How to Cancel NSFAS Application?

Last updated on July 2, 2026

You may want to cancel your NSFAS application if you made a mistake, applied with the wrong details, no longer need funding, used the wrong institution, or want to submit a fresh application during the correct application period.

Before cancelling, be careful. NSFAS applications are linked to your ID number, myNSFAS profile, academic year, institution details, and funding status. If you cancel the wrong application or cancel after the closing date, you may not be able to submit a new application immediately.

In this article, we explain how to cancel an NSFAS application online, what to do if the cancel option is not showing, whether you can reapply, and when you should contact NSFAS directly.

Quick Glance

• Log in to your myNSFAS account to check if a cancel option is available.
• Do not cancel just because your status is taking long.
• If the cancel button is not showing, contact NSFAS directly.
• You may need to reapply if you still need funding for a new academic year.
• Always keep proof of your cancellation request or NSFAS response.

When Should You Cancel Your NSFAS Application?

You should only cancel your NSFAS application if you have a clear reason. Common reasons include:

• You applied for the wrong academic year.
• You selected the wrong institution.
• You entered incorrect personal details.
• You no longer plan to study.
• You received another bursary or funding option.
• You want to correct a serious mistake before applying again.
• Your institution or course details have changed.

Do not cancel your application only because your status is still pending, verification, or registration received. Some NSFAS statuses take time to update, especially when NSFAS is waiting for information from your institution.

How to Cancel an NSFAS Application

Follow these steps if you want to check whether you can cancel your application online.

Step 1: Go to the official NSFAS website

Visit the official NSFAS website and open the myNSFAS portal. You can also go directly to the myNSFAS login page.

Do not use random links from WhatsApp, Facebook comments, or unofficial pages.

Step 2: Log in to your myNSFAS account

Enter your registered email address or username and password.

If you forgot your password, use the “Forgot Password” option on the myNSFAS portal instead of creating a new account.

Step 3: Open your application

Once you are logged in, look for the section that shows your application, application status, or application details.

The wording may change from year to year, so check your dashboard carefully.

Step 4: Look for a cancel or withdraw option

If a cancel, withdraw, or similar option is available, select it carefully. Read the message on the screen before confirming.

You may be asked to give a reason for cancelling.

Step 5: Save proof

After cancelling, take a screenshot or save the confirmation message. This can help if you later need to prove that you cancelled the application.

What if the Cancel Option Does Not Appear?

If the cancel option is not showing, it may mean your application has already moved to a stage where you cannot cancel it yourself online.

In that case, contact NSFAS directly and explain your problem. The myNSFAS portal lists info@nsfas.org.za as the official email contact.

When emailing NSFAS, include:

• Your full name.
• South African ID number.
• myNSFAS profile email address.
• Cellphone number.
• Application year.
• Reason you want to cancel.
• Screenshot of the issue, if possible.

Do not send your password by email.

Sample Email to Cancel NSFAS Application

Use this simple format:

Dear NSFAS Team,

I would like to request assistance with cancelling or withdrawing my NSFAS application.

My details are:

Full name:
ID number:
myNSFAS email address:
Cellphone number:
Application year:

Reason for cancellation:

The cancel option is not showing on my myNSFAS profile. Please assist me with the correct process.

Kind regards,
Your name

What if You Want to Deregister Instead?

Cancelling your NSFAS application is different from deregistering from your university or TVET college. If you want to stop studying, follow these basic steps:

• Contact your campus admin or student records office first.
• Ask for the official deregistration or withdrawal process.
• Confirm whether you will still owe any fees.
• Ask how deregistration may affect your NSFAS funding.
• Complete the institution’s deregistration form if required.
• Keep written proof that your deregistration was submitted.
• Check your myNSFAS account later to see if your funding status changes.

Do not deregister only through NSFAS. Your institution must update your academic and registration record first.

Can You Reapply After Cancelling NSFAS?

You may be able to reapply if NSFAS applications are still open and you meet the requirements. However, you should not assume that cancellation automatically allows immediate reapplication.

NSFAS states that applications open for a limited period, and students must apply online during the application window. The South African government services page also says NSFAS applications open for a limited time at the end of each year.

If applications are closed, you may need to wait for the next application cycle unless NSFAS gives you another option.

Common Problems When Cancelling NSFAS Application

The cancel button is missing

This can happen if your application is already being processed or if the portal does not allow cancellation at that stage. Contact NSFAS and ask for guidance.

You used the wrong email address

Try to recover access using the forgot password option. If you cannot access the email or cellphone number linked to your profile, contact NSFAS.

You want to change your institution

Do not cancel immediately. First check whether NSFAS or your institution can update your registration details. If your institution submits new registration data, your status may update later.

You cancelled but still want funding

Check whether applications are still open. If they are open, log in and see if you can submit a new application. If not, contact NSFAS before taking further action.

Your status is taking long

A slow status update is not always a reason to cancel. NSFAS may still be verifying your information or waiting for registration data from your institution.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes when trying to cancel your NSFAS application:

• Creating a second myNSFAS profile.
• Cancelling because your status is delayed.
• Cancelling after the application deadline without checking reapplication rules.
• Using unofficial websites.
• Sharing your password with someone who claims they can cancel for you.
• Not saving proof of your cancellation request.
• Cancelling when you actually need to appeal.

Final Thoughts

Cancelling an NSFAS application should be done carefully because it may affect your funding process for that academic year. First log in to your myNSFAS profile and check whether a cancel or withdraw option is available. If you cannot cancel online, contact NSFAS directly and keep proof of your request.

If your issue is a rejection, academic problem, or missing document, cancellation may not be the right step. In that case, check whether you should appeal, upload documents, or wait for your institution to submit registration details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.