The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has opened 2025 appeals. The government bursary scheme confirmed that students who were rejected from receiving funding due to the N+Rule in 2025 won’t be able to submit a NSFAS appeal.
This is a reminder that if your application for 2025 was unsuccessful as a result of the N+Rule, you will not be able to appeal.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. This funding covers tuition and registration fees. Students also receive several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Thousands of students will benefit from NSFAS funding in 2025. However, many students who were previously funded by the government bursary scheme won’t receive funding this year as they exceeded the N+Rule.
You will not have an option to appeal if your application was rejected as a result of the N+Rule.
Why N+Rule Students Can't Submit A NSFAS Appeal
The NSFAS N+Rule dictates how long a student can benefit from NSFAS funding.
University N+Rule
Currently, NSFAS implements an N+1 for university students.
N represents the standard duration required to complete a qualification. The “+” 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.
For Unisa students, N is double.
Students must aim to complete their studies within the N+Rule and maintain the academic progression rules of the NSFAS.
TVET College N+Rule
The N+Rule for TVET college students is based on NSFAS-funded academic terms.
An additional term is allowed which enables students to complete subjects they are repeating.
TVET students rejected due to the N+Rule may appeal only if:
- They have two or fewer subjects remaining for Report 191 qualifications.
- They have three or fewer subjects remaining for NC(V) qualifications.
- The college confirms their ability to complete the qualification within an additional term.
NSFAS explained that if students change their qualification or institution and the remaining number of years does not accommodate the time required to complete the current qualification, the student will not receive NSFAS funding.
