  • SARS documents (where applicable)
  • Any official proof that supports the income you declared

Special situations (only if this applies to you)

If you are a SASSA beneficiary

You may be asked for:

  • Proof/confirmation that you receive a SASSA grant (or the portal may verify you automatically)

If you live with a disability

You may be asked for:

  • A completed Disability Annexure A form (as required by NSFAS)

If you are recognised as a vulnerable child

You may be asked for:

  • A Vulnerable Child Declaration completed by a social worker (as required by NSFAS)

If a parent/guardian/spouse is deceased

You may be asked for:

  • Death certificate

If parents are divorced / separated or guardianship changed

You may be asked for:

  • Divorce decree (where applicable)
  • Proof of legal guardianship (where applicable)
  • Maintenance-related documents (where applicable)

If you are married

You may be asked for:

  • Marriage certificate (where applicable)

Returning students (or students with past study)

You may be asked for:

  • Academic transcript / latest results (where applicable)

Common mistakes that cause delays

  • Uploading a blurry or incomplete document
  • Uploading the wrong document type for the request
  • Uploading documents that don’t match the name/ID number provided
  • Ignoring portal notifications requesting documents

What if NSFAS says “Outstanding Documents”?

  1. Log into myNSFAS
  2. Open your application status / notifications
  3. Upload the exact documents requested
  4. Re-check after uploading (sometimes the portal needs time to update)

If you were rejected because of documents

Read this next:

Helpful next steps