NSFAS 2020 Appeal Checklist

Applications for NSFAS funding in 2022 closed on 21 January 2022, and applications for appeals opened on 24 January 2022. 

 

If you applied for NSFAS funding and were denied, you can appeal the decision. Applications for appeals will close on 23 February 2022, so be sure to submit your appeal before then. 

 

Once you have submitted your appeal, it can take up to 30 days for NSFAS to respond to your appeal with a final decision. 

 

Reasons eligible for appeal if your application for NSFAS was denied

Existing Qualification

NSFAS only provides funding for students applying for either a first-time undergraduate qualification. NSFAS does not provide funding to postgraduate (and further) qualifications.

 

Students looking to lodge an appeal need to submit proof that they’re studying an NSFAS-funded postgraduate qualification.

 

Income Before 2018

Some students failed to receive an NSFAS grant because their household income before 2018 was greater than the recommended amount (R122 000) per annum.

 

This is only a factor for students who applied before 2018. To resolve this, students need to provide the following documentation to lodge an appeal:

 

  • Proof of current household income
  • Retrenchment letter (if applicable)
  • Divorce decree (if applicable)
  • Termination letter (if applicable)
  • Death certificate of your parent/guardian (if applicable)

Income Greater than R350 000

NSFAS is an organisation that provides student loans to students who cannot afford to go to college or university. The bar was set at R350 000 to avoid the risk of oversubscription of applications received.

 

Students who had their applications rejected because their income was greater than R350 000 need to appeal and submit the following documents for proof:

 

  • Proof of current household income
  • Retrenchment letter (if applicable)
  • Divorce decree (if applicable)
  • Termination letter (if applicable)
  • Death certificate of your parent/guardian (if applicable)

 

Income Greater than R600 000 (disability)

Students with a disability and have a household income that’s greater than R600 000 will not be eligible to receive funding from NSFAS.

 

However, students who felt that they were wrongfully rejected can lodge an appeal to NSFAS, providing the following documents as proof:

 

  • Proof of current household income
  • Retrenchment letter (if applicable)
  • Divorce decree (if applicable)
  • Termination letter (if applicable)
  • Death certificate of your parent/guardian (if applicable)

 

Exceeding the N+2 Rule

The N+2 refers to the length of time that it takes to complete a degree, plus an extra 2 years.

 

For example, a Bachelor of Laws degree at UNISA is a 4-year qualification. With the N+2 rule, NSFAS-funded students are able to receive funding for 6 years before funding is cut.

 

NSFAS-funded students who exceed the N+2 rule will need to lodge an appeal. The following documents are needed to lodge an appeal against the N+2 rule:

 

  • The latest transcript of your academic record 
  • Motivation and reason on why you should remain funded. The reason must be substantive, and relevant supporting documents must be provided

Failed Department of Home Affairs Validation

NSFAS funding is only available for South African citizens who are studying/planning to study at a South African university or TVET college. It is not available for foreign students studying in South Africa, or for South Africans wanting to study abroad. 

 

One way to make sure that NSFAS sticks to the rule is by providing an applicant’s details to the Department of Home Affairs. The DHA will then determine whether the applicant is a natural-born citizen, a naturalized citizen or a permanent resident.

 

The terms are distinguished by the following:

 

  • A natural-born citizen is a citizen of a country that was born in the country
  • A naturalized citizen is someone who was born as in a country other than South Africa but has become a citizen of the country
  • A permanent resident is an individual who has lived in the country on a work permit for a minimum of 5 years

 

Students who had their NSFAS application rejected due to the name and/or surname of the applicant not corresponding with the DHA, will have to provide NSFAS with the following documents:

 

  • A certified copy of your ID not older than 3 months
  • A certified copy of your father and/or your mother’s ID, not older than 3 months

 

Academic Performance

Lastly, a major reason why students have their applications rejected is due to academic performance. When a student performs poorly academically, they lose funding from NSFAS.

 

However, this does not mean that there is no way forward. There are various factors that are taken into account when it comes to a drop in academic performance, namely:

 

  • A medical condition and/or death in the family
  • The student’s prior academic performance was satisfactory

 

Students will have to provide supporting documentation, information as well as reasoning why academic performance has dropped to lodge an appeal. 

