The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has urged students whose financial aid applications have been rejected or withdrawn to submit an NSFAS appeal promptly. If NSFAS rejects your application, you have 30 days to lodge an appeal.
This appeal will prompt the scheme to reassess your application, potentially changing a rejection to an approval. To begin the appeal process, unsuccessful applicants can find an appeal option on their myNSFAS accounts and click to initiate it.
There are several reasons why NSFAS might reject an application, including a household income exceeding R350,000 per annum, failure to meet academic eligibility criteria, or an incomplete application. NSFAS emphasises that students must ensure all required documents are submitted, as failure to do so could affect the appeal outcome.
To strengthen your appeal, gather all relevant documentation supporting your case, such as academic records, financial statements, affidavits, or any evidence of financial need. It's crucial to note that appeal decisions depend on budget availability.
To Submit An NSFAS Appeal
1. Visit the myNSFAS portal
2. Log in to your myNSFAS account
3. Select the 'Track Funding Progress' option
4. Check the application progress tabs
5. If your application status indicates that you are unsuccessful, click on the 'Submit Appeal Tab' to submit an appeal
6. On the 'Application Appeal' page, review the reason for your unsuccessful application status
7. Select the appeal reason, upload certified supporting documents, and click 'Submit Appeal'
When writing an appeal letter, NSFAS advises applicants to write a compelling letter addressing the reasons for their application's rejection. Be concise yet thorough, explaining any circumstances that may have affected your application. Personalise your letter to highlight your unique situation and commitment to your education.
After submitting your appeal, patiently await NSFAS's review process. This may take some time, so remain proactive and responsive to any requests for additional information.
It's important to note that funding applications closed on 15 February 2024. NSFAS has disbursed upfront payments of R2.8 billion to universities and R580 million to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to cover student accommodation and book allowances for the month.
