While student funding applications by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are still open, some students have already received feedback that they do not meet the academic eligibility requirements for funding.
This is often the case for applying students who, according to the bursary scheme, will have been found to have attained poor academic results and consequently fail to meet the bursary scheme’s eligibility criteria
NSFAS has however stated that this cohort of students can appeal their student funding application if they meet the following requirements:
Requirements For A NSFAS Application Appeal If You Are Academically Ineligible
- If you are a student that is a continuing student who did not participate in the FTEN or FTF programme during their prior academic year;
- If the student's inability to finish their academic term effectively was brought on by serious illness for two or more months of the term, during exams, or because a member of their close family passed away during the term,
- If as a student you fell pregnant during the academic term, gave birth, and the institution determined that you had the potential to complete your qualification in another academic term; or if as a student you were the victim of a violent crime (such as rape or abuse)
- If you are a student with a disability who, according to a medical report, was unable to finish your academic term because of the nature of your disability, the institution has determined that you are likely to finish your studies within an additional academic term.
- If you can provide evidence that the academic results received by NSFAS are incorrect.
- If you are a continuing student who meets all other eligibility requirements and was a first-time entrant (FTEN) or first-time-faculty (FTF) student during your previous academic term of study, you do not need to lodge an appeal. You will be automatically financed for your subsequent academic term.
To date, during the last academic year, the bursary scheme approved a total of 46,070 applications for students who submitted appeals.
This figure consists of 18,424 appeals from continuing students and a further 27,646 appeals from new applicants. The bursary programme allows students to lodge appeals within 30 days of receiving a negative response.
What is NSFAS?
NSFAS stands for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. It is a South African government-funded program that provides financial assistance in the form of loans and bursaries to eligible South African students who are enrolled in tertiary education institutions. NSFAS aims to enable academically capable students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education and obtain a qualification.
NSFAS provides financial assistance to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and other related costs such as books, meals, and transport.
To be eligible for NSFAS funding, students need to meet certain criteria, including being South African citizens, coming from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, being enrolled or accepted at a public higher education institution, and meeting the academic requirements set by the institution. Students need to apply for NSFAS funding annually and provide relevant financial and academic information for consideration.
NSFAS plays an important role in promoting access to higher education for students who would otherwise not be able to afford it, and it is aimed at addressing financial barriers to education and promoting social mobility in South Africa.
