Does NSFAS Fund You if You Failed A Course 2026?

Does NSFAS Fund You if You Failed A Course 2026?

If you’re a South African student who depends on NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) to pay for your studies, you might worry about what happens if you fail a course. Many students face challenges during their studies, and failing a subject can be stressful, especially when financial support is involved.

The good news is that failing a course doesn’t automatically mean you’ll lose your NSFAS funding. NSFAS knows that students may struggle sometimes. According to their policy, students need to pass at least 50% of their modules to keep receiving funding. This means if you’re still passing half or more of your subjects, you can still qualify for support.

Also, NSFAS uses something called the N+1 rule. This rule means that NSFAS will fund you for the number of years your course is supposed to take (N), plus one extra year. So, if your course is three years long, NSFAS may fund you for up to four years. This extra year is meant to give students a second chance if they fail a few courses along the way.

Learn more: Can NSFAS Fund Me If I Failed 2026

NSFAS Funding and Your Academic Performance

If you fail a course while you’re studying, NSFAS won’t automatically take away your funding. They look at a few things before making any decisions:

Academic Progress Rules:

• Most universities and colleges have rules about how you should progress in your studies.
• NSFAS follows these rules and will often keep supporting you as long as you’re still within the time allowed to finish your qualification.

Making Progress:

• NSFAS expects students to keep moving forward toward completing their studies.
• Failing a course can slow you down, but they will look at your situation individually and try to understand your challenges.

Communication:

• It’s very important to stay in touch with your college or university and NSFAS.
• If you are struggling, tell them as soon as possible and ask for help or guidance.

What To Do If You Fail a Course Funded by NSFAS in 2026

If you’ve failed a course and you’re worried about your funding, here are some steps you can take:

Get Academic Support:

• Talk to your lecturers or an academic adviser about how you can improve and pass your course next time.

Speak to Your Institution:

• Let your financial aid office know about your situation. They can give you advice and might offer extra support.

Update NSFAS:

• Tell NSFAS about your difficulties and explain what you’re doing to get back on track. Being honest and clear is very important.

Make a Plan:

• Create a plan to catch up and meet your academic requirements. This could mean taking extra lessons or using tutoring services.

Stay Committed:

• Show that you are serious about your studies by attending all your classes, completing your work, and staying involved

Learn more: How Long Does NSFAS Fund A 3 Year Course?

Approved Qualification NSFAS Fund 2026

NSFAS primarily offers financial support to students enrolled at public universities and TVET colleges for the following types of qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degrees
• Diplomas
• Higher Certificates

Contact NSFAS

Contact NSFAS through the following details;

Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme

Twitter: @myNSFAS

Instagram: @myNSFAS

WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006

USSD:*120*67327#

NSFAS is intended to assist students in their educational pursuits. They have requirements in place, but they also recognize that academic journeys may be difficult. If you fail a course, you may still be eligible for NSFAS financing, but this is dependent on your unique circumstances and the regulations of your school. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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