Provisionally funded meaning in NSFAS: what you should expect
Provisionally funded means NSFAS has conditionally approved financial aid for your education needs. Full approval depends on pending confirmation of your registration at a South African public university or TVET college.

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Key takeaways
- Provisionally funded for NSFAS bursary means your application for financial aid has passed initial eligibility, but has not yet been fully approved.
- Full approval is required before NSFAS can disburse funds for your education expenses and living allowances.
- The status on myNSFAS portal will go from provisionally funded to registration received once your TVET college or university confirms your registration for an NSFAS-recognised course.
What does provisionally funded mean?
If NSFAS says provisionally funded, the scheme has reviewed your application and determined that you meet the set financial and academic requirements. However, your funding is not finalised until the scheme receives confirmation from your public university or TVET college that you are officially registered for an NSFAS-approved course.

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Why would NSFAS provisionally fund someone?
When you see the provisionally funded status on your myNSFAS portal, it means NSFAS has your funding for education-related expenses. The next step is to do the following:
- Complete or confirm your registration at your university or TVET college to activate full funding.
- Send any required documentation, like their final matric results, as soon as possible for verification.
- Sign the bursary agreement.
Keep checking the NSFAS application status on your portal for updates or additional requirements while waiting for final approval. Due to the high number of applicants, the portal may show a provisionally funded status for some time.
What is the difference between provisional and full funding?
NSFAS provisional funding and full funding status depend on the conditions of approval. Full funding means the National Student Financial Scheme has finalised and confirmed your NSFAS application for financial aid.

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What comes after a provisionally funded NSFAS status check?
Once your learning institution sends registration confirmation to the National Student Financial Scheme and all the requirements are met, the status on your myNSFAS portal will change from Provisionally Funded to Fully Funded.
The entire process from provisionally funded to fully funded status takes about 2 to 8 weeks. Once approved, funding for tuition and accommodation will be sent directly to the applicant’s learning institution during the academic year.
University students usually start receiving their NSFAS allowances in March, while TVET college learners get them about 2 to 4 weeks after classes start. Payments are disbursed monthly directly into students’ NSFAS-approved bank accounts according to the NSFAS schedule. If you encounter any problems, you can contact NSFAS via:
- WhatsApp: +27 63 093 5671
- USSD: *120*67327#
- Tel No: 08000 67327
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Physical address: The Halyard, 4 Christian Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

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Conclusion
'Provisionally funded meaning' in NSFAS is a positive status for applicants who depend on the application's success to further their studies. Students are advised to act promptly and address any pending requirements to avoid further delays in the disbursement of funds needed to keep them at a university or TVET college.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
READ MORE: What is the SARS consent form for NSFAS, and where can you get it?
Briefly.co.za highlighted facts about the SARS consent form for NSFAS funding. It is a mandatory supporting document submitted during the application process.
By signing the SARS consent form, you authorise NSFAS to obtain income information from the South African Revenue Service directly. The document typically consists of the signatures and ID numbers of the applicant, parents, and spouse if married.
Source: Briefly News



