How Many Years Does NSFAS Fund

How Many Years Does NSFAS Fund

If you’re a student in South Africa who gets NSFAS funding, it’s vital to know how long this financial help will last. NSFAS( National Student Financial Aid Scheme) helps many students pay for their studies at universities or TVET colleges. However, this funding doesn’t last forever, and there are specific rules and conditions you need to be aware of.

One key rule is that students must make good academic progress. This means you have to pass enough of your courses each year to keep your funding. If you fail too many subjects or take too long to finish your studies, NSFAS might stop funding you. So, doing well in your studies doesn’t just help you graduate, it also ensures you keep getting financial assistance.

The length of time NSFAS funds you is based on your course and how long it’s supposed to take to complete. In general, NSFAS follows the “N+” rule. This means NSFAS will fund you for the number of years your course takes (N), plus one extra year if needed. For example, if your degree takes 3 years, NSFAS may fund you for up to 4 years. Understanding how long NSFAS will assist you helps you plan better for your studies and avoid surprises. Staying informed and working hard can make sure you get the most out of this helpful program.

Learn more: Can NSFAS Fund My Second Degree

Understanding How Long NSFAS Will Fund You

NSFAS helps students by covering the costs of their studies, but there are rules about how long you can be funded.

• At universities, NSFAS uses the N+1 rule, which means you get the minimum number of years needed to complete your course (this is the “N”), plus one extra year in case things don’t go as planned.
• At TVET colleges, the rule works a bit differently. It’s based on how many academic terms NSFAS has already funded. However, this rule does not apply to occupational programmes, since those are tied to job training and contracts that don’t allow for extra study time.
• If you’re studying at a distance learning university (like Unisa), your “N” is calculated as double the normal time because you’re studying part-time. So, for example, if a course normally takes 3 years, your N would be 6 years.
• Every student funded by NSFAS is subject to this N+1 rule. But if you have a disability, you’re allowed an extra year, so your rule is N+2.
• Keep in mind, the extra year (either +1 or +2) can only be used once during your time in university or college.
• Lastly, if you change your course, your N might change too. But if your new course needs more time than what’s left of your N period, NSFAS won’t be able to keep funding you.

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria for 2026

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, you must be;

• 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.

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.

Learn more: How Long Does It Take For NSFAS To Expire?

 Apply For NSFAS Online for 2026

The NSFAS application involves five simple steps. Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS;

• Visit the official website of NSFAS at: www.nsfas.org.za
• Click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
• Upload the required supporting documents, where applicable
• Click on ‘Submit’.

Contact NSFAS

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

By offering financial aid, NSFAS aims to make higher education more accessible to South African students. The length of your NSFAS financing is determined mostly by the type of program you are enrolled in, your academic success, and the particular requirements specified by NSFAS. To increase your chances of acquiring and keeping NSFAS funding, meet all application deadlines, perform academically, and remain up to date on any changes to their funding regulations. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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