What To Do If Your NSFAS Application Has Been Rejected As A Returning Student: Step by Step
As a returning student, discovering that your NSFAS application has been rejected feels misleading and like everything you’ve worked for is at risk of falling apart. However, althrough tuition, accommodation, and books are essential expenses, they are not easily forgotten over the academic calendar, so they don’t magically disappear just because the funding does. However, you don’t need to panic just yet, reversals of funding are common, and many academic journeys are still able to continue with the right approach.
This is a guide to the steps that need to be taken if you are a returning student and your NSFAS application has been denied.
Step 1: Understand The Reason For Rejection
Figuring out the exact reason your application has been rejected is a worthy first step for many reasons. Common issues are resolved electronically, and reasons are made available through the myNSFAS portal. Some common issues are:
Over the threshold limit of household income.
Faling to meet academic achievement and progression requirements.
Incorrect or missing documentation.
Already in possession of another bursary.
Exceeding the N+ rule (N+1 for TVET students or N+2 for university students).
Determining the reason is a big step in figuring out whether your case can be appealed or if alternative options need to be sought out.
Step 2. Access and Sign Into Your myNSFAS Account
Head over to myNSFAS and login with your ID number and password. On your dashboard, you can:
– Monitor your application progress.
– Read rejection notes or reasons (if any).
– Capture or download the rejection letter (this will be needed for your appeals).
Step 3. Determine Appeal Eligibility
NSFAS permits returning students to appeal under particular conditions. You can appeal when:
– You think an incorrect decision was made.
– There is a change in your financial situation.
– You have met the academic thresholds but for some other reason you were rejected.
– You have the necessary documentation to defend your appeal.
Note: You will not be eligible to appeal if you have exceeded the academic duration limit or your household income is above the threshold and the appeal is justifiable.
Step 4. Appeal Submissions
To submit an appeal:
Access your myNSFAS account.
Go to the Funding Progress Tracker.
If the status is: “Application Unsuccessful,” and you qualify, the Appeal button will be visible.
Fill in the appeal form, and submit it with the necessary documentation (more details below).
Ensure you submit appeals requests within the timeline (late submission is not accepted) ).
Possible Additional Documentation:
A letter providing motivation and further details about your appeal.
Documents showing reduced income (retirement letters, death certificates, etc.).
Academic records indicating that you fulfill the eligibility criteria.
Affidavits for the justification documents.
Health documents (If health conditions impacted your academic performance).
Step 5. Monitor Status of Your Appeal
Remember to keep an eye on your myNSFAS portal after submitting your appeal. Processing an appeal can take up to 30 working days. During the wait:
Keep attending and participating in classes.
Consult with your institution’s Financial Aid Office.
Look into temporary solutions such as family support, student payment plans, or part-time work.
Step 6. Consult Your Institution’s Financial Aid Office
Every university or TVET college has a designated Financial Aid Office that supports students, and as such, they can:
Assist in preparing the appeal.
Provide institutional hardship bursaries or other subsidary funding.
Help with communication to NSFAS.
Advise on short-term aid (fee or academic counseling).
Step 7. Explore Alternative Funding Options
Always have a backup ready in case an appeal gets rejected. Some options to think about include:
Institutional bursaries or merit scholarships.
Private bursaries from Funza Lushaka, Vodacom, Capitec, or Sasol.
Use of student loans through Eduloan or certain banks (don’t over rely).
Crowdfunding with BackaBuddy or GoFundMe.
Campus jobs and work-study programs.
Step 8. Engage With Your Academic Work
Keep actively engaged with your academic work regardless of funding. Attending classes and submitting work not only helps you stay involved but also can demonstrate your determination that, at some point, may work in your favor for funding, exceptions, or other forms of support.
Your education matters. Do not give up.
Being an inactive returning student not supported by NSFAS means that your academic progress is stunted. Many cases of rejection are adjustable on appeal, particularly when you furnish strong justification documents. Time to action is critical—move quickly, follow directions, and remain up to date.
Fighting for education is a cause that merits vigorous defense.