What To Do If Your NSFAS Status Is 'Rejected'

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) applications are open. Students around South Africa are encouraged to apply for NSFAS funding. 

NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. This includes money for tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.

Annually, thousands of students submit NSFAS applications. However, not all the students who apply for NSFAS funding are approved. 

If your NSFAS application was rejected, you will see a 'Rejected' message when doing a NSFAS status check. If you feel NSFAS was incorrect to decline your funding application, you can submit a NSFAS appeal. 

How To Submit A NSFAS Appeal

1. Click here to visit the myNSFAS website.
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’.

When You Should NOT Submit A NSFAS Appeal 

NSFAS appeals are considered by the government bursary scheme on a case-by-case basis. However, NSFAS will reject all appeals of applicants who do not meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria. 

To qualify for a NSFAS bursary, a student must have a household not exceeding R350,000. Disabled students may have a household income of up to R600,000. If you exceed the household income thresholds set by NSFAS, your appeal application will be rejected. 

If you are registered for a qualification that NSFAS does not fund, your appeal application will be rejected. NSFAS only funds bursaries for your first tertiary education qualification. If you have already obtained a tertiary qualification, your appeal application will be rejected. 

Students cannot appeal if their institution has not submitted their registration record to NSFAS or has submitted an incorrect record. These issues should be addressed with the institution directly.

Students who have exceeded the N+ rule limit are also not eligible to appeal.
NSFAS confirmed that all students who are rejected from receiving a NSFAS bursary will be assessed for a NSFAS student loan.