Thousands of South African students apply for NSFAS each year in hopes of securing funding to pursue their education. While many applications are approved, some may face rejection due to eligibility, incomplete documents, or verification issues. If you’ve been declined by NSFAS for 2025, don’t lose hope—there’s still a chance.
NSFAS provides all students with the opportunity to appeal their application if they believe the rejection was made in error. This step-by-step guide will help you understand exactly how to appeal your NSFAS rejection in 2025, what documents you need, and how to track your appeal status online.
Who Can Appeal an NSFAS Rejection?
You are eligible to appeal your NSFAS application status if:
-
You were rejected due to financial ineligibility.
-
You submitted incomplete or incorrect supporting documents.
-
Your academic performance status changed and now meets requirements.
-
You believe the rejection was made in error and you have proof to support it.
You must appeal within 30 days of receiving your rejection notification.
Step-by-Step Process to Appeal NSFAS Rejection in 2025
Follow these steps to lodge your NSFAS appeal online:
-
Visit the official NSFAS portal and log in to your myNSFAS account using your ID number and password.
-
Click on the “Track Funding Progress” tab to see your current application status.
-
If your status is “unsuccessful,” you’ll see an option to “Submit Appeal.”
-
Click on the “Submit Appeal” tab to access the appeal form.
-
You will now be able to view the reason for your rejection.
-
Select the appeal reason from the dropdown menu.
-
Upload certified supporting documents to prove your eligibility. This may include:
-
Parent or guardian income documents
-
Death certificate (if one or both parents have passed away)
-
Medical reports (if applicable)
-
Updated academic results
-
-
Once all required documents are uploaded, click “Submit Appeal.”
You will receive a confirmation message that your appeal has been submitted.
What Happens After You Submit Your Appeal?
After submitting your appeal, NSFAS will begin processing your request. The evaluation process can take up to 30 working days, depending on the number of appeals being handled.
During this time, you can track the progress of your appeal through your myNSFAS account under the “Application Appeal” section.
Required Documents for NSFAS Appeal
Make sure you have the following certified documents ready before starting the appeal:
-
Certified copy of your South African ID
-
Proof of household income (salary slips, bank statements, SASSA grant proof, etc.)
-
Academic transcripts or latest results
-
Affidavit if unemployed or if parents are deceased
-
Medical documents (for disability or special medical condition)
Documents must be certified within the last 3 months to be valid.
Common Reasons for NSFAS Rejection
-
Household income exceeds the qualifying threshold
-
Incomplete or missing documents
-
Applicant is already funded by another bursary
-
Academic performance doesn’t meet minimum requirements
-
Mismatch between identity information and application
Understanding the rejection reason is key to submitting a successful appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to appeal a rejected NSFAS application?
You have 30 days from the date your application was declined to submit your appeal.
Where do I submit my NSFAS appeal in 2025?
All appeals must be submitted online via your myNSFAS account. No manual or email appeals will be accepted.
Can I appeal more than once?
No, you are only allowed one appeal per rejection cycle. Make sure all documents are correct before submitting.
What if I miss the 30-day appeal window?
Late appeals are not accepted. You may have to wait for the next application cycle.
How will I know if my appeal is successful?
You will receive a notification on your myNSFAS account and SMS once the outcome is available. It usually takes up to 30 working days.
Can I contact NSFAS for appeal assistance?
Yes, you may call the NSFAS contact centre or visit your institution’s financial aid office for help with your appeal.
Click here to know more.
Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.