A question that's often asked is: will NSFAS still fund me if I move to another University/TVET College?
The answer to this question is: yes, NSFAS will continue funding you.
This question deals with the N+ rule NSFAS has in place. Before NSFAS was changed from a loan scheme to a bursary, the rule was 'N+2' and after the change which came into action in 2018, it was changed to the 'N+1' rule.
The N stands for the number of years our qualification goes for and the number (+1) refers to the number of years NSFAS will continue funding you for if you fail. After 2018, students are granted one year extra of funding should they fail a year in their course.
So, this then means that it's not about where you're registered but rather the duration you've been registered at a higher education institution, whether it be more than one or not, it all falls under one total.
It is important to further note that, the N+ rule is not based on the number of years that a student has been funded, but on the number of years that the student has been registered for tertiary study at any public university in South Africa, regardless of institution change.
Funding will then only be provided to the students once NSFAS receives their registration data from the institution. If they don't receive registration data, funding will be forfeited.
Allowances and other fees will only come through once NSFAS has received registration data from the institution.
NSFAS applications for 2021 are now open and closes on 30 November.
NSFAS offers funding to University students as well as TVET College students in the form of a bursary. Getting funded by NSFAS does not only cover your tuition fees but will have you receive funding for other needs you have as a student.
For more information on NSFAS, click here.
