How to fill an NSFAS consent form correctly with this step-by-step guide. Learn what to complete for different family situations, avoid common mistakes, and submit your form with confidence.
Most students struggle to fill an NSFAS consent form because they never get a straight answer.
Search online and you’ll find articles that explain what the consent form is, but very few actually show you how to complete it based on your own family situation. Ask friends, and you’ll probably get different answers because what worked for them may not work for you.
The truth is that not every student fills in the NSFAS consent form the same way.
A student who has both parents alive will complete certain sections differently from someone whose mother or father has passed away. A student with a legal guardian will not complete the form in the same way as someone whose parents are their legal guardians. Even the spouse section is completed differently depending on your marital status.
That is exactly why many students become confused.
This guide explains every common scenario, points out the sections that usually cause mistakes, and shows you how to complete your NSFAS consent form correctly before uploading it. If you follow this guide carefully, you’ll know exactly which sections apply to you and which ones should be left blank.
How to Fill an NSFAS Consent Form (Step-by-Step Guide)
Before writing anything on the form, you need to make sure you are using the latest official NSFAS consent form.
Always download it directly from the official NSFAS website rather than relying on copies shared on WhatsApp or social media.
You can get the latest version here:
After downloading it:
- Print the form.
- Complete it using a black ink pen.
- Write clearly using block letters where required.
- Make sure every signature is original.
- Scan or take a clear photo before uploading it to your NSFAS application portal where the consent form is requested.
Why Does NSFAS Ask Some Students for a Consent Form?
One question many applicants ask is:
“Why did NSFAS ask me for a consent form but not my friend?”
The answer is simple.
Not every applicant answers the online application questions in exactly the same way.
During your application, NSFAS asks questions about your parents, guardian, household and other personal information. Your answers determine which supporting documents you must submit.
For example:
- Some students may only need an ID document.
- Others may be asked for proof of income.
- Some may be required to submit a consent form.
- Others may also need a declaration form or additional supporting documents.
This process helps NSFAS verify the information you provided and determine whether you qualify for funding.
Unfortunately, some applicants deliberately provide incorrect information because they believe it will help them avoid submitting extra documents such as the consent form.
That is never a good idea.
Providing false information can delay your application, lead to additional verification requests, or even result in your application being declined if inconsistencies are discovered.
Always answer every application question honestly.
Rumours About the NSFAS Consent Form
One of the biggest rumours among students is that:
“If NSFAS asks for a consent form, your application will take much longer to be approved.”
This is not entirely true.
Every NSFAS application is processed differently.
Some students upload their consent form today and receive approval the very next day.
Others may wait several weeks.
Some may even wait two months or longer depending on the verification process.
There is no fixed waiting period after submitting a consent form.
Once you’ve uploaded the required document, the only thing you can do is monitor your application status and wait for NSFAS to complete its verification process.
Trying to compare your application with someone else’s usually causes unnecessary stress because every application is unique.
Before You Start Filling in the Form
Before writing anything:
- Download the latest official form.
- Print all pages.
- Use a black ink pen.
- Write neatly and clearly.
- Do not use correction fluid.
- Ensure every required signature is completed.
- Double-check every section before uploading.
Small mistakes such as unreadable handwriting, missing signatures or incomplete information can result in your documents being rejected.
Scenario 1: You Have Both Parents Alive
This is the most common situation.
If both your mother and father are your parents and guardians, completing the form is straightforward.
You should:
- Complete all the required details for your father.
- Complete all the required details for your mother.
- Tick the boxes relating to Father and Mother where required.
- Leave the Guardian section blank because your parents are your guardians.
- Leave the Spouse section completely blank if you are not married.
If you are married, then complete the spouse section where applicable.
Finally:
- Make sure both parents sign wherever their signatures are required.
- Check that all handwriting is clean and easy to read.
Scenario 2: One Parent Has Passed Away
Many students become confused here.
For example:
- Your father is your guardian and your mother is deceased.
- Your mother is your guardian and your father is deceased.
In this situation, you should complete the details for the living parent or legal guardian only, following the information requested on the form.
Do not attempt to complete personal details for someone who has passed away unless the form specifically instructs you to do so.
The important thing is that the details provided match the circumstances you declared during your NSFAS application.
Make sure the living parent or guardian signs wherever required before submitting the form.
What About the Guardian Section?
The guardian section is only relevant if you have a recognised guardian instead of your parents.
If your parents are your legal guardians, you generally do not complete the guardian section.
If your legal guardian is the person responsible for you, then complete the guardian details as required on the form.
Always ensure the information matches what you declared during your online NSFAS application.
Consistency is important during verification.
Should You Complete the Spouse Section?
Most NSFAS applicants are not married.
If you are not married, leave the spouse section blank.
Do not tick the spouse box.
Do not enter any information.
If you are legally married, then complete the spouse section according to your circumstances.
Common Mistakes That Delay NSFAS Documents
Many consent forms are rejected because of simple errors.
Some of the most common include:
- Missing signatures.
- Using blue or coloured ink instead of black.
- Poor handwriting that cannot be read.
- Uploading blurred photographs.
- Uploading only some pages instead of the complete document.
- Leaving required fields incomplete.
- Providing information that does not match the details submitted during the online application.
Taking a few extra minutes to review your form can save you weeks of unnecessary delays.
Check Your Form Before Uploading
Before uploading your consent form, go through this checklist:
- Every required section has been completed.
- Every required signature is present.
- The handwriting is neat and readable.
- The scan or photograph is clear.
- All pages are included.
- The information matches your NSFAS application.
Once you’re satisfied, upload the document through your NSFAS portal where the consent form has been requested.
Ask Your Campus Student Support Services to Check It
If you’re already registered at a university or TVET college, there is one extra step that many students overlook.
Before uploading your consent form, visit your institution’s Student Support Services (SSS) office.
The staff can often review your completed form and point out obvious mistakes before you submit it.
Correcting a missing signature or incomplete section before uploading is much easier than waiting for NSFAS to reject the document and request a resubmission.
If your campus offers this service, it’s worth taking advantage of it.
What You Should Remember
Completing an NSFAS consent form is much easier once you understand that there is no single version that applies to everyone. The way you complete the form depends on your family circumstances, whether both parents are alive, whether you have a legal guardian, and whether you are married.
The most important thing is to provide honest information, complete only the sections that apply to your situation, and make sure every required signature is included. Avoid rushing through the document, because small mistakes such as missing signatures or unreadable handwriting can slow down the verification process.
After submitting your consent form, be patient. Some students receive approval quickly, while others wait longer. The waiting time varies from one application to another, and there is no way to predict exactly when your status will change.
If you are unsure about anything before uploading, let your campus Student Support Services review the form first. A quick check can give you confidence that everything has been completed correctly before you submit your documents to NSFAS.