 

Applicants have until 23 February 2022 to lodge an appeal towards NSFAS funding. It is important to submit your appeal as soon as possible once your initial application has been denied.

 

Applicants can submit their appeal form with supporting documents in any of the following ways:

  • Email: [email protected] 
  • Submit it to your educational institution’s Financial Aid Office.
  • Online 

 

How to submit your appeal online 

  • Log on to your MyNSFAS account 
  • Click the ‘Track Funding Progress’ option
  • Check the ‘Application Progress’ tabs
  • If your application status reflects that it is unsuccessful, then you may submit an appeal by clicking on the ‘Submit Appeal’ tab
  • Once you are on the ‘Application Appeal’ page, you’ll be able to see the reason for your unsuccessful application status
  • Write a motivational letter stating the reasons why you are appealing your application status. Your motivational letter must not exceed 1 000 characters (words, including spaces)
  • Upload certified supporting documents to support your motivation. A maximum of five documents
  • Click ‘Submit Appeal’

 

There is no fee to appeal the decision. The appeal process can take as little as seven days before a result can be reached, however it is common for the process to take up to 30 days before a decision is made. 

 

The process differs for each applicant and students are encouraged to log onto their myNSFAS profile to view the appeal results. Applications with missing supporting documents will be left open for 14 days, after which the application will be closed and dismissed. 

 

If your application was denied for another reason, or if the reason for the decision was correct (such as household income being above the required threshold) then you will not be eligible to appeal the decision. 


If you have missed the application window, be sure to keep an eye on their website application page for when applications for funding in 2023 will open.

 

Updated: 18 February 2022

 

Helping Unisa Students with their Assignments

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

54 thoughts on “NSFAS 2020 Appeal Checklist”

    1. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to receive funding from NSFAS. Additionally, you do have to meet the requirements set by NSFAS in order to qualify for a bursary.

      An ABET Level 4 qualification is the equivalent to a Grade 9 certificate, which is essentially a NQF Level 1 qualification. To study at a place like UNISA or to receive funding from NSFAS, you do need to have completed at least a NQF Level 4 qualification (Matric or Matric equivalent).

      Read more online on ABET Levels and Unisa Qualifications here.

      If you do not have a Matric certificate and only ABET, you will not be able to receive funding from NSFAS.

  1. Hi there my name is Vuyani Matyila and I applied for nsfas last and told me that my application was unsuccessful so I appealed this year on February and I am a new applicant looking for funds for me to study at Unisa
    I hereby ask that you please give me a second chance so that I can study
    Thank you

    1. We are not NSFAS nor Unisa and as such, we do not have the power to provide you with an opportunity to study at Unisa nor receive funding from NSFAS.

  2. Im using my brother’s Phone numbers and the email adress i registered with i forgort its password nd i also lost my NSFAS pin now im looking forward to updating my numbers, email adress and NSFAS pin

  3. Malahlela Alitia

    Hey,I have appealed this year February so I wanted to know if it’s possible for you to check for me if it’s successful or not please

      1. hey there i have sent a motivational appeal and it says that it has been approved so i dont know whats happening

  4. My name is snqobile Nene from Umgungundlovu Northdale Campus 😭😭I am really not happy, because I have not got any allowance this year can you please make me happy like other students,I am doing Hospitality course Level 3

  5. Bukeka Mvundlela

    I didn’t receive allowances since March 2020 my allowances were blocked,kindly assist .I’m doing cost and management accounting level 3

    1. Lerato Seoketsa

      My NSFAS status for 2021 says N + 2 rule exceeded. During 2013 I was a student at UNISA and I was paying my own fees. I could not complete my degree because of financial problems. 2017 I was a student at Tshwane University of Technology and I was using NSFAS. When I went to require I was told that they can not fund me because I exceeded the number of being funded. What are my chances of being funded again if I appeal?

  6. HEY I LOST MY NSFAS FUNDING BECAUSE OF MY POOR RESULTS. AND I DONT KNOW HOW TO MAKE AN APPEAL .I NEED SOMEONE WHO CAN TELL ME HOW TO IT

    1. Details on how you can appeal your lost NSFAS funding via the article. Also as per NSFAS, to maintain the NSFAS Funding you must meet the academic requirements set by the institution to continue with the qualification and should pass at least 50% of all your modules for that year or semester.

