How to Cancel NSFAS Application (2025 Guide)

Can You Even Cancel an NSFAS Application?

Short answer? Yes, you can cancel it. NSFAS allows students to cancel their funding applications for various reasons.

But here’s the catch:

You can’t always do it online automatically.
Sometimes you’ll need to contact NSFAS directly.
If your application is already approved and funding started, the process will be a bit different from just cancelling a pending application.

Reasons Why People Cancel NSFAS Applications

Before we jump into the how-to, here are some of the common reasons students cancel their NSFAS:

Got another bursary (maybe from Funza Lushaka, your municipality, or an employer)
Switching universities or courses
Dropping out or taking a break (life happens, hey)
Moving to private colleges that NSFAS doesn’t cover
Realised you don’t qualify anymore (maybe your family income changed)

Step-By-Step: How to Cancel Your NSFAS Application

Alright, let’s get to the real reason you’re here. Here’s how to cancel your NSFAS application without making it complicated.

Option 1: Online (For Pending Applications)

If you haven’t been approved yet (your application is still “pending” or “processing”), you can cancel it online through the myNSFAS portal.

Here’s how:

1️⃣ Visit: https://my.nsfas.org.za
2️⃣ Nsfas Log in with your ID number and password
3️⃣ Go to “Track Application Progress”
4️⃣ Look for the cancel application option (if available—it usually appears for pending cases)
5️⃣ Confirm cancellation when prompted

Option 2: Cancel via Email (For Approved Applications or Special Cases)

If you’ve already been approved and you’re receiving funds, you won’t find a cancel button on the website. In that case, you need to email NSFAS directly.

Here’s what to do:

📧 Email Address:
[email protected]

What to include in your email:

Subject Line: Request to Cancel NSFAS Application
Your Full Name
ID Number
NSFAS Reference Number (if you have one)
The reason for cancellation
Contact details (email & cellphone number)

Example Email:

Hi NSFAS Team,

My name is Sipho Mokoena, ID number 9901011234086.

I would like to formally request cancellation of my NSFAS application for the 2025 academic year because I have received a private bursary.

Please confirm once my application has been cancelled.

Thank you,
Sipho Mokoena
061 234 5678
[email protected]

Option 3: Use NSFAS Social Media or Call Centre

If you’re struggling to get a reply by email, try these:

📱 NSFAS Call Centre:
0800 067 327 (Free from a landline)

📲 NSFAS Social Media (they actually reply here):

Twitter/X: @myNSFAS
Facebook: NSFAS Official

When Can You Cancel NSFAS?

Before approval: Easy—just cancel on the portal.
After approval, but before funds are disbursed: Email NSFAS ASAP.
After you’ve received funding: You can still cancel, but you might need to pay back some of the money depending on your situation. Always check first.

What Happens After Cancelling NSFAS?

Once NSFAS confirms your cancellation:

Your application is closed
No funds will be paid out to your institution or bank account
You’ll be removed from the NSFAS funding list

Will Cancelling Affect You in the Future?

Some students ask, “If I cancel now, can I apply again later?”

The answer is yes, you can reapply in the future. NSFAS doesn’t blacklist you for cancelling (unless you took funds and never paid them back—then you’ve got trouble).

Common Questions About Cancelling NSFAS

Q: What if I made a mistake on my NSFAS application—should I cancel?

A: No need to cancel right away! Sometimes you can update your details instead of cancelling the whole thing. Log into your myNSFAS account to fix minor mistakes.

Q: Can I cancel NSFAS and get funding from somewhere else?

A: Yes, but make sure your new bursary or funding is confirmed first. You don’t want to cancel NSFAS and then get stuck with no support.

Q: Will cancelling NSFAS stop my registration at college or university?

A: It depends. If NSFAS was paying your registration, speak to your school’s financial aid office before cancelling.