How to unlock an NSFAS account: Here is everything you need to know

Many NSFAS-funded students face financial hardship when they get locked out of their wallets. When facing such a problem, the solution is often not far-fetched. Learn below how to unlock an NSFAS account in 2026.

Key takeaways

• Most students' NSFAS portals get locked due to too many incorrect login attempts.
• After multiple wrong passwords or ID entries, the failed logins trigger a security lockout.
• Sometimes, the myNSFAS portal locks for 30 minutes to 24 hours because of a temporary server issue.
• Using an old browser or having a full browser cache can also interfere with the login process.

How to unlock an NSFAS account

Unblocking an NSFAS wallet is different from unlocking the wallet. Unlocking is a temporary access issue that needs a quick fix, using the multiple channels NSFAS has provided to the general public.

Meanwhile, unblocking requires direct, detailed communication with NSFAS via email to prove identity and resolve the underlying problem. Learn how to unlock and unblock your NSFAS account below.

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How to unlock an NSFAS account online?

Here is how to unlock the NSFAS account:

• Visit the NSFAS website.

• Click on the "myNSFAS" button at the top right-hand corner of your screen.
• Enter your ID number on the myNSFAS portal login page and select the "Forgot Password" option.
• Follow prompts to verify your identity (via SMS/email link) and create a new password.
• If you don't have access to your registered contact details (email/phone number), select that option.
• Provide new contact details and upload a copy of your ID for verification.
• Wait for an SMS or email with an OTP (One-Time-Pin).
• Follow the instructions that come with the OTP to reset your NSFAS login details.

How to unlock the NSFAS e-wallet through a USSD code?

Here is how to unlock an NSFAS account through a USSD code:

• Dial *120*176# from your NSFAS-registered cellphone number.
• From the menu, choose the "Unlock with OTP" option.
• You will receive an OTP (One-Time-Pin) on your phone via SMS.
• Type in the OTP you received and press "Enter."
• You will receive a notification confirming that your account is unlocked.
• You should then be able to access your NSFAS e-wallet.

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How to unlock the NSFAS wallet using email?

To unlock your NSFAS account, send an email to unlock@nsfas.org.za with these details:

• Your South African ID Number and ID copy
• Your full name and surname
• Your cellphone number and email address
• Your physical and or postal address
• Description of your query

How to unlock an NSFAS account without a phone number?

If you can no longer access your NSFAS-registered phone number, contact the NSFAS email address uds@nsfas.org.za to reset your account.

Add scanned copies of your South African ID (or smart card) and a certified affidavit signed by a Commissioner of Oaths to email. The affidavit must explicitly request that your email and/or cell phone number be updated and must list both your old and new contact details.

The standard online "forgot password" method via the myNSFAS portal requires access to either the registered email or phone for an OTP (One-Time Pin).

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How to unblock the NSFAS account

If the wallet is blocked, send an email to unblock@nsfas.or.za and provide these details in the email.

• Your full name and surname
• Your ID number and a scanned copy of the ID
• Your NSFAS-registered phone number and email address.
• Your physical and/or postal address
• Description of the problem or why the account is blocked

Submitting multiple queries for the same issue can flood the system and cause further delays. Also, due to high volumes of queries and administrative backlogs, it may take time for your issue to be resolved.

How to contact NSFAS on WhatsApp?

The NSFAS WhatsApp number is +27 63 093 5671. Additionally, alternative NSFAS contacts include the NSFAS helpline 0800 067 327 (available on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and official social media handles:

• Facebook: @nsfas.org.za
• X (formerly Twitter): @myNSFAS
• Instagram: @MyNSFAS

You can also visit a nearby National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) centre or the financial aid office at your TVET college/university for face-to-face assistance.

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What causes the locking of the NSFAS account?

Common reasons for NSFAS e-wallet lockouts and blocks are:

• Using an old browser or having a full browser cache.
• Entering your NSFAS wallet password incorrectly more than three times will lock it.
• Hackers target NSFAS profiles to change banking details and steal funds, causing blocks.
• Unusually strange logins can lock the account.
• Unauthorized changes to your NSFAS profile can trigger blocks.

Some solutions to these problems include:

• Keep your NSFAS account logins and wallet passwords safe; don't share them.
• Check your NSFAS profile regularly for any unusual activity.
• Get training to identify cyber fraud.
• Report any suspicious activity to NSFAS or your college's bursary office immediately.
• Only use the NSFAS website and contacts (emails, numbers, and social media pages).

What happens when the NSFAS portal is locked?

When your NSFAS portal gets locked, you're temporarily blocked from accessing your account, meaning you can't check your funding status or manage your allowances.

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What can you do if your NSFAS account is locked?

If your NSFAS account is locked or blocked:

• Clear your browser's cache or use a different browser to log into your NSFAS account.
• You can wait 24 hours and double-check ID/password before you try to log back in. For security, accounts locked due to failed logins often unlock automatically after 24 hours.
• You can reset your password USING the "Forgot Password" link on the NSFAS login page. Follow the prompts to reset via OTP sent to your registered phone/email.
• If problems persist, use the NSFAS emails uds@nsfas.org.za, unlock@nsfas.org.za, or unblock@nsfas.org.za or their social media channels for help.
• Alternatively, use USSD code *120*67327# or contact NSFAS via WhatsApp number +27 63 093 5671, or helpline 0800 067 327.
• Remember, NSFAS will never ask for your wallet PIN or password via phone or email.

Is an NSFAS reference number needed to unlock your account?

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You need an NSFAS reference number to unlock your account. While your ID number is key for login, an NSFAS reference number is often generated when you reset forgotten details or unlock a locked account, especially if you need staff help or verification.

You'll typically start with your ID and email/phone, but the system might give you a reference number for tracking, or you might need to provide it to support to unlock it.

Is an NSFAS registration number needed to unlock your account?

You do not need your NSFAS registration number to unlock your account. You only need your ID number and often other personal details to unlock your NSFAS account on the myNSFAS portal.

How to activate NSFAS?

You must first be funded to activate your NSFAS account.

For all NSFAS students (registration & funding):

• Log in to the myNSFAS portal.
• Provide your ID, email, and mobile number, and verify via OTP.
• You'll get an email with a link to sign your NSFAS bursary agreement (SOF) by verifying with an OTP.

For TVET college students (wallet activation):

• NSFAS sends an SMS from 120007 to your registered number after funding confirmation.
• Reply to the SMS or dial *134*176# (or *120*176#).
• Follow prompts to create a 5-digit wallet password.
• Accept the terms and conditions to activate.

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For university students (bank account details):

• Log in to your NSFAS account.
• Go to Profile Information and select Bank Account Details.
• Enter your own bank details and save.

How to upload documents on NSFAS?

To upload documents on NSFAS:

• Log in to your myNSFAS portal.
• Find the "Submit Documents" or profile section and the required documents.
• After submitting your online application, an NSFAS reference number is sent to your phone and email.

You will use the reference number to check progress. If you don't get the number, your application wasn't submitted successfully, so you must reapply. Also, if you have trouble, some sources mention emailing missing documents to missingdocuments@nsfas.org.za.

How to check NSFAS status?

To check your NSFAS status:

• Go to the NSFAS website.
• Click the "myNSFAS" button to access the login.
• Enter your South African ID number and password to sign in.
• On your dashboard, click on "Track Application Progress" to see your detailed funding status.

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You can also use the convenient WhatsApp line +27 78 519 8006 or the USSD code *120*67327# for quick updates on your funding status.

Due to the numerous cases of students being locked out of their accounts and wallets, knowing how to unlock an NSFAS account is important because your account is a gateway to accessing and managing your funding. Being able to unlock it ensures you get your funds and stay informed, preventing delays in your financial aid.

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Source: Briefly News