A rejected NSFAS application does not necessarily mean the end of your academic journey. Understanding the reasons for the rejection and knowing what steps to take next can be beneficial.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. This includes money for tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.
What Does a 'Rejected' NSFAS Status Mean?
If your NSFAS status shows "Rejected," it means that your application did not meet NSFAS’s funding criteria and has not been approved. Below are some common reasons for rejection and steps you can take if you believe the decision was made in error.
Common Reasons for NSFAS Application Rejection
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Household Income Above the Threshold: NSFAS conducts third-party checks to verify household income. Applications are typically rejected if the household income exceeds R350,000 per year, or R600,000 for applicants with disabilities.
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Pre-2018 University Registrants: Students who registered at a university before 2018 are assessed under a different income threshold of R122,000. If your household income exceeds this amount, you may be ineligible for funding.
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Exceeded Funding Years (N+ Rule): NSFAS limits funding based on the "N+ Rule," which counts the number of years a student has been registered for tertiary study, not just the years they have received NSFAS funding. If you have exceeded this limit, your application will be rejected.
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Failure to Meet Academic Requirements: Continuing students must meet specific academic standards to maintain NSFAS funding. If you failed to meet these requirements, your funding may have been discontinued.
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Late Applications: NSFAS does not accept applications submitted after the official deadline. Applications received past the closing date are automatically rejected.
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Other Bursaries: Students who are receiving other forms of financial aid are generally ineligible for NSFAS funding.
Appealing a Rejected NSFAS Application
If you believe your application was rejected unfairly and you meet NSFAS’s eligibility criteria, you can submit an appeal. Applicants typically have 30 days from the date of the rejection to appeal their status.
Steps to Submit an NSFAS Appeal
- Log into your myNSFAS account on the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.
- Click on the Track Funding Progress option.
- Check the application progress tabs to view your current status.
- If your application status shows "unsuccessful," click on the Submit Appeal tab.
- On the Application Appeal page, you will see the reason for your rejection.
- Select the appropriate appeal reason.
- Upload certified supporting documents to substantiate your appeal.
- Click Submit Appeal to complete the process.
Once submitted, you can monitor the progress of your appeal through your myNSFAS account. NSFAS encourages applicants to regularly check their application status for updates.
How to Check Your NSFAS Status
To check the status of your NSFAS application:
Step 1: Log into the myNSFAS student portal on the NSFAS website. This is your main access point to track the progress of your application.
Step 2: Enter your username and password on the NSFAS official website and then click SIGN IN!
Step 3: Click on Track Your Funding Progress to check the NSFAS application status.
By staying informed of your NSFAS status and understanding the appeal process, students can take proactive steps to secure funding for their studies.
