In March 2025, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) finalised and communicated its funding decisions for the 2025 academic year.

Approvals and rejections were issued in early March, with some successful students receiving their first allowances as early as March 19, 2025.

Now, as allowance disbursements continue monthly from April 29 onward, it’s a critical reminder for those who didn’t make the cut: this is the right time to interrogate why your application was rejected, fix any mistakes, and plan ahead.

Even though the university funding approvals are finalised, it’s crucial to act now if you want to appeal—or if you’re a TVET college student preparing for your second trimester this coming May.

Important:

• University students who missed funding must prepare for the next NSFAS application period opening on September 1, 2025 for the 2026 academic year.
• TVET students have an immediate opportunity: the application window for the second trimester is open from May 12 to May 23, 2025.
  Applications can be submitted online via the NSFAS website.

Don’t miss out! NSFAS is here to help make your education more affordable, especially if you come from a financially disadvantaged background.

Understanding the NSFAS appeal process

According to NSFAS, “An Appeal is a request from a student to NSFAS to reconsider its decision not to award funding.”

Appeals are subject to budget availability and must be submitted via your MyNSFAS profile. However, only students who applied initially and were rejected or had their funding withdrawn are eligible to appeal. If you fall into one of the following categories, you cannot appeal:

• Your qualification is not funded by NSFAS.
• You exceeded the N+2 (or N+3 for students with disabilities) study limit.
• You had a previous gap year and didn’t meet academic eligibility.
• Your institution has not submitted or incorrectly submitted your registration details.

ALSO READ: NSFAS allowance increase 2025: full breakdown of covered expenses–key payment updates 

Most common mistakes that lead to NSFAS rejections—and how to fix them

1. Incorrect or outdated financial information

Mistake: Declaring outdated household income or incomplete income documents.

Fix:
If your financial situation has changed (due to retrenchment, death, or disability of a breadwinner), submit updated proof like:

• Certified letters of retrenchment
• Death certificates
• Medical incapacitation certificates
• Updated affidavits from a Commissioner of Oaths

2. Poor academic performance

Mistake: Not meeting the required academic progression.

Fix:
You can still appeal if your failure to pass was due to:

• Serious illness (documented for two months or more)
• Death in your immediate family
• Victim of violent crime
• Pregnancy and childbirth during term
• Disability impacting academic performance

Action: Attach supporting documents like hospital reports, affidavits, or the NSFAS Propensity Letter confirming your ability to complete your course.

3. Missing or blurry supporting documents

Mistake: Uploading low-quality or missing paperwork.

Fix:
Ensure all documents are:

• Clear and certified (not older than three months)
• Properly labeled (e.g., “ID Copy”, “Income Affidavit”)
• Uploaded in the correct file format (PDF recommended)

4. Not following appeal procedures

Mistake: Submitting appeals outside of the MyNSFAS system or missing deadlines.

Fix:
Always:

• Submit only through myNSFAS
• Watch the clock: You have exactly 30 days after your result notification.
• Track your appeal under “Appeal Status” in your MyNSFAS account.

How to submit your NSFAS appeal correctly

1. Log into your MyNSFAS Profile: visit my.nsfas.org.za and log in.
2. Select “Appeal” Option: Follow the prompts carefully.
3. State Your Case: Clearly explain why your funding should be reconsidered.
4. Upload Certified Documents: Include income proof, academic records, or any medical/legal documentation supporting your case.
5. Submit and Save Confirmation: Keep your reference number for future tracking.

Pro tips to strengthen your appeal

• Double-check everything before submitting.
• Use recent documents. Nothing older than 90 days.
• Keep communication lines open: Ensure your phone number and email address on the portal are correct.
• Be polite and professional in your written explanations.
• Follow up weekly via your portal.

What happens after submitting your appeal?

NSFAS aims to respond within 30 working days. If your appeal is successful, your funding—including tuition, NSFAS accommodation allowance, and other expenses —will be reinstated for 2025.
If your appeal is unsuccessful, start exploring scholarships, bursaries, and emergency financial aid options through your institution.

Remember: This is not the end of your journey. Stay proactive and resilient!

Quick FAQs

Q: Can I appeal if my income changed after I first applied?
A: Yes! If household income dropped, supply new proof.

Q: What documents are essential for the appeal?
A: Certified ID, income proof, academic records, affidavits (where applicable).

Q: How soon should I appeal after rejection?
A: Immediately—within 30 days from the date you received your results.

Q: Can missing one document lead to automatic rejection?
A: Yes. Missing or blurry documents are one of the top reasons for delayed or denied appeals.

Your action plan

Reapplying or appealing NSFAS funding after a suspension or rejection is absolutely possible—with the right preparation. Fixing common mistakes now could save your 2025 academic year. Visit MyNSFAS Appeals portal today for more info and start your appeal journey with confidence.

Stay informed, stay calm, and stay persistent—your education is worth fighting for.