How to Check Your DTEF Application Status

After successfully navigating the online application portal and submitting your documents, the waiting game begins. The anxiety of waiting to hear if your tertiary education will be funded is high, but the DTEF provides digital tools to help you track your progress without needing to visit their offices in Gaborone.

Using the Online Portal

The primary and most efficient method to check your status is through the same portal you used to apply.

1. Log In: Go to tef.gov.bw and log in using your Omang and the password you created during registration.
2. Dashboard: Once logged in, navigate to your student dashboard. Look for an area labeled "Application Status" or "My Applications."
3. Status Indicators: Your application will move through several stages. You might see statuses like:
   • Pending / Received: Your application is in the system but has not yet been processed.
   • Under Review: Officials are currently verifying your eligibility and your documents.
   • Approved / Sponsored: Congratulations! Your funding has been secured.
   • Rejected: Your application was not successful. (Often accompanied by a reason, such as missing documents or falling below the cut-off point).

Publication of Lists

In addition to the online portal, the DTEF traditionally publishes the master lists of approved students. These lists are usually:

• Posted physically at the DTEF headquarters.
• Shared digitally via the official DTEF Facebook page (often categorized by institution, e.g., "UB Sponsored List", "BIUST Sponsored List").
• Sometimes printed in national newspapers like the Daily News.

What to do if your status is 'Rejected'

If your application is rejected, do not panic immediately. First, read the reason provided. If you were rejected because you uploaded the wrong document or there was a discrepancy (one of the common reasons for rejection), there is usually an appeals period.

During the appeals window, you can submit the correct documents or an affidavit to rectify the error. However, if you were rejected because you did not meet the points cut-off, the decision is generally final for that academic year. If you have technical issues logging in to check your status, reach out to the official DTEF helpline.