Appeal NSFAS 2026-2027

Appeal NSFAS 2026-2027

As higher education costs continue to rise in South Africa, access to financial support through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) becomes increasingly crucial for thousands of students. The NSFAS provides funding to individuals from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

However, many applicants face rejection due to various eligibility criteria, prompting the need for an appeal process. This appeal process allows students whose applications have been declined to request a review of their circumstances within 30 days of receiving their application results.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, understanding the conditions under which an appeal is permitted, as well as the appropriate procedures for submission, is essential for students aiming to secure funding. Moreover, successful appeals often hinge on properly documented evidence that supports claims of financial need or changes in personal circumstances. In the following sections, we will explore the key components of the NSFAS appeal process, detailing the requirements and strategies for maximizing the chances of a favourable outcome.

READ ALSO: How To Appeal To Nsfas 2026-2027

What is an appeal?

An Appeal is a request from a student to NSFAS to reconsider its decision not to award funding. This is an appeal application. Within thirty (30) days after being determined unsuccessful, a student has the right to appeal.

Who can appeal?

A student whose application for financial aid is rejected or the financial aid for a continuing student is withdrawn, may appeal with the NSFAS.

The appeal decisions are subject to budget availability.
Appeals will only be considered for students who have applied to NSFAS for Financial Aid.

Who cannot appeal?

Students are not permitted to appeal if they:

Are registered for a qualification that NSFAS does not fund;
They have reached N+2 (or N+3 in the case of students with disabilities).
The student is a gap year student who NSFAS previously denied financial aid to because s/he did not meet the academic eligibility criteria.
If the institution has not submitted its registration record to NSFAS or has submitted an incorrect registration record, such enquiries should be directed to the institution.

READ ALSO: NSFAS Appeal For 2026-2027

Failed to meet academic eligibility

Appeals from students who failed to meet the academic eligibility criteria will only be considered if
The student is a continuing student who was not an FTEN or FTN student in their previous academic term of study AND
The student’s failure to complete their academic term successfully is due to severe ill health for 2 or more months of the academic term or during examination OR
There has been a death in the immediate family during the academic term OR
The student was the subject of a violent crime (such as rape and abuse) OR.
The student was pregnant and gave birth during the academic term and the institution has evaluated the student and completed the NSFAS standard propensity letter confirming the student will complete their qualification within an additional academic term OR.
The student is a student living with a disability and a medical report indicates that the student failed to complete their academic term due to the nature of the disability the institution has evaluated the student and completed the NSFAS standard propensity letter confirming the student will complete their qualification within an additional academic term OR
The student can provide evidence that the academic results received by NSFAS are incorrect.

Reasons for Appeals and Rejection

Reasons for rejection based on financial eligibility

Unsuccessful based on SARS data:

Income greater than R350K
Income greater than R350K (first-time entering student)
Income greater than R600K (disabled student)

Unsuccessful based on Credit bureau data:

Income greater than R350K – Declared Income
Income greater than R350K – Credit Bureau

Unsuccessful based on Declared income:

Income greater than R350K – Declared Income
Income greater than R600k (disabled student) – Declared income

CONTINUING STUDENTS: Appeal/s reasons

Continuing Students who failed to meet academic eligibility

Circumstance may vary

A student was ill for 2 months or more consecutively.
The student gave birth during the academic term
Death of an immediate family member during the academic year
A student was subject to a violent crime
Appealing N+

The NSFAS appeal process for the 2026-2027 academic year is an essential pathway for students seeking financial support after an initial rejection. While the structure may seem complex and the challenges numerous, understanding the process and preparing adequately can greatly enhance the likelihood of a favourable outcome. As students venture into this process, they must remain organized and proactive in addressing any potential pitfalls. Patience, diligence in documentation, and utilization of official channels will be key factors in successfully navigating the appeal process and ultimately securing the financial aid needed for academic advancement.

For general and student enquiries:

For all other queries regarding students:

Tel No.: 08000 67327

Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Physical Address (Head Office):

The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St,

Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

RELATED LINKS: