Can NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail?

Can NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail?

NSFAS Rules on Failing: Can You Still Get Funding?

Students who pass 50% of their modules and meet all the requirements as per the agreement policy made between Nsfas and students will continue to receive bursaries from Nsfas, and those who applied for loans must also maintain a 60% pass rate for continued funding. It is therefore the responsibility of students to maintain good academic excellence to continue to enjoy the benefits from NSFAS.

NSFAS is designed to support students from low-income households by covering tuition fees, accommodation, learning materials, and living allowances. However, to keep receiving this financial aid, you must meet certain academic criteria. According to NSFAS rules, students are expected to pass at least 50% of their registered modules each academic year to continue receiving funding. This is part of their academic progression requirements.

If you fail one or two modules but still pass 50% or more of your total courses, NSFAS may continue to fund you. However, if you fail more than 50%, you risk losing your funding. NSFAS may cancel your support for the following year unless you successfully appeal and explain your academic challenges. It is also important to note the N+ rule, which limits how long NSFAS can fund you. This means there is a cap on how many years you can be funded, even if you fail and repeat a year.

READ HERE: How Do I Check My NSFAS Status?

What Is The NSFAS Academic Progression Rule

NSFAS funding is not guaranteed every year. To remain eligible, students must meet the academic progression requirements, which means they must pass at least 50% of their registered modules for each academic year. This rule is in place to ensure that students are making reasonable progress toward completing their qualifications.

• If you fail less than 50% of your modules, NSFAS may continue funding you. However, failing more than 50% puts your funding at risk. You could lose your financial aid for the following year unless you submit a successful appeal.

Can NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail For A Year?

• Failing an entire academic year does not automatically mean you will be cut off from NSFAS. You can submit an appeal explaining the reasons for your poor performance, such as illness, family issues, or mental health challenges.
• If your appeal is approved, NSFAS might reinstate your funding. But you must provide valid supporting documents.

What Is Meant By The N+ Rule

NSFAS also follows the N+ rule, which limits how many years it will fund you:

• “N” is the minimum number of years needed to complete your course.
• “N+1” means you can be funded for one extra year if you fail or need to repeat.

As of recent updates, some students may qualify for N+2, especially if they were affected by COVID-19 or policy changes.

Consequences That May Occur Failing A Course As A Beneficiary Of NSFAS

Initial failure:

• Generally, NSFAS recognizes that students may encounter academic difficulties, and they provide an opportunity for students to recover from a single failed course.

Recurring failures:

• NSFAS closely monitors students’ academic progress. If a student continues to fail courses, the scheme may reassess their eligibility for ongoing funding. In such instances, NSFAS might require the student to provide a satisfactory explanation for their academic struggles or participate in academic support programs aimed at improving their performance.

Termination of funding:

• In severe cases where a student consistently fails courses and fails to meet the required academic standards, NSFAS may decide to terminate their funding. This determination is typically made following a comprehensive evaluation of the student’s academic history and attempts made to provide support.

Risks of Repeated Failure

Failing more than once or multiple times increases your risk of:

• Losing NSFAS funding permanently
• Reaching your N+ limit too soon
• Being denied further appeals
• Delaying graduation

How To Appeal NSFAS Funding Loss For 2026

If you lose your NSFAS funding due to poor academic performance, you can submit an appeal through your myNSFAS account. Here’s how:

• Log in to the NSFAS portal at my.nsfas.org.za
• Go to the “Appeals” section
• Complete the appeal form and upload supporting documents (doctor’s notes, death certificates, or academic reports)
• Submit before the deadline (usually within 30 days after funding is withdrawn)

NSFAS may still fund you if you fail, but it depends on how many modules you fail and whether you meet the academic progression requirements. If you pass at least 50% of your registered modules, your funding will likely continue. However, if you fail more than 50% or an entire academic year, you risk losing your NSFAS support unless you submit a successful appeal with valid reasons and documents. Visit the official website here for more info