Nsfas Appeals For 2023 Now Open

NSFAS appeals for 2023 are now open. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) appeals are a process where applicants who were not approved for funding can submit a request to have their decision reviewed. To make an appeal, you will need to provide additional information or evidence to support your case for financial aid. The appeals process usually takes several weeks and applicants will be notified of the outcome via email or SMS. It is important to note that NSFAS appeals are only granted in exceptional circumstances, so it’s essential to provide detailed and compelling information to support your appeal.


The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that the 2023 Nsfas appeals window opened on 20 January to students whose bursary applications were unsuccessful. The closing date for all appeals for the 2023 funding cycle is 20 February 2023. From 2022 the appeals process for new and continuing students is managed through NSFAS.

How Do I Submit NSFAS Appeal?

Submit appeals directly to NSFAS online through the MyNSFAS portal using the following process:

  • Step 1: Log into your “MyNSFAS” account on www.nsfas.org.za​
  • Step 2: Click the ‘Track Funding Progress’ option
  • Step 3: Check the application progress tabs
  • Step 4: If your application status reflects an unsuccessful message, you may submit an appeal by clicking on the ‘Submit Appeal Tab’
  • Step 5: Once you are on the ‘Application Appeal’ page, you can see the reason for your unsuccessful application status
  • Step 6: You are then able to motivate in writing the reasons for appealing your application status
  • Step 7: Your motivation must not exceed 1000 characters (words including spaces)
  • Step 8: Then upload certified supporting documents to support your motivation. You may submit up to 5 documents.
  • Step 9: Then click ‘Submit Appeal ‘
  • Step 10: You may now track the progress of the appeal on your myNSFAS account.

Applicants are usually given 30 days to appeal the rejection status upon receiving the decision from NSFAS.

How to Submit An Appeal To NSFAS

How To Appeal An Unsuccessful Nsfas Application

To appeal an unsuccessful NSFAS application, follow these steps:

  1. Obtain a detailed explanation of the rejection of your application from NSFAS.
  2. Gather additional information and evidence to support your appeal, such as proof of changed circumstances (e.g. household income), academic records, or other relevant documentation.
  3. Submit a written request for an appeal to NSFAS, including all relevant documentation and an explanation of why you believe the original decision was incorrect.
  4. Wait for a response from NSFAS, which typically takes several weeks.
  5. If the appeal is approved, NSFAS will provide funding for the current academic year. If the appeal is not approved, you may reapply in future years.

It’s important to keep in mind that NSFAS appeals are only granted in exceptional circumstances, so be sure to provide detailed and compelling information to support your appeal.

What Documents Are Needed For NSFAS Appeal?

The documents required for an NSFAS appeal vary, but typically include:

  1. A written request for an appeal, explaining why you believe the original decision was incorrect and what has changed since the application was submitted.
  2. Proof of changed circumstances, such as a letter from an employer indicating a change in household income or other financial documentation.
  3. Academic records, including recent transcripts or exam results.
  4. Any other relevant documentation, such as medical certificates or proof of additional financial needs.

It’s important to check with NSFAS for a complete list of required documents and to submit all necessary information to support your appeal. Submitting a complete and well-documented appeal increases the chances of a successful outcome.

Do NSFAS Appeals Get Approved?

If you received an ‘appeal approved’ status from NSFAS, it means you have been provisionally approved for funding and that your funding is pending for final approval.

The approval of NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) appeals depends on several factors and is not guaranteed. Appeals are only granted in exceptional circumstances and when compelling evidence is presented to support the request for reconsideration. Factors such as academic performance, household income, and other financial need indicators are taken into account when considering appeals. While some appeals are approved, others may not be, so it’s important to provide detailed and compelling information to support your appeal and to regularly check the status of your application.

Can I Appeal for NSFAS via Email?

Email the appeal letter and supporting documents to [email protected].

What Does Appeal Approved Status Mean On NSFAS?

NSFAS ‘Appeal Approved’ Status simply means that you have been provisionally approved pending final approval from NSFAS.

Please wait for your funding status on the myNSFAS portal to be updated.

How To Track 2023 NSFAS Application

Here’s how you can check the status of your NSFAS funding application after submitting your appeal:

  • Step 1: Login to your NSFAS account on the myNSFAS student portal here
  • Step 2: Enter your NSFAS username and password and sign in
  • Step 3: Click on ‘Track Funding Progress’
  • Step 4: You will see your appeal status for NSFAS

When Are NSFAS Appeals Open for 2023?

NSFAS opened the appeal process for new and continuing students from Friday, 20th January 2023.

When is NSFAS Appeal Closing Date for 2023?

NSFAS opened the appeal process for new and continuing students from Friday, 20th January 2023 and closes on Monday 20th of February 2023. All students are required to lodge their appeals directly with NSFAS using the NSFAS portal. Students are encouraged to appeal on time.

Image Courtesy: Unsplash