What Is The 55% Rule For NSFAS 2026?

What Is The 55% Rule For NSFAS 2026?

Are you a South African student who wants to study further but is worried about paying for it? The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was created to help students who don’t have enough money for higher education. To qualify for funding, you need to know about the 55% rule. The 55% rule is an important requirement you must meet to get NSFAS support. Simply put, you need to achieve at least 55% on average in your Grade 12 final exams. This average is worked out by adding up your marks from six approved subjects and dividing by six.

If you’re already in university, you’ll need to pass at least 55% of your courses by the 2026 academic year to keep receiving funding. This helps make sure you stay serious about your studies. From 2026, NSFAS will also apply the N+ rule for students who study remotely, and the minimum pass rate will start increasing from 55% to 60%.

When NSFAS checks your results, they look at a combination of required and optional subjects. They add your marks from the six chosen subjects and calculate the average. If your average is 55% or more, you meet the academic criteria for funding. The 55% rule is there to encourage you to keep working hard. By setting this minimum standard, NSFAS can make sure its funding goes to students who are dedicated to their education and future.

Learn more: Will NSFAS Fund Me for 5 Years?

Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2026?

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, you must be a South African citizen or permanent resident to apply.

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
• A person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.

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

Supporting documents required for NSFAS

• A certified copy of your ID document or birth certificate
• Proof of income for yourself and your parents or guardians, such as salary slips or an affidavit
• A certified copy of your latest academic results or a statement of results
• A letter of acceptance from the tertiary institution you will be attending
• A completed and signed NSFAS bursary application form

How To Apply for NSFAS 2026

The NSFAS application is simple, straightforward, and convenient, and must be done on the official website of NSFAS. Follow the steps below to apply for 2026-2027 funding;

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account.
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen.
• Upload required supporting documents where applicable.
• Click on ‘Submit’

Learn more: How Many Years Does NSFAS Fund A Student

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

The NSFAS 55% rule is an essential aspect of the application procedure. Meeting this academic benchmark not only increases your chances of receiving financial help but also positions you for academic success. Remember that NSFAS exists to help students who are committed to their education, so utilize the 55% rule to motivate you to achieve in your studies and follow your aspirations. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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