NSFAS funding applications can be stressful, especially when you’re waiting to hear whether you’ve been approved. You can try again for funding if your NSFAS application was rejected.
A number of student funding applications have been rejected by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), for a variety of reasons.
Nsfas Application Was Rejected for Several Reasons
The deadline for applications for funding for the 2023 academic year was 31 January, 2023. Approximately 1 million applications were received from students hoping to study at tertiary institutions in 2023, according to NSFAS.
Funding is not available to all students who submitted applications.
This is what NSFAS says
- We have approved funding for 941 491 applicants, subject to their registration at a public university or TVET college.
- 37 854 applications are awaiting financial eligibility assessment and confirmation from third parties, while approximately 206 701 applications are awaiting evaluation.
- 317 335 applications were unsuccessful due to non-compliance with NSFAS funding requirements.
NSFAS has already made funding decisions for First-Time Entering (FTE) SASSA applicants, while some students are still waiting for their financial aid provider’s response.
Institutions have received a funding list for non-Sassa applicants and returning students. The status of applicants was also communicated via email and SMS, using the information submitted during the application process.
Your application was rejected for several reasons
- According to records from the Department of Home Affairs, the applicant is deceased
- An applicant’s household income exceeds the income threshold (financial eligibility not met)
- This applicant has already achieved the highest level of qualification for NSFAS funding
- NSFAS cannot make a funding decision due to insufficient information provided
- The applicant provided an invalid National ID and/or names and surnames
- Academic Eligibility Criteria are not met by the applicant
- There is a possibility that the applicant has exceeded the N+ rule
- Due to the fact that the applicant is funded by another bursary provider, they are not eligible for NSFAS funding
Those unsuccessful students who wish to appeal the scheme’s funding decision can do so via their myNSFAS account, where they will be directed to the appeal tab for uploading supporting documentation.
It is likely that their rejection will be overturned if they meet the NSFAS bursary criteria. NSFAS applicants who do not succeed can appeal their decision until 20 February 2023.
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