Why Did NSFAS Reject My Application?

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 11/19/22 •  5 min read

While the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) aims to support students from poor backgrounds to pursue higher education, not all funding applications are successful. All applicants are screened to ensure that only deserving students get financial aid. As a result, other individuals who are not successful end up asking this question; “Why did NSFAS reject my application?” This article explains why some applications are declined and the measures you can take to appeal the decision.    

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Reasons For The Rejection Of Your NSFAS Application

First and foremost, you must know that the NSFAS bursary is a preserve for South African citizens only. Even if you try your luck, your application will be declined if you are not a South African. Additionally, all applications must be accompanied by specific documents requested by NSFAS. For instance, you must provide the following documents when you apply for NSFAS funding. 

Ensure all the documents you provide have correct details and are not amended. Your application will be declined if there are missing documents or errors on the copies you provide.   

If your household income is above the annual threshold of R350 000 or R600 000 if you have a disability, you may not get aid. Another reason is that if you apply for an unsuitable course, you’re not likely to get funding. If you were previously funded for another qualification, you cannot apply again. NSFAS can only sponsor you once, but you can get another year of funding if you fail to complete your studies due to poor performance or other reasons. Funding will be discontinued if you fail to meet the expected academic requirements

When applying for an NSFAS bursary, ensure you’re already admitted to a certain university or TVET college. NSFAS only consider applicants who already have places to pursue their studies at TVET colleges or universities. If your application is not approved, but you feel you meet the requirements and have additional supporting information, you can appeal the decision. 

Can I Re-apply For NSFAS After Being Rejected?

If you do not meet the above requirements, there is nothing you can do because your new application will still be declined. However, if you’re convinced that you were unfairly rejected, you made a mistake in your application, or your situation has changed, you can appeal the recommendation by NSFAS. You can do this by requesting the evaluators to check your application again once you provide all the supporting documents.

If our academic performance was impacted by factors beyond your control, like illness or the death of a family, you can re-apply for NSFAS aid. However, you need to substantiate your claim by providing appropriate documents. For instance, you can provide your medical record or a copy of your loved one’s death certificate to increase your chances of getting approved for funding.  

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Should there be any change in your combined income due to elements like retrenchment, dismissal, or change of job, you can re-apply for NSFAS. If your first application was rejected because your combined household income exceeded the threshold of R350 000 per year, you are eligible to apply again if your benefactor is retrenched or changes their job. However, you need to provide all the relevant supporting documents.     

You can submit your appeal through the myNSFAS website if you are a first-time applicant. Continuing students should submit their appeals through the student support or financial aid offices at their respective institutions where they are registered.

How Long Do NSFAS Appeals Take

NSFAS usually responds within 30 days of submitting your appeal if you provide sufficient information. When you receive the “unsuccessful” NSFAS application status, make sure you quickly submit your appeal.

What To Do When You Are Rejected By Nsfas?

If your NSFAS application is unsuccessful, you can submit an appeal by following the steps below. 

Make sure you submit your NSFAS appeal within 30 days of getting the ‘unsuccessful’ status on your application. If you are a continuing student, you can submit your appeal via the financial aid or student support offices at the institution where you are registered. 

When you apply for NSFAS funding, your application can be rejected as a result of various reasons. However, the good news is that you can appeal the resolution if you feel you qualify to get aid. You can do this by following the tips outlined above.    

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How Many Months Does NSFAS Give Allowance?

How Many Months Does NSFAS Give Allowance?

Students get allowances from NSFAS for ten months. NSFAS pays student allowances during the first week of each month

How Many Years Does NSFAS Fund Students

How Many Years Does NSFAS Fund Students

How Many Years Does NSFAS Fund Students. As with any funding scheme, there are several terms and conditions when receiving a NSFAS bursary.

Can I Apply For SASSA SRD If I Have NSFAS?

Can I Apply For SASSA SRD If I Have NSFAS?

Can I Apply For SASSA SRD If I Have NSFAS?. Here’s what you need to know.

Does NSFAS Cover Postgraduate Studies?

Does NSFAS Cover Postgraduate Studies?

Does NSFAS Cover Postgraduate Studies?. This blog article will address various topics, including whether NSFAS pays for postgraduate studies.

How Do You Know NSFAS Has Approved My Application?

How Do You Know NSFAS Has Approved My Application?

How do you know NSFAS has approved my application? This is probably the most common question asked among thousands of NSFAS-funding hopefuls

How to Apply for a Free Laptop From NSFAS

How to Apply for a Free Laptop From NSFAS

Tthe NSFAS has expanded its mandate to help struggling students access laptops through the Digital Learning Device Programme.

How Long Does NSFAS Take To Approve Application?

How Long Does NSFAS Take To Approve Application?

On average, it takes days to a few weeks for your application to be reviewed by someone in the NSFAS office.

How Do I Check My NSFAS Using My ID number?

How Do I Check My NSFAS Using My ID number?

Students that wish to check the information or view updates on their NSFAS account using their ID number can do so by following this instructions

How to Fill Out the NSFAS Consent Form

How to Fill Out the NSFAS Consent Form

Download the consent form and ensure you have all relevant documents ready before submitting your online application. How to Fill Out the NSFAS Consent Form

How To Withdraw Cashless With NSFAS Card

How To Withdraw Cashless With NSFAS Card

How To Withdraw Cashless With NSFAS Card. Here’s what you should know about this new offering. 

How Much Must Your Parents Earn To Qualify For NSFAS?

How Much Must Your Parents Earn To Qualify For NSFAS?

This article will cover the minimum household income needed for students eligible for NSFAS assistance.

NSFAS Disability Support Requirements

NSFAS Disability Support Requirements

As a student living with disabilities, you are eligible to receive funding from the NSFAS through the NSFAS Disability Support Requirements fund

NSFAS Motivational Appeal Letter Samples

NSFAS Motivational Appeal Letter Samples

Improve your chances of getting financial aid by writing a persuasive NSFAS motivational appeal letter. NSFAS Motivational Appeal Letter Samples

Does The NSFAS Fund Advanced Diplomas?

Does The NSFAS Fund Advanced Diplomas?

Does The NSFAS Fund Advanced Diplomas?. Although rarely, the fund will only consider funding advanced diplomas in specific conditions.

How to Change my NSFAS eWallet PIN

How to Change my NSFAS eWallet PIN

NSFAS eWallet PINs and passwords can be lost, or you may need to change your mobile number. Today, we look at how to do this