NSFAS N+ Rule Will Stay, Says Minister


Please share this article

Advertisement


The N+ rule will stay in place, even after many students complained and wanted the rule to be terminated. However, the department will be making changes to the way they handle student cases affected by the rule. 

NSFAS will keep their N+1 and N+2 rule in place. This comes after many students complained and were shouting for the rule to be terminated. With this announcement, the Minister said that they will be making changes to the way they assess students whose funding is affected by this rule.

Nzimande has said that in 2020, the application of this rule has been more efficient. In a briefing today, he said that the department found that the way the rule was applied before incorrect or done "in an unjust manner", the Minister said. They were neglecting to evaluate whether:

  • Reasons behind students de-registering in the first semester in prior years of study
  • Students were academic progress was affected by other factors, eg. psychosocial factors
  • Students who exceeded the rule based on the time on their system but are currently in their final year

NSFAS has about 9000 student appeals which are related to the application of the N+ rule and these will be considered by evaluating whether the application was done in an unjust manner, and if it was they will be funded, said Nzimande. These processes are currently underway. 

With this new method, the Minister says "it won't be a blanket approach or a one size fits all".

In an earlier briefing, the Higher Education Minister posed the question, 'why would you want to fail?' in discussing the N+ rule and saying that this rule makes way for failure. It was found that students were staying at institutions longer than they were supposed to.

NSFAS changed the N+2 rule to the N+1 rule when they changed their loan to a bursary in 2018. This sees them fund students one year more than the specified time of their qualification, should the student have started funding with NSFAS prior to 2018. 

 






Online Shopping Links

Loot - Takealot - Temu - Amazon - Shein





Advertisement


WhatsApp Channel

Sponsored Ad

Advertisement

Advertisement

Google News

Post-Matric Options

 

We helped you with past papers for your matric exams, so hopefully you are happy with your Matric results. So now you are faced with a lot of post-matric options that can shape your future paths. You might want to study law, teaching, or nursing. Of course studying is expensive so we have helpful advice about student loans, NSFAS bursaries, Fundi loans, ISFAP, and lots of other funding options.

These options range from pursuing higher education at universities , TVET Colleges or  private colleges, finding student accommodation, entering vocational training programs (like Learnerships and internships), joining the workforce, or even starting your own business. There are so many choices but we are here to help.

Advertisement


Latest SASSA articles

The R370 grant is aimed at assisting unemployed adults living in South Africa. Here's the R370 grant eligibility criteria.. 

Knowing when you social grant will be paid is extremely helpful as it allows for planning. Here's a guide on how to find you Sassa grant payment dates. 

Where to Study


Advertisement m


Other Articles

A gap year can be more than a chance to blow off steam and have fun. It can be life-affirming, offering opportunities for personal growth, cultural exposure, and professional development.


Advertisement


Latest SASSA articles

The R370 grant is aimed at assisting unemployed adults living in South Africa. Here's the R370 grant eligibility criteria.. 

Knowing when you social grant will be paid is extremely helpful as it allows for planning. Here's a guide on how to find you Sassa grant payment dates. 


Advertisement


Careers Advice

Teaching is still a solid career choice in South Africa. It’s got plenty of opportunities and offers job stability, especially in such unpredictable times.


Advertisement i