What Documents are Needed For NSFAS Appeal 2026-2027

The NSFAS appeal process can often be a difficult task for students, especially when it comes to gathering the necessary documentation. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides critical financial support to students from low-income backgrounds aiming to pursue higher education in South Africa.

However, if a funding application is rejected, students have the option to appeal the decision to demonstrate their eligibility for financial assistance. It is essential to understand that successfully appealing a rejection hinges significantly on the provision of accurate and complete documentation. The 2026-2027 academic year brings specific requirements for students seeking to appeal, ensuring they provide comprehensive evidence to support their claims.

This essay will delve into the specific types of documents that students must prepare when submitting an NSFAS appeal. By highlighting these requirements, the aim is to equip students with the knowledge necessary to navigate the appeal process more effectively and improve their chances of a successful outcome. Understanding these essential documents will also clarify common pitfalls that applicants might encounter, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation in securing financial aid for their studies.

READ ALSO: How To Appeal To Nsfas 2026-2027

Documentation Required To Apply For NSFAS

NSFAS requires personal information from agencies relating to the employment status and level of income of the parents or guardians/spouse of the applicant.
NSFAS Declaration Form is completed by the Principal of the School or the Social Worker. (Non-SASSA only).
The Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form (for applicants under 18 years) is completed by the Social Worker. (Non-SASSA only).
The NSFAS Consent form is completed by the applicant and/or parent/s, guardian or spouse. SASSA recipients do not require this form. (Non-SASSA only).
If an applicant has indicated that they have a Legal guardian, they must provide proof of guardianship issued by the Court.
Guardianship (not court-appointed) applicant to provide NSFAS declaration form.
Disability Annexure Form: The form must be filled out by a certified, duly registered medical doctor or another suitably qualified professional (such as an optometrist, physiotherapist, or head of the disability unit), who may confirm the student’s status as disabled and specify the kind of support the student needs as well as how the student would benefit from the suggested support.

Essential Supporting Documents For NSFAS

In addition to the appeal letter, students are required to present various supporting documents to substantiate their claims (Makhosazane, 2025). These documents typically include:

Proof of Income:

If there has been a change in the household income since the initial application was submitted, students must provide updated income affidavits and relevant pay slips. This documentation serves to clarify any discrepancies regarding financial eligibility.

Missing Documentation:

If important documents were not submitted with the original application, these need to be provided in the appeal. This might include identification documents, certification of income, or academic records that demonstrate eligibility.

Eligibility Evidence:

Students disputing their eligibility status must submit supporting documentation that attests to their qualifications, such as a recent academic record or proof of registration with an accredited institution.

Corrected Information:

Should there be any mistakes in personal details such as ID numbers or banking information, students are encouraged to submit corrected documents along with bank statements that affirm the accuracy of the corrections.

READ ALSO: Appeal NSFAS 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.

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.

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 an academic term
Death of an immediate family member during the academic year
A student was subject to a violent crime
Appealing N+

While appealing, students should frequently monitor their NSFAS portal for any updates or requests for additional information. Regular checking can inform them of the status of their appeals and ensure they are prompt in fulfilling any further documentation requirements. It is advisable to rely primarily on the official NSFAS communication channels to ensure accurate and timely information. Click Here for more information about Appeal for NSFAS.

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

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