The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed how it will implement the N+Rule in 2025.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS funding covers tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
The N+ Rule sets the outer limits for the duration that a student may receive financial aid from NSFAS. Students who exceed the N+Rule are disqualified from receiving NSFAS funding.
The "N" period of study represents the minimum duration required to complete a qualification. This means that students are expected to finish their programmes within this time frame.
A student who is no longer compliant with the University academic progression pathways or exceeds the University N+ rule may not be funded to study at a university.
The N+1 Rule is crucial for all students who receive financial assistance from NSFAS. It is intended to ensure that these students complete their studies within a reasonable time frame, preventing undue delays.
The University N+ Rule is based on the number of years a student is registered in the higher education sector. However, for distance university students enrolled in non-contact universities, the N period is doubled due to the challenges associated with remote learning.
In the instance of distance university students studying at a non-contact university, the N period of study equates to double the minimum time required to complete the qualification.
Lastly, students with disabilities receive additional support, qualifying for an N+2 extension. This accommodation acknowledges the unique challenges they may face and provides them with more time to complete their educational goals.
The TVET College N+ Rule is based on NSFAS funded academic terms at TVET Colleges. The additional NSFAS funded academic term may be for repeating at any level from the entry academic term to exit the academic term.
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.
It's important to note that NSFAS funding cannot be used to settle historic debt.
