The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) received around 2 million funding applications for the 2024 academic year. While many of these students were approved for funding, some applications submitted by individuals were rejected by the scheme.
NSFAS offers comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.
The financial aid scheme indicated that of the total applications received, the scheme provisionally funded 967,303, immediately approved 779,769 SASSA beneficiaries, and secured funding for 191,493 non-SASSA applicants.
However, Over 100,000 applications have been rejected, with more than a thousand appeals already submitted. Rejection reasons include exceeding the household income limit, academic ineligibility, or incomplete applications.
Applicants who submit appeals are essentially requesting NSFAS to relook at their application in the hope of their bursary or loan application being approved.
Students Struggling To Submit Appeals
It's important to note that applicants whose NSFAS applications are rejected have 30 days to submit an appeal. Not being able to submit this appeal application is therefore stressful for many students.
Students are struggling to access the NSFAS appeals tab on the myNSFAS portal with many calling for assistance from NSFAS. Students further report receiving error messages when attempting to submit a NSFAS appeal.
The financial aid scheme says they are aware of the system error and are working to resolve it. Students have been encouraged to continue monitoring the NSFAS portal for appeal updates.
Please kindly note we are currently aware of the error and it's being fixed by our technicians. Continue to monitor the myNSFAS portal for appeal updates.
How To Submit A NSFAS Appeal
- Click here to visit the myNSFAS website.
- Log into your myNSFAS account.
- Click the 'Track Funding Progress' option.
- Check the application progress tabs.
- If your application status reflects an unsuccessful message, you may submit an appeal by clicking on the 'Submit Appeal Tab'.
- Once you are on the 'Application Appeal' page, you can see the reason for your unsuccessful application status.
- You are then able to choose the appeal reason.
- Upload certified supporting documents to support your reason.
- Click 'Submit Appeal'.
NSFAS reminded applicants that all appeals are subject to budget availability and can be submitted online through the myNSFAS Portal.
