How Many Modules Should I Pass For NSFAS 2026?

How Many Modules Should I Pass For NSFAS 2026?

NSFAS is a program funded by the South African government to help students from low-income families afford higher education. It aims to make studying at universities and TVET colleges possible for those who don’t have the money to pay for all the costs on their own. NSFAS covers a wide range of expenses, such as tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and essential study materials like books and stationery.

The financial help comes in two main forms: bursaries and loans. The bursary part of the funding is a grant, which means you don’t have to pay it back. On the other hand, the loan portion does need to be repaid, but only after you have completed your studies and started earning an income. The repayment terms are usually easier and more affordable than those of standard bank loans.

To keep receiving NSFAS funding, students must meet specific academic performance requirements. This means you need to show that you are making good progress in your studies and are serious about completing your qualification. Generally, you have to pass at least 50% of your courses or modules each year or semester. For example, if you are registered for eight modules in a year, you must pass at least four of them. If you fail to meet these conditions, you might lose your funding in the following academic year.

Learn more: Will NSFAS Fund Education In 2026?

How Many Modules Do You Need to Pass?

To keep getting NSFAS funding, you usually have to pass at least 50% of the modules you signed up for each year. For example, if you registered for 10 modules, you must pass at least 5 of them. This rule applies to students at public universities and TVET colleges.

Keep in mind that some universities or courses may have their own stricter rules about how many modules you need to pass to move on to the next year. It’s always a good idea to check both your institution’s policies and NSFAS requirements so you don’t miss anything.

• Undergraduate Qualifications Modules

NSFAS provides financial support for various undergraduate qualifications, ensuring that students from disadvantaged backgrounds can pursue their dreams. These qualifications encompass a broad spectrum of fields, including but not limited to:

•  Bachelor’s Degrees: NSFAS funds bachelor’s degree programs across various disciplines such as Engineering, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Commerce, Humanities, and Natural sciences.
•  Diploma Courses: Many diploma courses, including National Diplomas and Higher Certificates, are eligible for NSFAS funding. These programs are available in areas such as Business Management, Information Technology, Tourism, Hospitality, and Education.
• Higher Certificates: NSFAS also supports students pursuing higher certificate courses, which typically focus on specific skills or areas of expertise, such as Early Childhood Development, Marketing, Financial Management, and Computer Programming.

Postgraduate Qualifications

Although NSFAS largely focuses on undergraduate funding, postgraduate funding possibilities are scarce. NSFAS provides postgraduate scholarships in high-demand fields such as education, engineering, and natural and physical sciences. These scholarships are intended to develop high-potential students who are committed to research and innovation.

NSFAS Approved Programs for 2026

Applying for NSFAS in 2026, kindly note that these are the programs the Scheme will pay for.

• NSFAS funds Ministerial programs and students must refer to each college, however, the generally funded programs 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

Learn more: Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Pass 50% Of My Modules?

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026

Follow the steps below to apply online for NSFAS for the 2026 academic year;

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account.
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab.
• Complete the sections on the screen.
• Upload the required supporting documents.; such as ID Documents,
• Click on the “Submit” button to finish the application.

Contact NSFAS

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#

Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

RELATED LINKS