Here's What To Do If Your NSFAS Application Rejected

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) applications are now open, and students across South Africa are encouraged to apply for funding. However, not all applicants will be approved for funding.

NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to eligible learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. This funding covers tuition and registration fees, along with various allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.

Every year, thousands of students apply for NSFAS funding. However, not all applicants are approved.

If your NSFAS application is rejected, you will see a 'Rejected' message when checking your NSFAS status. If you believe NSFAS made an error in declining your application, you have the option to submit an appeal.

How to Submit a NSFAS Appeal

1. Visit the myNSFAS website by clicking here.
2. Log in to your myNSFAS account.
3. Click on the ‘Track Funding Progress’ option.
4. Check the application progress tabs.
5. If your application status shows an unsuccessful message, click on the ‘Submit Appeal’ tab.
6. On the ‘Application Appeal’ page, review the reason for your unsuccessful application.
7. Select the appeal reason that applies to your case.
8. Upload certified supporting documents to back up your appeal.
9. Click ‘Submit Appeal’.

When You Should NOT Submit a NSFAS Appeal

NSFAS reviews appeals on a case-by-case basis, but any appeals that do not meet the scheme's eligibility criteria will be rejected.

To qualify for a NSFAS bursary:

• Your household income must not exceed R350,000. For disabled students, the threshold is R600,000. Appeals will be rejected if these limits are exceeded.
• You must be registered for a qualification that NSFAS funds. If your course is not supported, your appeal will be rejected.
• NSFAS only funds first-time tertiary qualifications. If you have already obtained a tertiary qualification, your appeal will not be considered.

Additionally:

• If your institution has not submitted your registration record to NSFAS, or if the record contains errors, you cannot appeal. These issues must be resolved directly with your institution.
• Students who have exceeded the N+ rule limit (the allowed number of years to complete a qualification) are not eligible to appeal.

NSFAS has confirmed that all students rejected for a bursary will automatically be assessed for a NSFAS student loan.