If you’ve logged into your NSFAS portal for the 2026 academic year and noticed statuses like “Awaiting Academic Results”, “Verification”, or “Application in Progress”, you’re not alone. Thousands of students — especially matriculants and first-time applicants — are currently seeing these updates.
Here’s a clear, student-friendly breakdown of what each status means and what you should (or shouldn’t) do next.
🕒 Awaiting Academic Results – What It Means
This status means your application has been successfully received by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), but a final funding decision cannot yet be made.
Why this happens
NSFAS is waiting for:
- Your final Matric results, or
- Your latest tertiary academic results (for current students)
Until these results are uploaded and verified, your funding outcome remains pending.
✅ What you should do
- Ensure your school or institution uploads your results once they are released
- Regularly check your NSFAS portal for updates
- Be patient — this status is very common for matriculants and first-time applicants
🔍 Verification Stage – What NSFAS Is Checking
When your application moves into verification, NSFAS is confirming that all your details and documents are valid and complete.
NSFAS verifies:
- Parent / guardian / spouse information
- NSFAS Consent Form
- Disability Annexure (if applicable)
- Orphan or Vulnerable Child documentation (if applicable)
Possible verification-related statuses
During this stage, your portal may show:
- ✔️ Awaiting verification
- ✔️ Awaiting documents
- ✔️ Verification completed
- ❌ Case closed (if documents are not submitted within 30 days)
⚠️ Important Warning for Applicants
If NSFAS requests documents:
- Upload all documents before the deadline
- Ensure they are clear, certified, and correct
❗ Incomplete or late submissions can result in rejection, even if you qualify financially.
⚙️ Application in Progress – Should You Worry?
No — this is a normal and positive status.
It means:
- Your application is still under review
- NSFAS has not made a final decision yet
- Your funding outcome is pending
📌 What you should do
- No action is required unless NSFAS contacts you
- Continue checking your portal and email for updates
✅ Final Tip for NSFAS 2026 Applicants
Statuses like Awaiting Academic Results, Verification, and Application in Progress do not mean rejection. They are part of the standard NSFAS assessment process.
Stay calm, keep your documents ready, and monitor your portal regularly — your funding decision will be finalised once all checks are completed.