How to Cancel NSFAS Application (Online, Reapply, Email & Common Problems)

Last updated on March 25, 2026

How to cancel NSFAS application online or deregister NSFAS depends on your current status. If your application is still pending, you can cancel it through the NSFAS student portal or email. If you are already approved or registered, you must deregister through your institution first.

Many students search for how to cancel NSFAS application only after something goes wrong. It could be the wrong institution, the wrong course, a rejected appeal, or an application that is blocking registration. That is why knowing the correct way to cancel and reset an application matters. 

Quick Glance

• You can cancel your NSFAS application through the student portal only if it is still pending or under review.
• If your application is already approved or you have registered, you must deregister through your institution, not the NSFAS portal.
• If the cancel option is not visible, you need to request cancellation via email or through your financial aid office.
• Cancelling or deregistering does not remove your eligibility, but you must reapply correctly if needed.
• Once cancelled, you can reapply with the correct institution, course, or study year if applications are still open.
• Always save proof of cancellation or deregistration to avoid funding or registration issues.

What Does “Cancel NSFAS Application” Mean?

Cancelling your NSFAS application means stopping your current funding request so you can either correct it, withdraw it entirely, or reapply with new details (such as updated institution, qualification, or year of study).

Students often cancel when they applied incorrectly, selected the wrong institution, or need to reset their application before reapplying.

Eligibility: Can You Cancel Your NSFAS Application?

Yes — anyone who has submitted an NSFAS application can cancel it if it is still:

• Under review
• Not yet approved
• Pending funding
• Has errors you want to fix

Once the application is funded and disbursed, cancellation options become limited and must be handled directly with NSFAS support.

How to Cancel an NSFAS Application

Cancelling NSFAS Application Online (Step-by-Step)

Many students ask how do i cancel my NSFAS application online. The easiest way to cancel your application is through the NSFAS Student Portal:

Step 1: Log In

Go to the NSFAS student portal and sign in using your ID and password.

Step 2: Check Current Application Status

On your dashboard, check if the application is:

• Active
• Submitted
• Under review
• Approved
• Rejected

Step 3: Find the “Cancel” or “Withdraw” Option

Not all dashboards show this in the same place, but it is usually under:

• Funding status
• Application details
• Edit / Update application

If you see a “Cancel application” button, click it.

Step 4: Confirm You Want to Cancel

You may be asked:

• Are you sure?
• Reason for cancellation

Provide a clear reason, such as:

• “I applied to the wrong institution.”
• “I want to reapply with correct details.”

Step 5: Save Confirmation Screenshot

After cancellation, save a screenshot. This protects you in case of system delays or disputes.

If you do not see the cancel button, continue to the email method below.

How to Cancel NSFAS Application via Email

If the portal doesn’t show a cancellation option:

Use the official NSFAS support email

info@nsfas.org.za (or the current support email listed on the NSFAS website)

What to include in your email:

• Subject: Cancel NSFAS Application – [Your Full Name, ID number]
• Your full name
• ID number
• Student number (if available)
• The reason you want to cancel
• Request to confirm cancellation
• Screenshot of your application page

Example:

Subject: Cancel NSFAS Application – John Doe, ID: 1234567890123

Dear NSFAS Support Team,

I would like to cancel my current NSFAS funding application because I applied to the wrong institution. Please confirm cancellation so I can reapply with the correct details.

Name: John Doe  

ID: 1234567890123  

NSFAS reference: 987654321  

Thank you.

How to Cancel an NSFAS Application via SMS

As of now, NSFAS does not support cancellation via SMS. All official cancellation requests should be made through:

• Student portal
• Email
• NSFAS call centre

How to Deregister NSFAS After Approval or Registration

Many students search how to deregister NSFAS when they have already been approved or have registered at a university. This is different from cancelling an application. At this stage, funding is already linked to your institution, so the process is not done through the NSFAS portal alone.

If you are already registered, you cannot simply click a cancel button. You need to go through your institution.

Step-by-Step: How to Deregister NSFAS

Step 1: Contact Your Financial Aid Office
Visit or email your university’s financial aid office. Tell them clearly that you want to deregister from NSFAS funding.

Step 2: Request Academic Deregistration (if needed)
In many cases, NSFAS funding is tied to your course registration. This means you may need to cancel your course registration first before NSFAS funding can be stopped.

Step 3: Submit a Formal Request
You may be asked to fill out a deregistration form or write a short request explaining why you want to withdraw funding.

Step 4: Wait for Institution + NSFAS Update
Your university will update NSFAS on your status. Once processed, your funding will be stopped.

Step 5: Keep Proof of Deregistration
Always save emails, forms, or confirmation messages. This helps avoid future issues with funding or reapplications.

Important Things to Know

• Deregistering NSFAS is not instant. It depends on your institution processing the request.
• You usually cannot deregister directly through the NSFAS portal once approved.
• If funding has already been paid out, your institution may advise on next steps.
• Deregistering does not automatically block future applications, but you must apply again correctly next time.

When Should You Deregister NSFAS?

Students usually choose to deregister NSFAS when:

• They decide not to study anymore
• They switch to a different institution
• They choose a course not funded by NSFAS
• They plan to self-fund or use another scholarship

Common Mistake to Avoid

Many students try to cancel NSFAS online after they have already registered. This often does not work and delays the process.

The correct approach is always to go through your institution first, not just the NSFAS portal.

How to Cancel NSFAS Accommodation Application

If you only want to cancel the accommodation funding (and keep your main NSFAS application), follow these steps:

• Log in to the NSFAS student portal
• Go to “Accommodation funding details.”
• Select “Cancel accommodation only.”
• Confirm

Most students use this if they found private accommodation or hostel space.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cancelling without knowing the deadline — may block you from reapplying that year
• Not saving confirmation — you need evidence if NSFAS delays
• Sending incomplete email — missing ID or reference means delays
• Assuming SMS works — it does not

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Cancelling an NSFAS application is often the right step when details are incorrect or when a new application needs to be submitted. Whether it is done through the student portal or by contacting NSFAS support, the goal is to remove blocks that prevent registration and funding. When handled correctly, cancellation allows the funding process to continue without unnecessary delays.

Students should always check application deadlines, save proof of cancellation, and submit a new application as soon as possible. Taking the right steps early can prevent lost funding, missed registration periods, and extended waiting times during the academic year.

Varsha Asrani

Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.