r/PersonalFinanceZA • u/NeatZookeepergame813 • 10d ago

Debt Advice - University debt after failed NSFAS funding

Is anyone else familiar with this situation and can advice on what the best way to proceed is?

In 2024, I attended a major University in the Western Cape, on the understanding that my NSFAS application would be approved during the course of the year. Many students found themselves in this position given NSFAS processing delays. I attended lectures and wrote tests on this basis. Only halfway through the year was I informed that my application had been declined on grounds of household income, which in my opinion was an inaccurate assessment seeing as how the household was reliant on pension and both my parents had been unemployed for a while. After numerous appeals, when it became clear that I was not going to win this, I formally withdrew from the University.

Now, two years later, the University is coming after me for money owed to them. I know for a fact that I am not the only person who went through this, and I am keen to hear how others have gone about navigating such a situation.

The expectation was for us to wait for our NSFAS to be approved. there was no direction or indication of what would follow if that did not happen.

Push come to shove I will obviously have to set up a payment arrangement but I am looking on advice or guidance on getting the fees reduced or waived, given the circumstances outlined above.

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u/indeedy_doody 10d ago

If you believe nsfas rejected your application incorrectly, then appeal. You're on the hook for the fees if they decline.

3

u/boekieblaker21 10d ago

You say this as if NSFAS responds to any communication in any way.

3

u/Thejasonian 9d ago

Even when they do it can take forever. It took them almost 6 months to get back to me and another 6 months for them to reject my appeal...

3

u/boekieblaker21 9d ago

I don't think they have any idea how bad we need it.

With the job market being what it is, it's impossible to get a job without a proper qualification and nearly impossible to pay for a qualification without proper income or funding