Uploaded the Wrong Document Instead of the NSFAS Consent Form? What to Do

Students who submit their applications for NSFAS funding could have concerns that they have uploaded the wrong document to NSFAS, rather than the required consent form. Don’t assume that your application was rejected the first time this occurs.

The key thing to do is to log in to the myNSFAS account and verify if the appropriate consent form has been received, after which, the official instructions should be followed with regards to rectifying the error.

NSFAS applications started on 18 September 2026 for the 2027 academic year. See the official NSFAS website for the most up-to-date applications deadline and requirements.

Does a wrongly uploaded document cause your application to be rejected?

Not necessarily. If you upload the wrong document, it is not automatically assumed that you have been rejected. If the necessary consent form is not provided or is incorrect, however, NSFAS may not be able to make the necessary verification.

For instance, uploading of an ID document, proof of residency or other document rather than the consent form does not imply that the uploaded document ought to be substituted for the consent form.

The NSFAS consent form is designed to enable the organisation to confirm the information that the applicant and parent/guardian/s spouse (where applicable) provides. This is why it is crucial to fill in and submit the proper form.

Note that if you receive a “Submitted Successfully” message, it does not imply that all supporting documents have been accepted.

How to correct the NSFAS Consent Form mistake?

If your application has already been submitted, do the following:

1. Click on your myNSFAS account to log in.

Go to the official myNSFAS web page and log in with your current myNSFAS credentials.

2. To see if your application was successful, please check your status.

Check your application tracker and document section. Search for any message that says that the consent form is missing, outstanding or needs to be worked on.

3. Obtain the appropriate consent form.

Get the appropriate form for the 2027 application cycle from the official NSFAS website.

Don’t use a previous application year’s form.

Fill in the form accurately

Read carefully and fill in all the sections that are appropriate. Ensure form is signed and dated by necessary persons as directed. According to the NSFAs guidance, an electronic signature is not valid for the consent form.

5. Attach the appropriate document

If you can replace the wrong file in your account or submit a good file, go for it and follow the instructions given.

Ensure that the document you upload is full, clear and legible.

6. If you can’t replace the document, contact NSFAS.

If you have already submitted your application and the portal does not provide for you to edit your document, please contact NSFAS via their official channels. Describe what has occurred and inquire how to provide the proper form.

Save any reference number and/or any written response received.

What If Your Application is “Awaiting Documents”?

If your application indicates that documents are outstanding, proceed to read the message to determine what NSFAS needs.

Follow the instructions if the consent form is mentioned to submit the consent form. If there is any further documentation requested, be sure to do the same.

Uploading the right consent form isn’t a solution to all outstanding document problems.

What do you do when your NSFAS Application has been rejected?

If your application result is unsuccessful, please review your reason given in your myNSFAS account.

Never presume just because this thing went wrong that it is only because the wrong thing was uploaded. Check the official guidance to see if it can be corrected or an appeal made.

Appeals are determined and governed by NSFAS requirements and deadlines; follow the requirements for appeals as outlined on the official NSFAS website.

There are also a number of common mistakes that should be avoided when filling out a common consent form.

As you complete your consent form, be sure not to make these common mistakes:

Submitting an ID instead of the consent form.
Failure to fill out required fields.
Lacking required signatures/dates.
Filling out a form for an incorrect application year.
Submitting an incomplete or fuzzy file.
If the submission is successful, it is assumed that all documents were accepted.

If you are going to upload, ensure that the entire form is visible and that all information is readable before the upload.

Quick NSFAS Consent Form Checklist

If you have uploaded an incorrect document, check this checklist.

• If you already have a myNSFAS account, log in.
• Please check status of application and the section of the document.
• To download the appropriate consent form, click on the relevant link below.
• Fill out the form and have the necessary signatures.
• If you can, replace or submit the document in the portal.
• If you are unable to fix the upload, please get in touch with NSFAS.
• Please record your enquiry, and any reference number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will NSFAS reject me for uploading the wrong document?

Not automatically. A missing or invalid consent form, however, may cause the assessment to be delayed, or otherwise may have an impact. Please review your account and follow the official instructions.

Is it possible for me to upload the consent form after I’ve submitted my application?

This will be dependent on the choices you have in your account and what NSFAS tells you to do. If you are unable to upload/replace the file, speak to NSFAS for advice.

Should I create another myNSFAS account?

No. Apply with your existing account and enquire with NSFAS about the document error.

From where can I get correct consent form?

Visit the official NSFAS website and locate the supporting documents for the relevant application year.

Final Advice

This can be stressful, as you are likely to upload the wrong document rather than the NSFAS consent form, but it doesn’t mean that your application has failed.

Login to myNSFAS to verify if the consent form is outstanding and agree on the procedure to be followed to rectify the errors. If the portal is not configured to enable you to replace the document, please DO NOT guess or make a duplicate application, but contact NSFAS instead.

Do not assume that your funding application has been rejected, always check your status on the application and obtain official instructions from NSFAS.