NSFAS Rejected
I Got Rejected by NSFAS in 2025 – Here’s What I Did to Still Get Student Funding
Last updated: 7 August 2025
Thousands of students were rejected by NSFAS in 2025. I was one of them. If you’re in the same boat, don’t panic. I’ll show you exactly how I still got funded after being rejected.
My Story: Getting Rejected by NSFAS
I applied to study BCom Accounting at the University of Pretoria. I submitted my NSFAS application early and thought I had everything covered.
Then I got this email:
NSFAS Application Status: Rejected
Reason: Household income exceeds the threshold.
You may appeal this decision before the closing date via the NSFAS portal.
I was shocked. I didn’t expect that response because my parent was retrenched. But I realised I hadn’t submitted updated proof of income. That was my mistake.
What I Learned
- Always upload the latest documents
- Double-check your financial info before submitting
- Don’t assume anything is “obvious” to NSFAS
Step 1: I Appealed the NSFAS Rejection
I logged into my.nsfas.org.za and submitted an appeal. I included:
- My parent’s retrenchment letter
- My affidavit
- A new income affidavit
But my appeal was denied. That forced me to look elsewhere for help.
Step 2: I Applied for Other Funding Options
I visited the financial aid office at UP. They helped me find three options:
- UP Financial Aid Bursary
- Feenix crowdfunding
- NYDA bursary database
I applied to all of them. Two responded within a month.
Bursary Comparison Table
| Bursary Name | Provider | Amount | Response Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| UP Financial Aid | University of Pretoria | R32,000 | 2 weeks |
| Feenix | Crowdfunding | Varies | Depends on campaign |
| NYDA Bursary | NYDA | R20,000 | 3–4 weeks |
Bonus: How I Improved My Applications
- Added a personal motivation letter
- Got a signed recommendation from my local councilor
- Made sure all my documents were up to date
Outcome: I Got Funded
The UP Financial Aid Bursary approved me for R32,000. It covered my full tuition and books. The funds were paid directly to the university within 14 days.
Final Advice if You Got Rejected
- Appeal fast, before the deadline
- Talk to your university’s financial aid team
- Search and apply for bursaries outside NSFAS
- Don’t give up – getting funded is still possible
Author: Anonymous Student | University of Pretoria | 2025 First-Year
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