NSFAS Appeal Application

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to eligible South African students through bursaries, not scholarships.

If your NSFAS application was declined in 2025, you may be eligible to submit an appeal. Each year, NSFAS receives millions of applications, and not all meet the funding criteria. However, students who still qualify may request a review of the decision by submitting an official NSFAS appeal.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to submit an NSFAS appeal after an application is declined.

Reasons for NSFAS Application Rejection

Before submitting an appeal, you must understand why your application was declined. Some common reasons include:

• Exceeding the household income threshold (above R350,000 per year for general applicants, or R600,000 per year for students with disabilities).
• Incomplete or incorrect information provided in the application.
• Failure to meet academic performance requirements.
• Already receiving funding from another bursary or financial aid scheme.
• Application submitted after the deadline.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting an NSFAS Appeal

Step 1: Check Your NSFAS Application Status

1. Visit the official NSFAS website and log in to your myNSFAS account using your credentials.
2. Check the status of your application and find the reason for the rejection.

Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility for an Appeal

• You can appeal only if you meet the NSFAS eligibility criteria.
• If your household income or academic performance has changed, ensure you have the necessary supporting documents.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents

To strengthen your appeal, collect the relevant documents based on the reason for rejection. These may include:

• Proof of income (payslips, bank statements, or affidavits for unemployed guardians).
• Academic transcripts or results if you were declined due to poor academic performance.
• Death certificate (if a primary financial provider passed away after your application was declined).
• Medical records (if you were affected by medical conditions impacting your studies).
• Any other official documents supporting your appeal.

Step 4: Submit Your NSFAS Appeal Online

1. Log in to MyNSFAS at https://www.nsfas.org.za.
2. Click on the “Track Application Status” section.
3. If eligible, you will see an option to “Submit Appeal”—click on it.
4. Provide a detailed motivation explaining why your appeal should be considered.
5. Upload all required supporting documents in PDF format.
6. Click “Submit Appeal” and wait for confirmation.

Step 5: Monitor Your Appeal Status

• NSFAS will review your appeal and update your application status on the MyNSFAS portal.
• Appeals typically take 30 to 60 days to process.
• You may receive email or SMS notifications regarding the outcome of your appeal.

What If My NSFAS Appeal Is Also Rejected?

If your NSFAS appeal is rejected, there are still alternative funding options you can explore.

Here are the next steps you can take:

Step 1: Understand the Reason for Rejection

• Log in to MyNSFAS and review the reason for the appeal rejection.
• Identify if there are any further options or alternative solutions available.

Step 2: Seek Alternative Funding Options

• University Financial Aid: Many universities offer financial aid and bursaries separate from NSFAS.
• Private Bursaries and Scholarships: Look for scholarships provided by corporate companies, NGOs, and government departments.
• Student Loans: Consider applying for student loans from banks or organizations like Fundi.
• Crowdfunding and Donations: Platforms like GoFundMe and BackaBuddy can help raise funds for your studies.

Step 3: Work and Study

• Consider part-time jobs or internships to help fund your studies.
• Look into work-study programs offered by universities.

Step 4: Reapply for NSFAS Next Year

• If your financial circumstances change, you may be eligible to reapply in the next application cycle.
• Ensure that all required documents and information are correct when reapplying.

Step 5: Seek Legal or Academic Advice

• If you believe your appeal was unfairly rejected, consult your university’s financial aid office for guidance.
• Some students seek legal assistance or support from student advocacy groups.

NSFAS only communicates official application and appeal decisions through the MyNSFAS portal and its verified contact channels.

Get Help

For more information and help, contact NSFAS.

• Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Social Media: @myNSFAS on Twitter and Facebook