If your 2026 NSFAS application was unsuccessful, you may be able to reverse the decision. The NSFAS appeal process gives you a second chance to prove you qualify for funding.
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You must submit your appeal within 30 days of receiving your rejection status on the myNSFAS portal. This guide provides a complete walkthrough of how to appeal, what documents you need, and how to write a strong appeal letter.
What is an NSFAS Appeal?
An NSFAS appeal is a formal request for NSFAS to review your rejected application. If you believe the rejection reason was incorrect, or if your family’s financial situation has changed, you can submit an appeal.
You cannot appeal just because you are unhappy with the outcome. You must have a valid reason and new evidence (documents) to support your claim. A successful appeal will overturn the “Unsuccessful” status and get you “Approved for Funding.”
Common Reasons for NSFAS Rejection
Before you can appeal, you must log in to your myNSFAS account and check the exact reason for your rejection. This reason will determine what documents you need to submit.
Common rejection reasons include:
- Income Threshold Exceeded: NSFAS found that your household income is above the R350,000 per year limit.
- Failed to Meet Academic Requirements: You are a returning student who did not pass at least 50% of your modules (this is part of the N+ Rule).
- Incomplete or Incorrect Documents: You failed to upload all the required documents, or the ones you submitted were incorrect or expired.
- Receiving Other Funding: NSFAS records show you are already fully funded by another bursary.
Who is Eligible to Submit an NSFAS Appeal?
You can submit an appeal if your rejection was for one of the reasons above AND you can provide new proof. You are eligible to appeal if:
- Your household income has recently changed and is now below the R350,000 threshold (e.g., a parent was retrenched, passed away, or retired).
- You failed to meet the academic requirements due to a valid reason (e.g., you were severely ill, or suffered a family bereavement).
- You were rejected for missing documents, and you now have the correct, certified files ready to upload.
- You believe NSFAS used incorrect or outdated information to assess your application.
Step-by-Step: How to Submit Your NSFAS Appeal Online
The appeal process is handled entirely online. You must follow these steps carefully within the 30-day window.
- Go to the Official Website: Navigate to the NSFAS portal at www.nsfas.org.za.
- Log in to Your Account: Click on the “myNSFAS” button. Enter your ID number and the password you created when you applied.
- Check Your Status: On your account dashboard, click on the “Track Application Progress” or “Application Outcome” tab.
- Find the Appeal Button: If your status is “Unsuccessful” and the appeal window is open, you will see a “Submit Appeal” button. If you do not see this button, the appeal window may be closed.
- Select Your Reason: You must choose the reason for your appeal from the drop-down list (e.g., “Income has changed,” “Academic performance”).
- Write Your Motivation: In the text box provided, you must write a clear and factual letter explaining why your application should be reconsidered.
- Upload Supporting Documents: This is the most important step. You must upload clear, certified copies of all the new documents that prove your appeal.
- Submit Your Appeal: Double-check that all your documents are uploaded and your motivation is complete. Click “Submit Appeal.”
What Documents Do You Need for an NSFAS Appeal?
Your appeal will be rejected if you do not provide the correct supporting documents. The documents must prove your appeal reason. All documents must be certified and not older than 3 months.
Appeal for Income Reasons (Income Exceeded)
- If a parent is retrenched or lost their job: A signed retrenchment letter from the employer (on a company letterhead) or a UI-19 form.
- If a parent is unemployed: A sworn affidavit stating they are unemployed (not older than 3 months).
- If a parent is deceased: A certified copy of the death certificate.
- If parents are divorced: A certified copy of the divorce decree.
- If self-employed: New financial statements or an affidavit explaining the new financial situation.
- For all income appeals: Certified ID copies of your parents/guardians and your most recent SASSA letter (if applicable).
Appeal for Academic Reasons (Failed to Meet Requirements)
- If you were sick: A formal medical report from a doctor or hospital, clearly stating how your illness affected your studies.
- If a close family member passed away: A certified copy of the death certificate.
- For other trauma or circumstances: A letter from your university’s financial aid office or support staff (e.g., a social worker) that confirms your situation.
- Do not submit a simple doctor’s note. You need a detailed medical report.
How to Write a Strong NSFAS Appeal Letter (Motivation)
Your appeal letter (or “motivation”) must be clear, factual, and professional. Use simple language.
- Start with your details: Include your full name, ID number, and NSFAS reference number.
- State the rejection reason: Clearly state the reason NSFAS gave for your rejection.
- Example: “My 2026 application was rejected because my household income exceeded the R350,000 threshold.”
- Explain why it is wrong: Explain your new situation clearly.
- Example: “At the time of application, this was correct. However, my father was retrenched on January 15, 2026, and is now unemployed. Our household income is now below the limit.”
- List your proof: List the new documents you are uploading.
- Example: “To prove this, I have uploaded his official retrenchment letter, his UI-19 form, and a sworn affidavit of his unemployment.”
- Be polite: End by politely asking the committee to review your new evidence.
- Example: “I kindly request that the appeals committee review my application with these new documents.”
How to Check Your NSFAS Appeal Status
After you submit your appeal, NSFAS will review your new documents. This process can take several weeks.
You must check your NSFAS appeal status by logging in to your myNSFAS portal. The status will change from “Unsuccessful” to “Appeal Submitted” and then to “Appeal in Progress.”
If your appeal is successful, your status will change to “Approved for Funding.”
What to Do if Your Appeal is Also Rejected
If your NSFAS appeal is unsuccessful, that decision is usually final for the 2026 academic year. You must immediately start looking for alternative funding.
- Contact Your University: Go to your university’s Financial Aid Office. They often have internal bursaries or grants for students in your situation.
- Search for Private Bursaries: Many companies and organizations offer bursaries.
- Consider a Student Loan: Look into low-interest student loans from banks or organizations like Fundi.
- Reapply Next Year: You can reapply for NSFAS during the next application cycle (for 2027).
NSFAS Contact Details for Appeals
If you have questions about the appeal process, use these official contact details.
- Official Portal: www.nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Physical Address: The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001