NSFAS 2025

Will NSFAS Fund Me For 5 Years 2026

Will NSFAS Fund Me For 5 Years 2026

NSFAS 2026 N+1 Rule: Will You Get Funding for 5 Years?

Many South African students are asking how many years NSFAS will fund a student as they plan their academic path. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is designed to support students from low-income households by covering tuition fees, accommodation, transport, and other learning materials. However, the question of how long NSFAS will fund a student often depends on various factors, including academic performance, the type of qualification being pursued, and the duration of the program.

In most cases, NSFAS will fund a student for the minimum number of years required to complete their undergraduate qualification, plus one additional year if the student fails or changes their course. This is often referred to as the “N+1 rule.” For example, if your degree normally takes four years to complete, NSFAS may fund you for up to five years, but only if you still meet the requirements and do not exceed that limit.

It is important to understand these rules and how they may affect your funding status, especially if you have had academic challenges or changed your course of study in previous years. Knowing the NSFAS policies for 2026 can help you plan better, stay on track, and avoid losing your financial aid unexpectedly. This article will break down whether NSFAS can fund you for five years, what conditions apply, and how you can remain eligible for support throughout your studies.

How Long Will NSFAS Fund Me In 2026

NSFAS funding is mostly disbursed on an annual basis. While NSFAS seeks to assist students throughout their undergraduate education, there is NO assurance of funding for a five-year degree program.
NSFAS provides funding for the total study period for undergraduate programs, which is normally three to four years.

What Is NSFAS N+1 Rule

The NSFAS N+1 rule is a policy that limits how long a student can receive NSFAS funding. Below is a simple explanation:

What Does “N+1” Mean?

“N” = The minimum number of years required to complete your qualification (as stated by your university or TVET college).
“+1” = An extra year added in case you fail a module or need more time.

Example:

If your degree normally takes 3 years to complete (N = 3), NSFAS will fund you for up to 4 years (N+1 = 3+1), provided you still meet the academic and financial requirements.

What the N+1 Rule Means for You:

You can only receive funding for the duration of your program plus one extra year.
If you take longer than that, NSFAS won’t fund the additional years.
The extra (+1) year can be used at any point if you fail in your second year or if you need a repeat year later on.
If you have already studied before (even without NSFAS), those years might count toward your N+1 total.

Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2026

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, you must meet this standard.

South African citizens or permanent residents
SASSA grant recipients
Applicants whose combined gross household income is not more than R350,000 per year
Persons with disabilities whose combined gross household income is not more than R600,000 per year.
You must have an email account and a cell phone number.

How To Maintain NSFAS Funding In 2026| Will NSFAS Fund Me For 5 Years 2026

To continue enjoying this financial support program from NSFAS, students must meet specific responsibilities:

Continue to improve your Academic Performance:
Compliance with all the rules of the scheme:

List Of NSFAS Bank Partners 2026

NSFAS partnered with First National Bank (FNB), Absa, Standard Bank, and Capitec Bank as its collaborators.

FNB (First National Bank):

FNB is one of NSFAS’s primary banking partners. Students may now access their monies through FNB accounts, allowing for simple transactions and financial monitoring.

Absa:

Absa, formerly known as Barclays Africa Group, is a member of the NSFAS banking network. Absa is a bank that students may use to manage their NSFAS funds.

Standard Bank

Standard Bank is also one of the banks involved in NSFAS. Students who are eligible for financial help may be able to link their NSFAS accounts to Standard Bank for streamlined financial transactions.

NSFAS Contact Information

Website: www.nsfas.org.za
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
South African students: 0860 067 327
International students: +27 21 763 3232
Physical Address: 10 Brodie Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa, 7700
Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 7801

Whether NSFAS will fund you for five years in 2026 depends on your academic history and the duration of your qualification. Under the NSFAS N+1 rule, you can receive funding for the standard length of your course plus one extra year. This means if your program takes four years to complete, NSFAS may fund you for up to five years, provided you meet the academic progression requirements and haven’t already exhausted your funding. For details, click HERE