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

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

Are you looking for financial support to study at a college or university? You can apply for a bursary through NSFAS—the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. NSFAS is a programme funded by the South African government to help students who do not have the money to pay for their studies and cannot get loans or bursaries elsewhere. This support helps many young people get an education, no matter their financial situation. NSFAS can cover costs such as tuition fees, housing, books, and daily living expenses, depending on what you qualify for.

One common question students have is whether NSFAS will keep funding them if they fail 60% of their modules. According to NSFAS rules, you must pass at least 50% of your subjects each year and meet the academic requirements set by your college or university. These rules are there to make sure students are working towards finishing their qualifications and using the funding properly.

It’s important to remember that NSFAS policies can change over time, so the specific requirements about academic progress may be updated. Even though you are allowed to fail some modules, you still have to meet the minimum pass rate overall. If you don’t, your funding could be stopped. If you are getting NSFAS funding, always try your best to stay on track with your studies. If you have more questions or need help understanding the rules, we’re here to give you the information and support you need.

Learn more: Does NSFAS Pay If Fail?

Who can apply for the 2026 NSFAS

To qualify for NSFAS funding, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. The general eligibility criteria are provided below;

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be studying or intend to study towards an undergraduate qualification in 2026
• You must be studying or intend to study at a public tertiary institution within South Africa (a University or TVET College)
• You must have satisfactory academic records
• You must NOT have completed any previous qualifications
• You must be in a state of financial need.

NSFAS Qualification Criteria for 2026

Only South African citizens are eligible for this bursary scheme.

• A student must be registered or intending to register on a PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 programme at any of the fifty (50) public TVET Colleges in South Africa;
• Must need financial assistance (NSFAS will determine whether or not a student meets the financial eligibility criteria);
• Returning students must demonstrate proven and accepted academic performance (academically deserving) in line with the College’s progression policy or the progression prescriptions of the Bursary Rules and Guidelines (whichever is higher);
• Must not be enrolling for a qualification that duplicates previous learning that was state-funded; and
• Applicants will qualify if they fall within the maximum threshold of up to R350,000 of combined gross family income per annum and are admitted to/receive a firm offer for enrolment in a College.

List Of Courses NSFAS Fund for 2026

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

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: 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#

If you are having academic difficulties, seek assistance from your institution and keep open lines of communication with NSFAS to explore possibilities for continuing your studies. Remember that NSFAS is dedicated to assisting students in achieving their educational objectives, and they may be able to provide aid and solutions to ensure your academic success. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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