How Long Does NSFAS Fund A 3 Year Course?

Tuition and expenses for a living can be a big barrier for many students when it comes to seeking higher education in South Africa. Fortunately, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) exists to help qualifying students with financial aid. If you want to pursue a three-year program, you may be wondering how long NSFAS will fund you. We’ll go through the specifics of NSFAS financing for a three-year course and look at the elements that may influence the length of your financial aid.

NSFAS financial aid is only available for a maximum of five years. Additional courses taken beyond the first five years will be charged. The N+2 rule, on the other hand, is amended after earning a degree or obtaining a certificate, necessitating a reread of additional courses and modules. NSFAS support is normally provided for the duration of your academic program. NSFAS financing will often cover the whole three-year term for a three-year programme, such as a bachelor’s degree program. This means that NSFAS will cover your tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for the duration of your course, as long as you complete the requirements and continue to qualify for funding.

A student who is denied additional funding because they do not match the NSFAS academic eligibility standards is no longer eligible for NSFAS financial help. A student who is no longer in compliance with the University’s academic progression routes or who exceeds the University’s N+ rule may be denied funding to study at a university or a TVET college. The N+ Rule establishes the maximum amount of time a student may receive NSFAS financial help.

READ ALSO: NSFAS Contact Number

Approved Courses NSFAS Fund 2025

Naturally, the costs of the courses also vary considerably but it is important to remember that Department of Higher Education and Training programmes are subsidised by 80% of the delivery cost and for the remaining 20% that would be paid by the student, many full bursaries are available.

however, the generally funded programmes are below:

Engineering Studies – (National Certificate -Vocational) NQF levels 2-4 & Engineering studies – Report 191 N1-N6
Engineering and Related Design; Electrical Infrastructure; Civil Engineering Construction and Information Technology & Computer Science
Business & Utility Studies (National Certificate – Vocational) NQF levels 2-4 & Report 191 N1-N6
Management; Marketing; Finance; Office Administration; Economics & Accounting; Education & Development; Hospitality; Tourism; Safety in Society and Transport & Logistics
Pre-Learning Programme (PLP) funding through NSFAS

NSFAS Funding Academic Eligibility Requirements

The amount of course credits earned by a student throughout the academic year will be used to determine their educational requirements. Higher education criteria needs will be gradually aligned by institutions and NSFAS. To receive NSFAS for the 3-year program, you must meet the following requirements;

University

As of 2025 First Time Entering Students (FTEN) must achieve a course credit pass rate of 50% for their previous academic term.
Continuing university students must as of 2025 achieve a course credit pass rate of 55% for their previous academic term.

TVET Colleges

A bursary may only be awarded to students progressing to the next NC (V)
level if they passed at least 5 subjects in the previous NC (V) level.
A bursary may only be awarded to students progressing to the next Report 191 level if they passed a minimum of 3 subjects in the previous N-Level.
Academic progression criteria requirements for continuing students studying occupational programmes will be determined by TVET Colleges, and results shared with NSFAS.

How To Apply for NSFAS 2025

Follow the steps below to apply online for NSFAS funding;

Visit the NSFAS official application website 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.
Submit your application before the closing date.

Contact NSFAS

NSFAS is 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#

NSFAS is essential for students studying a three-year programme in South Africa, helping to alleviate the financial load of higher education. In general, NSFAS will pay for your whole three-year study, but you must complete their standards, maintain academic progress, and be mindful of issues that may impact the length of your scholarship. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

RELATED LINKS