The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that it has resolved the majority of appeal applications submitted for the 2025 academic year, offering hope to thousands of students who initially faced rejection.
NSFAS plays a vital role in enabling access to higher education by providing bursaries and student loans to qualifying students enrolled at public universities and TVET colleges across South Africa. The funding covers tuition, registration fees, and a range of student allowances, including food, accommodation, and learning materials.
NSFAS Appeals Update for 2025
Students whose applications were rejected had 30 days to submit an appeal with the necessary supporting documents. These appeals are evaluated to determine if the initial rejection was in line with NSFAS policy or if an exception can be granted.
Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane confirmed that:
“The NSFAS Appeals and Tribunals Committee is currently reviewing these outcomes to ensure consistency and appropriate application of policy.”
While most appeals have already been processed, some are still under review by the NSFAS Appeals Tribunal to ensure all outcomes are fair and compliant with guidelines.
Important Reminder for Students With Pending Appeals
There is no official closing date for when all outstanding appeals will be finalised, so students are encouraged to frequently check their NSFAS accounts for updates. In some cases, additional documentation may be requested, and failure to respond promptly could delay your outcome.
“Students are encouraged to regularly check their accounts to upload any additional documents requested in relation to their appeals.”
How to Check Your NSFAS Appeal Status
Follow these steps to track the status of your appeal:
Step 1: Go to the NSFAS website and click on myNSFAS
Step 2: Log in using your username and password
Step 3: Click on “Track Funding Progress”
Step 4: Your application and appeal status will be displayed on the dashboard
Make sure your contact information is up to date, so you don’t miss important notifications or requests from NSFAS