With many students relying on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for financial support, understanding these guidelines is crucial to ensuring continued access to funding. Here’s what TVET college students need to know about the N+ Rule and how it will impact their studies in the upcoming academic year.
NSFAS has released the Eligibility Criteria and Conditions for Financial Aid for the 2025 academic year. With this, they have confirmed how the N+ rule will work for TVET College students in 2025.
What is the N+ Rule?
The N+ rule calculates the maximum period for which a student can receive NSFAS funding.
- N represents the standard duration required to complete a qualification.
- + allows for additional time to accommodate unexpected challenges that might delay studies.
Most students fall under the N+1 rule, meaning they receive funding for the standard programme duration plus one extra year. Students with disabilities are eligible for the N+2 rule, which provides an additional year of funding.
Student must aim to complete their studies within the N+ Rule and maintain the academic progression rules of the NSFAS.
NSFAS has said, "There is also a fairness element to this - if the number of years funded are counted, a student who is funded from their first year will have to complete their qualification within the required time frames for that qualification."
How Does it Apply to TVET Colleges in 2025?
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Registration History: The N+ rule considers a student's total registration history at any public TVET College in South Africa, not just the period funded by NSFAS. The TVET College N+ Rule is based on NSFAS funded academic terms at TVET Colleges.
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Standard Duration: The "N" period is determined by the minimum time required to complete the specific qualification. This information is typically available from the TVET College offering the programme.
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Extensions: The "+" period allows for extensions beyond the standard duration. These extensions are typically granted for valid reasons such as:
- Academic Challenges: Failing courses or needing to repeat modules may necessitate an extension.
- Personal Circumstances: Medical conditions, family emergencies, or other unforeseen events can be considered for extension.
NSFAS has also said:
The additional NSFAS funded academic term may be for repeating at any level from the entry academic term to exit the academic term.
The financial aid scheme has however said that the N+ rule does not apply to occupational programmes "as these programmes are aligned to employment contracts which do not make provision for the N+1 period of study".
They explained that if a student who has changed their qualification find that the remaining N does not accommodate the time required to complete the different qualification, the student will no longer receive NSFAS funding.
Should a student be changing institutions, NSFAS will verify the N+ rule in consultation with the student and the institutions.
If you are facing challenges that may affect your studies, it's essential to communicate with your TVET College and NSFAS to explore potential extensions.
NSFAS will accept appeals from students who had their funding discontinued, according to the NSFAS N+ rule, in the following circumstances:
- Severe Ill Health: If a student's studies were significantly disrupted by a serious illness lasting two or more months within the academic term, including exam periods.
- Family Bereavement: If the student experienced the death of an immediate family member during the academic term.
- Victim of Violence: If the student was a victim of a violent crime.
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: If the student was pregnant and gave birth during the academic term.
- Students with Disabilities: If a medical report confirms that the student's disability prevented them from completing their studies, and the institution believes they can still succeed within an extra term.
For any academic progression issues, students must first appeal to their institution.
