How to cancel the NSFAS application for r350?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance for tertiary education in South Africa.

However, there may be situations where you need to cancel your NSFAS application, perhaps because you’ve secured funding elsewhere or no longer require student aid.

This article guides you through the process of canceling your NSFAS application, specifically if you were considering it for the R350 grant.

What is the difference between NSFAS and the R350 Grant?

NSFAS is a government-funded program that provides financial aid for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at accredited public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa.

The R350 SRD grant, on the other hand, is a separate initiative by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to provide temporary financial relief to unemployed individuals during times of hardship.

Why Cancel Your NSFAS Application for the R350 Grant?

There are several reasons why you might need to cancel your NSFAS application if you’re interested in the R350 grant:

  1. You may have realized you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for NSFAS funding but qualify for the R350 grant based on your income and unemployment status.
  2. You might have accidentally submitted duplicate NSFAS applications, and you want to cancel one.
  3. You may have secured funding for your studies from another source, making NSFAS assistance unnecessary.
  4. You might have decided to postpone or forgo your studies altogether, rendering the NSFAS application irrelevant.

 Can I cancel my NSFAS application after receiving the R350 grant?

No. Once you’ve received the R350 grant, you cannot simply cancel your NSFAS application to avoid any obligations.

However, you can still follow the steps mentioned above to cancel your NSFAS application.

If you have concerns about repayments or eligibility due to receiving the R350 grant, you must to contact NSFAS directly for further guidance.

What happens if I cancel my NSFAS application after being approved?

If your NSFAS application was approved but you decide to cancel before accepting the funding, it generally won’t affect your future eligibility for NSFAS.

However, it’s important to communicate your decision to NSFAS to avoid any complications.

You can do this by contacting the NSFAS Contact Centre or sending them an email explaining your situation.

Will canceling my NSFAS application affect my SASSA SRD grant application?

While the applications are separate, there can be some overlap in eligibility criteria.

If you were considering the R350 grant through NSFAS, canceling your NSFAS application might not automatically disqualify you from the SRD grant.

However, it’s recommended to double-check the eligibility requirements for the SRD grant directly with SASSA to be certain.

How to contact NSFAS with questions about canceling your application?

Here are some ways to contact NSFAS for any questions or concerns regarding canceling your application:

  1. NSFAS Contact Centre: Call 0800 067 327 on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM SAST.
  2. Email: You can send an email with your inquiry to [email protected].
  3. Social Media: NSFAS is active on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter (@myNSFAS). You can send them a direct message with your questions.

Is there another way to cancel my NSFAS application besides online?

While the online method is the quickest and most convenient, you can also submit a written request to cancel your application.

This involves drafting a formal letter explaining your reasons for cancellation and addressing it to NSFAS.

Include your ID number and contact information for reference.

You can then submit this letter in person at a NSFAS branch or send it via registered mail.

What should I do if I accidentally canceled my NSFAS application?

If you unintentionally canceled your application, you can attempt to rectify the situation by contacting NSFAS as soon as possible.

Explain your situation and inquire about the possibility of reinstating your application. 

How to Cancel Your NSFAS Application Online

Below is a brief but detailed guide on canceling your NSFAS application online:

  1. Visit the NSFAS website
  2. Log in to your MyNSFAS account using your ID number and password.
  3. Once logged in, go to the “Application Tracker” section.
  4. Click on “View Applications” to see a list of your submitted applications.
  5. Select the application you want to cancel (likely the most recent one).
  6. Look for a “Cancel Application” option. This might be located within the application details or under a separate “Actions” menu.
  7. You will likely be prompted to provide a reason for canceling your application. Choose the reason that best reflects your situation from the available options.
  8. Once you’ve confirmed your selection, your NSFAS application will be canceled.