The National Student Financial Assistance Program received over 1 million applications from students wanting to enroll at postsecondary institutions in 2023. Some students, however, do not qualify for support despite filing applications.
More than 300,000 applications for financial help for the 2023 academic year were denied by the financial aid provider. The bursary scheme provided an update on funding decisions for the 2023 academic year.
For the 2023 funding cycle, NSFAS grant applications will be accepted until midnight on January 31, 2023.
According to NSFAS, First Time Entering (FTEN) students who are Sassa recipients were supported immediately upon application.
Approximately 317,335 applications were unsuccessful because they did not meet NSFAS funding requirements.There are still 206,781 applications awaiting evaluation, while 37,854 are awaiting financial eligibility assessments.
Consequently, NSFAS released a statement stating: "In this regard, NSFAS urges those students that have received rejection notices to urgently lodge their appeals so that the issues behind their rejection can be investigated and finalised"
Thus, it is not the end of the road for those who have been rejected. However, this does not guarantee that the appeal will be successful.