Students whose National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary applications were unsuccessful can submit an appeal. Several important things must be considered when submitting a NSFAS appeal.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries to deserving students from poor and working-class backgrounds. These bursaries cover all the costs associated with studies, including tuition and registration fees as well as allowances for students.
In 2023, NSFAS received more than 900,000 bursary applications from students. These students have enrolled or are planning to enrol in an approved course at a public university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college.
However, not every student who applies for the NSFAS bursary is approved for funding. This is because many of them do not meet the academic or financial eligibility requirements for funding.
It's important to note that if a student’s NSFAS bursary application is rejected, they can submit an appeal. When submitting a NSFAS appeal the student will be required to submit evidence in the form of documents.
Documents required for a NSFAS appeal will vary depending on the circumstances of the student.
Here’s The Documents Needed For Each NSFAS Appeal Reason
|
Reason For Appeal |
Documents Needed For Appeal |
|
Academic ineligibility as a result of N+ rule exceeded |
|
|
I was ill for 2 or more months |
Letter from institution indicating that the student has the propensity to complete their qualification within one additional academic term AND Medical report indicating severe ill health for 2 or more months during the academic term or during examinations |
|
I gave birth during the academic term |
Letter from institution indicating that the student has the propensity to complete their qualification within one additional academic term AND Medical report indicating that the student was pregnant and gave birth during the academic term |
|
My disability affected my studies |
Letter from institution indicating that the student has the propensity to complete their qualification within one additional academic term AND A medical report indicating that the student failed to complete their academic term due to the nature of their Disability |
|
Death of an immediate family member during the academic year |
Letter from institution indicating that the student has the propensity to complete their qualification within one additional academic term AND Death certificate for an immediate family member during the academic year |
|
I was subject to a violent crime |
Letter from institution indicating that the student has the propensity to complete their qualification within one additional academic term AND Proof of that the student was subject to a violent crime |
|
I need to complete less than 3 subjects to complete my report 191 qualification |
Letter from institution indicating that the student has the propensity to complete their qualification within one additional academic term AND Letter from the TVET College indicating that the student is required to complete less than 3 subjects to complete their report 191 qualification |
|
I need less than 4 subjects to complete my report NC(V) qualification |
Letter from institution indicating that the student has the propensity to complete their qualification within one additional academic term AND Letter from the TVET College indicating that the student is required to complete less than 4 subjects to complete their report NC(V) qualification |
|
Financial Eligibility Reasons |
|
|
Vulnerable Child |
I am a vulnerable child |
|
Combined Household Income Is Below NSFAS income threshold |
Proof of Income/payslip |
|
A parent/gauding/spouse is deceased |
Death Certificate |
|
I am a Sassa grant beneficiary |
Sassa letter |
|
I am independent of my biological parents |
Court order indicating that the applicant is declared as independent of their biological parents |
|
One parent responsible for costs of education |
Divorce decree indicating that the responsibility for the cost of education, is restricted to one parent |
Information on how to submit an appeal and the letters of propensity can be found on the Careers Portal.
NSFAS is processing appeals applications submitted by students. The results of the appeals will be available on the myNSFAS portal once the student's appeal application has been finalised. A student's funding status will change after an appeal decision has been made.
