What to Do If Your NSFAS Application Is Rejected
Getting a NSFAS rejection can be devastating, but it is not necessarily the end. Many rejections are due to errors or missing documents that can be corrected. Here is what to do.
Key Takeaways
- Check the rejection reason on the myNSFAS portal
- Many rejections are due to missing or incorrect documents
- You can appeal a NSFAS rejection
- The appeal deadline is usually 30 days after the rejection
- Contact your institution's financial aid office for help
Find out why you were rejected
Log in to the myNSFAS portal and check the rejection reason. Common reasons include missing documents, income above the threshold, not being a South African citizen, or being registered at an institution not on the NSFAS list.
- Log in to myNSFAS portal
- Check the rejection reason carefully
- Common: missing documents or incorrect information
- Common: household income above R350,000/year
- Common: not a SA citizen or permanent resident
How to appeal
If you believe the rejection is incorrect, you can appeal. Submit your appeal on the myNSFAS portal within 30 days of the rejection. Include all supporting documents and a clear explanation of why the rejection is wrong.
- Appeal on the myNSFAS portal
- 30-day deadline from rejection date
- Include all supporting documents
- Write a clear explanation of your grounds for appeal
- Keep copies of everything you submit
Alternative funding options
If your appeal is unsuccessful, there are other funding options. Many institutions have their own bursaries. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is not the only option.
- Institutional bursaries at your university
- Private bursaries and scholarships
- NSFAS-accredited TVET college funding
- Student loans from banks
- Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) bursaries
Ready to see your own numbers?
Use the NSFAS Eligibility Checker