How to appeal NSFAS if your application is rejected (South Africa)

If your NSFAS status is Unsuccessful, you may be able to submit an appeal to ask NSFAS to reconsider — but only if you have a valid reason and the right supporting documents.

Quick rules (read this first)

Appeals are submitted online using the myNSFAS portal
You usually have a strict time window to appeal (often 30 days from your outcome)
Appeals without supporting documents are often rejected

Tip: Check your portal immediately and don’t wait until the last day.

Step-by-step: how to submit an NSFAS appeal

Step 1) Log in to myNSFAS

Go to the NSFAS portal and log in to your myNSFAS account.

Step 2) Find your application outcome

Open your funding/application status and look for your outcome (e.g. Unsuccessful).

Step 3) Select “Appeal” (or the appeal option)

If an appeal is open for your profile, you should see an option to start an appeal process.

Step 4) Choose your appeal reason

Pick the reason that matches your situation (e.g. income information incorrect, missing documents, change in household circumstances).

Step 5) Upload supporting documents (this is the most important part)

Upload clear, readable documents that prove your appeal reason.

Step 6) Submit and track your appeal

Submit your appeal and keep checking your portal for updates.

Common rejection reasons (and what to upload)

1) Missing or unclear documents

Upload:

Certified ID copy (student)
Certified ID copy of parent/guardian/spouse (if applicable)
Proof of income (where applicable)
Any requested forms or declarations

2) Household income appears above the threshold

Upload documents that show your real current income, for example:

Recent payslips / letter of employment
UIF / retrenchment letter (if someone lost a job)
SASSA grant letter (if applicable)
Affidavit explaining a change in income (only if it’s required in your case)

3) Family circumstances changed after you applied

If your situation changed (for example, death of a breadwinner, divorce, guardianship changes), upload official proof such as:

Death certificate
Divorce order / maintenance documents
Legal guardianship documents
Social worker letter for special cases (child-headed household, etc.)

How long does an NSFAS appeal take?

Appeals can take time, especially when many students are appealing.

What you should do:

Keep checking myNSFAS for updates
Make sure your documents are clear and correct
If you’re registered at an institution, also check with your institution’s financial aid office (they often help with guidance)

Mistakes that get appeals rejected

Submitting after the deadline window
Uploading documents that are blurry, cut off, or unreadable
Uploading the wrong documents for your appeal reason
Leaving required fields blank
Assuming an appeal works for late applications (appeals are for unsuccessful outcomes, not missed deadlines)

Smart next step: check your APS

If you’re going to university, your APS affects what you can apply for (and whether you meet programme requirements).

Try the APS Calculator to estimate your APS instantly.