VerifiedThe student appeals, not the college or a parent. If NSFAS rejects your application or stops your funding, you lodge the appeal yourself on myNSFAS, within 30 working days, with supporting documents. Rules are on NSFAS’s appeals page.
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Who does what in an appeal
| Person | Role |
|---|---|
| You (the student) | Lodge the appeal and upload documents; you get two chances to upload |
| Your institution | Provides a propensity letter for academic appeals, and corrects registration data problems |
| A social worker | Supports appeals for child-headed households or vulnerable students where needed |
| NSFAS | Decides the appeal |
Accepted grounds
- Household income: changed circumstances, income below the threshold, a breadwinner who died or cannot work, or court-declared independence.
- Academic: illness of two months or more, a death in the immediate family, a violent crime or a disability.
When you cannot appeal
- The qualification is not funded by NSFAS.
- You have used up your maximum funded time.
- Your parents’ details differ from your application.
- Your college or university has not submitted correct registration data; ask the institution to fix it.
For income appeals, NSFAS accepts a SARS ITA34 as proof of income, and affidavits can be rejected.
See why NSFAS applications fail.
Frequently asked questions
Can my parent appeal for me on NSFAS?
The appeal is lodged by the student on myNSFAS, although parents may need to supply documents.
How long do I have to appeal to NSFAS?
30 working days from the outcome, under the 2026 criteria.