Does NSFAS Pay If Fail?

Does NSFAS Pay If Fail?

NSFAS can still pay for your studies if you fail some of your modules, but there are clear rules you have to follow to keep getting help. According to the NSFAS policy, you must pass at least 50% of your courses each year. This means if you fail more than half, you could lose your funding in the next year. So, even though failing happens sometimes, it’s important to do your best to meet the academic requirements. NSFAS funding is linked to how long your qualification takes to complete.

For example, if your degree usually takes three years, NSFAS will fund you for that period, as long as you keep passing enough modules and follow the rules of your institution. NSFAS is extremely important for thousands of students in South Africa who don’t have enough money to pay for university or college on their own.

The funding covers many costs, including tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, transport, and a monthly living allowance to help with basic needs. For many young people, this financial support makes it possible to continue studying and build a better future. If you are struggling with your coursework, don’t ignore it—ask your lecturers or student support services for help early. Staying focused and making sure you pass at least half of your modules is the best way to keep your funding secure.

Read more: Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail 60% Of My Modules?

TVET College Academic Eligibility Criteria

These rules apply to TVET College students:

• If you’re progressing to the next Report 191 N-Level, you need to pass at least 3 subjects in the previous level.
• For occupational programmes, each TVET College decides what academic progress is needed, and they will send your results to NSFAS.
• Non-FTEN students need to pass at least 70% of their courses each year to continue getting financial support.
• To move up to the next NC(V) level, you must have passed at least 5 subjects in your previous NC(V) level.

University Academic Eligibility Criteria

These rules apply to university students:

• If you get NSFAS financial aid, you must reach certain academic results to keep your funding.
• If you are not a first-time entering student, you have to pass at least 60% of all your courses for the year to stay eligible for funding in the next academic year.

Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, you must be a;

• South African citizens or permanent residents
• SASSA grant recipients
• Applicants whose combined gross household income is not more than R350,000 per year
• Persons with disabilities whose combined gross household income is not more than R600,000 per year.
• Must have an email account and cell phone number.

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.

Read more: Can NSFAS Fund Me If I Failed 2026

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

The NSFAS applications are done online on the official website of the NSFAS agency. The NSFAS application procedure is straightforward. Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS;

• Go to the www.nsfas.org.za official website, and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account.
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen.
• Click on ‘Submit’.

Contact NSFAS

NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre

We are available to assist through the following channels:

• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• Twitter: @myNSFAS
• Instagram: @myNSFAS
• WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
• USSD:*120*67327#

For general, student, and NSFAS Wallet enquiries

• For all other queries regarding students:
• Tel No.: 08000 67327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Physical Address

• The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St,
• Cape Town City Centre,
• Cape Town, 8001

NSFAS is intended to help South African students pursue higher education. While they expect students to achieve decent academic progress, they also provide various sorts of support and have an appeals procedure for individuals who face extraordinary situations. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful. Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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