      So if you did not meet the standards set by NSFAS, you will lose your funding.

      1. Hey, if your institution excludes you but you appeal and get readmitted, and you previously passed more than 50% of your modules. Will NSFAS continue funding you?

  7. Dear Nsfas I have problem I have been trying to create cases and sending emails to unlock my Nsfas eWallet but it’s still blocked since April
    Please unlock my Nsfas eWallet please my Name is Uviwe Favour Mbangeni my number is 0726903951

    1. We are not NSFAS and as such, cannot assist with unblocking your NSFAS Wallet. For all NSFAS Wallet enquiries, you can contact NSFAS at the following details:

      • Tel No: 08000 67327
      • Email: [email protected]
      • Postal Address: NSFAS Wallet documents, Private Bag X6, Plumstead 7801, South Africa

      1. I have bee rejected by Nsfas 3 times saying that my household income is above threshold but is even above that so am stress as am unable to afford to pay my fees

  8. Hello, I stopped being funded by nsfas during march after receiving my allowance for both febuary and march. I had no idea that it was because of the n+2 rule therefore did not appeal before closing date. Is there anyway i can get funding this year as i have outstanding fees.

    1. Unfortunately it will be difficult for you to receive funding again because of the N+2 rule. The organisation has been cracking down on students who were funded longer than expected.

      However, you can try and appeal again if you possibly fall under the following 3 categories with regards to the N+2 rule:

      1. Students who may have de-registered in the first semester for prior years of study for financial or other reasons, yet the academic year is counted as time spent in the system;
      2. Students whose academic progression has been affected by medical or psycho-social challenges, and where evidence supported by medical certificates and other evidence has been provided as part of the appeals process; and
      3. Students who have exceeded the N+2 rule based on time in the system, but who are currently in their final year of study and will graduate in 2020.

      Only then can NSFAS perhaps reconsider the return of your funding, but you will have to appeal. Unfortunately the appeal window is closed at the moment, so you might have to reapply for funding again.

  9. Hello I’m Kgaogelo and I’m a UNISA student and a NSFAS beneficiary I matriculated last year and I applied at TUT for 2021 so I wanted to know what am I supposed to do so that NSFAS pays my fees at TUT.

    Thank you in advance.

    1. Students who have already studied at a university or obtained a prior university qualification do not qualify as FTEN students even if they are entering the first year of a new programme.

      In other words, it would be hard for you to become a double NSFAS recipient.

      1. Hy there. I wanted to ask if you were once funded by nsfas before ” one year ” then dropped out, can nsfas fund u again if u are planning to ruturn to tertiary but different institution

          1. So theres no need to appeal if you passed more 50% of your module on the the previous institution.

    2. Lerato Seoketsa

      My NSFAS status for 2021 says N + 2 rule exceeded. During 2013 I was a student at UNISA and I was paying my own fees. I could not complete my degree because of financial problems. 2017 I was a student at Tshwane University of Technology and I was using NSFAS. When I went to require I was told that they can not fund me because I exceeded the number of being funded. What are my chances of being funded again if I appeal?

  10. Sisonke Mpayipeli

    Hlw, I have a problem my FAO says I am affected by the N+2 rule but I have been only to the higher institution for 3 years now. I’d like to ask if I should appeal too and are not appeals closed now? I have just finded out now I didn’t know about this. Please help.

    1. Unfortunately the appeal period is closed, so there is no way that you can contest this decision at the moment. What kind of qualification are you currently busy with? As far as I know, you would only be affected by this rule if you were studying a Higher Certificate qualification which does say that you have to finish it within 3 years.

      If you are studying a course that is longer than a year and allows you a number of years to finish, then you should be able to contest the decision.

      1. Sisonke Mpayipeli

        Hlw, thank you fod your reply. I am currently doing BCOM accounting and I am doing my 3rd year it’s a 4 year degree. What can I do because I’ve never studied in any other institutions before besides this one after I passed my matric in 2017. Please help me, how can I fix this?

