NSFAS Portal Glitch – In a shocking development affecting thousands of South African students, a technical glitch in the NSFAS portal has delayed or blocked scheduled allowance payments for August. Many students, who rely on these funds for transport, food, rent, and tuition, have been left in financial limbo due to an unexpected system error. The issue appears to be tied to authentication failures and backend server miscommunication, leaving students frustrated and confused. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is meant to ensure that students can focus on their studies without worrying about financial constraints. However, this portal outage has triggered widespread concern across universities and colleges. While NSFAS has acknowledged the glitch, a full technical recovery is still underway. As a temporary measure, the agency has introduced a new WhatsApp fix process which allows students to manually request payment assistance, but this must be done before August 5 to ensure August payouts are not forfeited. Students have reported missing payment notifications, inaccessible login pages, and erroneous status updates saying “Pending Revalidation” or “Bank Details Error.” In response, NSFAS is urging students to act swiftly by submitting their issues via the WhatsApp helpline for verification and payment reactivation. This workaround is especially important for students who were blocked or suspended due to failed authentication. Let’s break down the critical information you need to resolve the issue and secure your August allowance.
What Caused the NSFAS Portal Glitch This August?
The glitch appears to have affected thousands of users who logged into the NSFAS portal between July 28 and July 30.
- Errors in student bank verification
- Delayed update of new application statuses
- Technical fault in user authentication
- Expired NSFAS wallet PINs
- Duplicate student entries in the backend
- High server load on payment processing day
- Failed biometric revalidation for some users
Who Is Affected and What Are the Common Error Messages?
If you’ve experienced any of the following, you are likely affected and need to act now.
- “Awaiting Evaluation”
- “Pending Revalidation”
- “Incorrect Bank Details”
- “No Payment File Generated”
- “Application Unsuccessful (Error)”
- “Not Funded – System Error”
- “Pending Identity Verification”
Use This WhatsApp Fix Before August 5 to Restore Your Payment
NSFAS has introduced a quick-response WhatsApp method to help students bypass the portal and resolve payment blocks.
Steps to Use the WhatsApp Fix:
- Save NSFAS WhatsApp Number: 078 519 8006
- Type: “NSFAS Payment Glitch August”
- Select “Yes” when asked about blocked payment
- Upload your ID copy and student number
- Enter bank details manually (do not send screenshots)
- Provide university name and campus
- Wait for confirmation message (within 24 hours)
Required Information for WhatsApp Fix Submission
| Field | Details to Submit |
|---|---|
| Full Name | As per your ID |
| ID Number | South African ID Number |
| Student Number | From your university |
| Cellphone Number | Used during NSFAS registration |
| Bank Account Name | Must match your ID |
| Bank Name | Capitec, FNB, ABSA, etc. |
| Branch Code | From your bank statement |
| Campus Name | Specify university and branch |
What Happens After You Submit the WhatsApp Request?
Once your issue is submitted, NSFAS manually verifies your account. Here’s what happens next:
- Verification of ID and student number
- Cross-checking with university enrollment data
- Validation of bank details
- Re-upload of missing payment file
- NSFAS account unblocking (if needed)
- Payment reprocessing (within 72 hours)
What You Must Avoid While Using the Fix
Even a small mistake can delay your payment further. Here’s what NOT to do:
- Don’t submit blurry ID photos
- Don’t send screenshots of bank details
- Don’t write “Unknown” or “N/A” in any field
- Don’t message repeatedly — it resets your queue
- Don’t give details from another student’s account
How Much Will Be Paid in August and When?
Students who resolve the glitch on time can expect their full August allowance.
NSFAS Allowance Breakdown for August 2025
| Allowance Type | Amount (ZAR) | Eligible Students |
|---|---|---|
| Living Allowance | R3,045 | All funded students |
| Transport Allowance | R750 | For students traveling >20km |
| Book Allowance | R500 | Annual once-off |
| Personal Care Allowance | R350 | All students |
| Housing Allowance | R2,000 | If staying off-campus |
| Meal Allowance | R1,200 | For specific universities |
| Total Possible Payment | R5,200+ | Depends on circumstances |
What to Do if You Don’t Get a Confirmation Message
If you haven’t received a message within 24 hours after submission, follow these steps:
- Resend only after 24 hours with “Still Awaiting Response” in your message
- Check if you sent all the correct fields
- Ask your university’s financial aid office to email NSFAS directly
NSFAS Official Response and Timeline
According to the official NSFAS spokesperson, the issue has been escalated to the tech division, with priority fixes being implemented. Here’s their timeline promise:
- Full resolution expected by August 3
- WhatsApp assistance active until August 5
- Payments to resume in batches between August 2–7
- SMS confirmation will be sent once each account is processed
University Financial Aid Offices Are Also Assisting
If the WhatsApp fix does not resolve your issue, visit or contact your campus financial aid department.
Key University Contact Numbers for NSFAS Issues
| University | Financial Aid Contact No. |
|---|---|
| University of Cape Town | 021 650 3545 |
| University of Johannesburg | 011 559 2027 |
| Tshwane University of Tech | 012 382 4359 |
| University of the Free State | 051 401 2111 |
| Walter Sisulu University | 047 502 2112 |
| Nelson Mandela University | 041 504 1111 |
| University of Limpopo | 015 268 2480 |
NSFAS Head Office Contact Details:
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (08:00–17:00)
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- WhatsApp Help: 078 519 8006
- Website: www.nsfas.org.za
Students are advised to act fast and submit their WhatsApp fix before the August 5 deadline. Failing to do so may result in missing out on the August allowance, which could severely impact academic and living conditions.
FAQs of NSFAS Portal Glitch
1. What is the WhatsApp number for NSFAS payment issues?
You can message 078 519 8006 with your ID and details.
2. What is the last date to apply the fix?
August 5 is the final date for WhatsApp submissions.
3. Will I lose my August payment if I don’t act?
Yes, failure to fix your account before the deadline may cancel your payout.
4. Can I use someone else’s bank details?
No, only your own verified bank account should be used.
5. How long does it take to get confirmation?
Usually within 24–72 hours after sending all correct details.