Can NSFAS Fund Me If I Failed 2026

It’s completely understandable to worry about your NSFAS funding if you’ve experienced an academic setback, like failing a module or a year. The good news is that failing a single module or even a few doesn’t automatically mean your NSFAS funding will be cut off. NSFAS knows that students can face challenges and has provisions in place to support continued learning. The key lies in your overall academic progress and whether you still meet the specific academic requirements set by your university or TVET college.

Each institution has its own set of rules for what constitutes satisfactory academic progress. Generally, NSFAS looks for students to be passing a significant portion of their modules and to be on track to complete their qualification within the stipulated timeframe. If you’ve had a tough year academically, your institution might place you on academic probation or recommend that you engage with academic support services. The good news is that during such periods, NSFAS often continues to provide funding, especially if you show a commitment to improving your performance.

However, there’s a point at which repeated academic struggles could lead to a discontinuation of funding. This usually happens if a student consistently fails to meet the minimum academic requirements, even after receiving support. For instance, if you fail more than 50% of your modules in a year, or if you exceed the “N+2 rule” (meaning you’ve taken more than two years extra to complete your degree beyond the minimum time), your funding might be at risk. The “N+2 rule” essentially means that if a three-year degree takes you five years or more, NSFAS might no longer fund you.

It’s always best to be proactive: understand your institution’s specific academic progression policies, seek out academic support if needed, and communicate any challenges you’re facing with your university or college’s financial aid office. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help you navigate the requirements for maintaining your NSFAS funding for 2026 and beyond.

Learn more: Does NSFAS Fund You if You Failed A Course 2026?

What Are the NSFAS Requirements for 2026?

To be qualified for NSFAS funding, you must meet particular requirements set by the organization. The qualification requirements are provided below

All South African citizens
All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.

Academic Performance Requirements for NSFAS Funding

A student’s academic progress is checked by looking at how many of their subjects they pass each term.
NSFAS and the colleges or universities will work together to make sure the rules for academic progress match.
To keep getting funding, university students must pass at least 60% of their subjects each term.
TVET students must pass at least 3 out of 4 subjects in the Report 191 level to continue receiving funding.
For students doing NC(V) courses, they can only get a loan for the next level if they have passed at least 5 subjects at their current level.

Supporting documents required for NSFAS

NSFAS needs information to confirm the employment and income of an applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.

NSFAS Declaration Form: completed by the school principal or social worker. (Non-SASSA only)
Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form: completed by a social worker for applicants under 18. (Non-SASSA only)
NSFAS Consent Form: signed by the applicant and/or parent, guardian, or spouse. (Not needed for SASSA recipients)
If the applicant has a legal guardian, court-issued proof is required.
For non-court-appointed guardians, submit the NSFAS Declaration Form.

Can NSFAS Fund Me If I Failed 2026

How To Apply For NSFAS

Follow the detailed, gradual guide below to apply for NSFAS.

Visit the NSFAS portal at https://www.nsfas.org.za/
Select the “Create an account” tab, where you will be required to fill in your ID number, first and last name, email address, contact number, and your selected password
You will then be required to validate your account and the information you have provided
After creating your account, you will be able to select the “Login” tab and log in by filling in your ID number and password.
Fill in all the required information and upload your supporting documents.
Yield your application before the closing date.

Learn more: Does NSFAS Pay If Fail?

NSFAS Contact Details