Yes, in many cases, students can attend classes while NSFAS is still on verification, but this depends entirely on the institution’s registration rules. NSFAS verification itself does not automatically block academic access unless the institution enforces strict financial clearance.
If you are reading this while classes have already started, you are not alone. Every year, thousands of students sit with the same worry: accepted by a university or TVET college, but NSFAS still shows verification, awaiting evaluation, or awaiting academic results.
This uncertainty often leads to panic decisions that are not necessary and sometimes harmful. This guide explains exactly what verification means, what it does not mean, and how institutions usually handle students in this situation.
Quick Glance
- NSFAS verification does not automatically block class attendance
- Academic access depends on institution rules, not NSFAS alone
- Many students attend classes under temporary or conditional registration
- Verification becomes a problem only after a final rejection or a closed status
- Always confirm registration data submission with your institution
Table of Contents
What NSFAS Verification Actually Means
NSFAS verification is an administrative review stage, not a funding rejection, and not an academic decision.
During verification, NSFAS checks:
- Identity details and third-party verification
- Household income and supporting documents
- Academic records submitted by the institution
- Registration data uploaded by the university or TVET college
At this stage:
- Your application is still active
- Funding has not been cancelled
- No final decision has been applied to your account
Verification exists to confirm information, not to remove funding.
Does NSFAS Verification Stop You From Attending Classes?
No. NSFAS does not stop students from attending classes.
The ability to attend classes is controlled by the institution, not NSFAS.
Institutions decide academic access based on their internal rules, which differ across the sector. NSFAS does not instruct universities or colleges to block students purely because they are still under verification.
How Institutions Usually Handle Students on Verification
Most public institutions follow one of these approaches:
1. Temporary academic access
Students are allowed to attend classes while funding is being finalized. This is common during early registration periods.
2. Conditional registration
Registration is approved but marked as pending funding confirmation. Students can attend classes while NSFAS completes verification.
3. Strict financial clearance
Some institutions require either NSFAS confirmation or partial payment before granting access. This is less common but does exist.
Because of these differences, two students with the same NSFAS status may be treated differently at different institutions.
Why Many Students Are Able to Attend Classes Despite Verification
Institutions understand that:
- NSFAS verification often takes several weeks
- Registration data is uploaded in batches
- System delays are common during peak periods
Blocking students immediately would disrupt academic programmes. That is why many students attend lectures while their NSFAS status still shows:
- Verification
- Awaiting evaluation
- Awaiting academic results
These statuses are part of the normal processing cycle.
When Verification Becomes a Serious Problem
Verification becomes a real issue only when it changes into a final status or when institutional conditions are not met.
- This includes situations where:
- The application status changes to rejected
- The appeal window closes
- Registration data is not submitted by the institution
- The institution enforces strict financial clearance, and no payment is made
Until one of these happens, verification alone does not end your studies.
Can You Register While NSFAS Is Still on Verification?
In many cases, yes.
Registration can proceed if:
- The institution accepts NSFAS reference numbers
- Your application or appeal is still active
- No final rejection has been applied
However, some institutions may request partial payment while verification continues. This is an institutional policy, not an NSFAS rule.
What To Do If Classes Have Started and Your NSFAS Is Still on Verification
If classes have already begun, take the following steps immediately:
- Visit or contact the Financial Aid Office
- Ask whether temporary academic access is allowed
- Confirm that your registration data has been uploaded to NSFAS
- Monitor your NSFAS portal regularly for updates
Do not rely only on the portal without speaking to the institution.
What NOT to Do While NSFAS Is Still on Verification
This is where many students make costly mistakes.
Do not panic and withdraw registration
Withdrawing while verification is still active can complicate funding once it is approved.
Do not reapply unnecessarily
Submitting multiple applications does not speed up verification and can create system conflicts.
Do not assume verification means rejection
Verification is not a rejection status and should not be treated as one.
Do not make large payments without confirmation
Before paying registration fees, confirm whether temporary access or conditional registration is available.
Do not ignore institutional communication
Universities and TVET colleges may send important instructions that affect access during verification.
What NSFAS Verification Does NOT Mean
Being on verification does not mean:
- Funding is cancelled
- You must stop attending classes
- You have failed academically
- NSFAS has made a final decision
It simply means the review process is ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NSFAS verification?
NSFAS verification is the process by which NSFAS confirms personal, financial, and academic information before finalizing funding decisions. It is a standard stage in the funding cycle.
Why is my NSFAS stuck on awaiting evaluation?
This usually means NSFAS is waiting for confirmation from third-party systems or for registration data from the institution. Delays are common during peak registration periods.
How many days does NSFAS take to verify?
There is no fixed timeline. Verification can take a few days or several weeks, depending on system volume, document checks, and how quickly institutions submit data.
Does NSFAS give a second chance?
NSFAS allows appeals only during the official appeal window. Once the window closes, no additional appeals are accepted for that academic year.
Conclusion
NSFAS verification does not automatically prevent students from attending classes. What matters most is the institution’s registration policy and whether your application remains active. Students should focus on confirming temporary academic access, ensuring registration data is submitted, and avoiding panic decisions. Verification is a process stage, not a final outcome, and in many cases it resolves while studies continue.
Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.
