To help students be able to afford the monthly expenses associated with attending university, students will receive part of their student bursaries as a monthly stipend. As a result, many university students will find themselves in possession of an IntelliCard and on the Intellimali system. The system, which isn’t a regular bank card or gift card, can be challenging to grasp since you may not understand how it works and its purpose.
This guide should give you a comprehensive understanding of the Intellimali system.
What is the Intellimali System?
Universities such as UCT, NWU, and Unisa all use the Intellimali system. The purpose of Intellimali is to assist the financial departments of higher education institutions in disbursing funds allocated through bursaries or sponsorships.
Intellimali gives universities, colleges, and other tertiary education providers control over how students can use the funds. This guarantees that each student uses their stipend according to its intended purpose.
For example, on the Intellimali system, financial departments can determine how much students can spend on accommodation, travelling, books, and other necessities.
Then, once they make the allocation, students can access the funds according to these allocations through the IntelliCard.
Since launching in 2009, the privately-owned company has perfected the IntelliCard and IntelliCell systems. Now, these systems are responsible for alleviating the pressure and infrastructure requirements needed to distribute allowances, stipends, and funds.
Is Intellimali Part of NSFAS?
Intellimali is a privately owned and operated company and has been since it launched. The company does not form part of any university or government department. Instead, many universities and colleges use the Intellimali system to manage the distribution of NSFAS loans and other stipends. The system makes it easy for universities to track and manage how the money is used by students. It also ensures financial departments aren’t overwhelmed by the infrastructure requirements involved in distributing loans and stipends.
Who Qualifies for Intellimali?
If you receive a loan, bursary, or stipend from NSFAS, you may qualify for Intellimali. However, your eligibility will be determined by whether your university or college is using the Intellimali system. If it is, you will likely get your loan or bursary through Intellimali, and you will receive your IntelliCard and instructions to activate it during the registration week.
How Can I Use My IntelliCard?
If you are receiving a grant, allowance, or stipend through Intellimali, visit your nearest Van Schaik bookstore to receive your IntelliCard. Then once you have your IntelliCard you will need to activate it. To do this, follow the steps below:
Using The IntelliCell App:
You should note that you will only be able to download the IntelliCell app on one phone. If you try to download it on another phone, your access to the app will be blocked.
Download IntelliCell App: You can get the App on GooglePlay, AppStore, and Huawei AppGallery.
Sign In: Use Your ID number and Intellimali pin to sign in.
Enter OTP: IntelliCell will send you an OTP to the cellphone you’ve registered. Enter it to continue.
Verify PIN: Verify the pin you used to log in.
Register Card: Navigate to the burger menu and click on “Register Card.” Enter your 16-digit card number that starts with 637537.
Using Intellimali Online Portal:
Visit Intellimali Portal: Go to https://my.intellimali.co.za and click on “Account Login.”
Enter Login Details: Enter your ID Number and Pin.
Navigate to My Details: On your dashboard, click on “Go to My Details” in the centre of the screen.
Register Your Card: At the bottom right of the screen, you will see a “Register my Card” section. Enter your card number and pin.
You can also activate your IntelliCard at an approved merchant.
Once you’ve activated your card, you can swipe it at retailers like Shoprite and Checkers and Van Schaik books. You will be required to enter your pin whenever you do.
What Stores Use Intellimali?
Many stores on campus will accept the IntelliCard. Students will be able to pay for accommodation, purchase books and other items at Campus stores. However, outside of campus, Shoprite, Checkers, and Van Schaik bookstores accept the Intellimali card. Students can also withdraw the money on the card at Shoprite and Checkers.
How Do I Check My NSFAS Intellimali Balance?
There are three methods to check your Intellimali balance.
Using USSD: Dial *120*44431#. Enter your student, member or cell phone number and then follow the prompts. You can only use this method using the cellphone number you have registered to your account.
Using the Student Portal: Visit my.intellimali.co.za/login and click on Account Login. Then enter your ID number and pin. You should have created these details during the onboarding process.
Using an IntelliCard Merchant: At an accredited retailer – Shoprite or Checkers – you can ask the cashier for your Intellimali balance. The cashier will ask you to swipe your IntelliCard, and you will be prompted to enter your pin. Then, the Point of Sale will print your balance.
What Can I Buy With Intellimali?
Students will be able to purchase groceries, hardcover, paperback, and ebooks, in addition to paying for groceries and other necessities using their IntelliCard at Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Van Schaik books. They will also be able to pay for accommodation at on-campus and off-campus merchants.
Students can also withdraw any cash component on their IntelliCards from Shoprite and Checkers or transfer it to their bank accounts.
However, students will not be able to purchase a variety of items using the card, which has had limitations put on them to avoid reckless spending. These items include:
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Bulk purchases
- Airtime
- Over the counter medication
- iPads, laptops, E-readers
- Speakers and Headsets
- Sim Cards
- Cell Phones
- Hard Drives larger than 500gb
- Printers, Scanners, Copiers
- Appliances (including fridges and stoves)
- Wigs, Weaves, and Hair Implan
How To Register My Bank Details on Intellimali?
If you want to access the cash portion of your Intellimali allowance, you will need to link your bank account details to Intellimali. To do this, you should follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit Intellizone
Go to intellizone.co.za and log in using your ID number and Intellimali pin. Do not save these details to your browser if you’re prompted.
You will also need to accept the terms and conditions after reading them.
Step 2: Create Security Questions
If this is the first time you’re accessing intellizone.co.za, you will need to answer five security questions. Remember these questions, as they will help you if you are ever locked out of your account.
Step 3: Add to Your Account Details
Navigate to “account details” and click “add information” if your cell phone number and email address is missing.
Step 4: Fill in Your Bank Details and Save Changes
Once you’ve completed that step, click on the burger menu and navigate to banking. Enter your banking information accurately. Once you’ve entered your banking details, you will need to enter the password you’ve created (not your Intellimali pin) to continue.
Step 5: Enter Your Verification Code
You will then receive a verification code to your email. Go to your email and click on “Verify Bank Details”.
You have now completed the process.
Payments are made on Tuesday and Friday.
If you have any additional queries related to the Intellimali system or your IntelliCard, you can contact Intellimali on 087 230 0161 or email them at info@intellimali.co.za.
