Can I restart my NSFAS application and apply again?

The myNSFAS portal is a centralized data system designed to process millions of funding requests.

Because each application is anchored to a unique ID Number, the system does not permit the creation of duplicate accounts or multiple concurrent applications for the same academic cycle.

When an error is identified after submission—such as an incorrect household income entry or an invalid document upload—it is important to follow established administrative protocols rather than attempting to bypass the system’s structure.

Step 1: Monitoring Application Status via the Portal

The first step in addressing an error is determining the current phase of the application. Applicants should log in to the myNSFAS student portal and navigate to the “Track Funding Progress” section.

The status displayed determines the level of control available:

• Application Submitted: The file is in the initial queue.
• Filtering/Validation: Data is being cross-referenced with external databases (SARS, DHA, etc.).
• Action Required: The system has identified a specific discrepancy and opened a window for correction.

Step 2: Use of the Withdrawal Function

A “restart” is technically possible only through the Withdrawal function, provided the application has not yet progressed to the advanced stages of verification.

When an application is withdrawn, the existing data is removed from the active processing queue. In many instances, this action re-enables the “Apply” button on the dashboard, allowing for a fresh submission. However, this carries the risk of missing the national deadline if the portal is closed for new entries before the re-submission is completed.

Step 3: Correcting Missing or Invalid Documentation

Most errors related to document uploads do not require a full restart. If the system detects a file that is blurry, incorrect, or missing a required signature, the status will typically update to “Incomplete Documents” or “Action Required.”

In this scenario, the portal provides a specific upload interface to replace the problematic files. Documents must meet the following technical specifications to be accepted by the system:

• Format: PDF, JPEG, or PNG.
• Size: Each file must be under 2MB.
• Clarity: All stamps and signatures must be clearly legible for digital verification.

Step 4: The Appeals Process as a Secondary Correction Tool

If an application is “Declined” due to incorrect information, a restart is no longer an option. The standard procedure is to initiate a Formal Appeal.

An appeal allows for the submission of new or corrected evidence to address the specific reason for rejection. This is the primary method for correcting errors related to:

• Changes in total household income.
• Incorrect academic results recorded by the institution.
• Discrepancies in the “Missing Middle” financial bracket.

Step 5: Technical Intervention and Support

In instances where the portal becomes unresponsive or the “Withdraw” and “Edit” functions are unavailable, manual intervention is required. This occurs when an application is locked in a “read-only” state during synchronization between government databases.

In these cases, contact with the NSFAS Virtual Assistant or the official Contact Centre is necessary to request a status reset. Once the support agent unlocks the profile, the applicant can proceed with the necessary corrections.