Here’s The NSFAS Appeals Process For Rejected Applications

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has continuously reminded students that applying to submit an appeal is a good Plan B if their bursary application has been rejected.

Bursary applications to NSFAS are usually rejected by the scheme due to students not having met the required funding criteria.

The bursary scheme has emphasized on multiple occasions that all students who exceeded N+2 or N+3 are unable to appeal their unsuccessful application. Currently, the N+1 rule is in place, which implies that students only have N+1 years to finish a degree. 

“N” is the minimum number of years allocated to complete a qualification (i.e., record time). The “+1” refers to the extra year that a student may need to complete the qualification (making the maximum time). However, whether you can appeal or not is conditional. 

Students wanting to appeal the schemes funding decisions can do so via their myNSFAS online portal, and can reapply for funding if they meet the criteria the second time around. 

Here’s how to appeal an unsuccessful NSFAS application: 

1. Go to myNSFAS
2. Log into your myNSFAS account.
3. Click the 'Track Funding Progress' option.
4. Check the application progress tabs.
5. If your application status reflects an unsuccessful message, you may submit an appeal by clicking on the 'Submit Appeal Tab'.
6. Once you are on the 'Application Appeal' page, you can see the reason for your unsuccessful application status.
7. You are then able to choose the appeal reason.
8. Upload certified supporting documents to support your reason.
9. Click 'Submit Appeal'.

It is important to note that NSFAS applicants who want to appeal will also need to complete and download a relevant propensity letter.

Here are the propensity letters available for download:

1. Failure to meet academic eligibility (PDF)
2. Appealing N+1 (PDF)
3. N+2 students with disability (PDF)
4. Registered for 50% or less (final year course credits) to complete (PDF)

It is important to note that appeals must be submitted within 30 days after the appearance of the unsuccessful status. Appeals submitted via email will not be accepted.

If an applicant is successful in their NSFAS appeal application, they will receive comprehensive funding. NSFAS bursaries cover tuition and accommodation fees. Students will also receive a transport allowance, meal allowance and a book allowance.