        1. The best thing you could possibly do is wait for the NSFAS appeal window to open again. You should not be affected by the N+2 rule since there is a period after the recommended 4 years where you can still study.

          You could send NSFAS themselves an enquiry over the matter. Contact details for NSFAS can be found online here. Unfortunately there is nothing else I can suggest at this moment in time besides the solution above, but get in contact with them as soon as possible.

    2. I have a problem it seems that i did not finish my application as i only created mynsfas for nsfas when I was applying for 2021 so i was wondering if is it necessary for me to appeal or i have to wait to apply again for nsfas?

  11. I was successfully funded by Nsfas and then i lost my number that i registered with so I was asking that how can i change my number so that i can get my money

    1. As per the NSFAS website:

      To update your cellphone number or email address, log on to your myNSFAS account using your Username (email address) and password. Once you have logged in click Personal Details on the top of your screen. You will then be able to update your cellphone number and email address.

  12. I applied for nsfas in 2018 for 2019 and my application was approved, am currently studying at vut and i have been receiving allowance but nsfas hasn’t settled my fees. Earlier this month i got an sms from my institution stating that they stopped giving me allowance because i still have outstanding fees
    What should I do?

  13. hi so I registered on 2018 in TUT applied for NSFAS and a bursary but was using bursary not NSFAS then I lost my bursary then I reapplied for NSFAS FOR 2019 then this year I have to appeal this year but my appeal was rejected I don’t understand why cause I started using NSFAS 2019 so please help me to understand this process of n+ rule and explain to me what was a problem for me to be being approved by NSFAS

  14. Hey would like to find out what reason are acceptable for reapplying..lost my funding for poor academic results ..I know i can pass well.. feel like I was let down by fundin for laptop late arrival and text book allowance not coming in time..also I work long hours and have found a way too manage..do you think I’ll get my funding back
    ?

  15. HI I’M A FIRST YEAR STUDENT AT WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY AND I FEEL THAT I AM GOING TO FAIL THIS YEAR DUE TO DEPRESSION THAT MY MOM’S BEEN SICK AND I CAN’T COPE WITH THIS ONLINE LEARNING. SO MY QUESTION IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO AN APPEAL AND AFTER THAT CHANGE AN INSTITUTION?

  16. Hi, I’m currently studying Education at CUT and want to change to Radiography next year. Will I have to appeal for NSFAS or my funding will continue as normal in case I get accepted in my new course?

  17. I applied for nsfas in 2018 but I found out that my nsfas was unsuccessful so I went to college and applied for it again but still nsfas never funded me . So I study 18 months there without nsfas and on this year I applied again and they show me a status of 2019 and they said they need appeal and motivation and I don’t understand what is really needed

  18. Hy
    i’ve applied for NSFAS last year ,so when I check my status keep showing Applicant..
    Can you please explain for me what do that mean?
    Thanks in advance

  19. My name is Noxolo brightness xaba i was a college student funded by nsfas,i was doing N4 but the county closed for lockdown and we also schools were closed,by the time schools were opening i couldn’t go back to school cause i was performing a cultural practise that was life threatening. When i went back to school it was too late they had already started the exams and they were half way through. I submitted proof and all but there was nothing they can do although my proof was valid. Now i am changing to a varsity and my nsfas portal is still in the ” Payment” step, should i appeal or i am still safe?

  20. Greetings,
    I would like to know if I passed 8 modules and failed 2, of which 1 is a major. Do I need to appeal for Nsfas or should I just leave things as they are. I am doing a 2nd year. I have not exceeded the N+1 RULE. I would appreciate your response.

  21. Hi my name is samuel i was funded by nsfas last year but this year i got an email saying my nsfas is unsuccessful but i managed to pass 50%of my modules what could be the problem

  22. H Dylan.
    I was funded last year 2020 and this year my fund wasn’t approved the reason being N+2 rule,however i was only funded for 2020, NSFAS has never funded me except for last year.

    I am studying towards a National Diploma in Safety Management and this is my last year .

    what do i do? what is the appeal process and where do i start?
    [email protected]
    061 402 7273
    Any form of assistance will be highly appreciated.

  23. Morning can I please ask that can I appeal and be funded if I was affected by DUAL REGISTRATION ISSUE in 2021?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *