The NSFAS N+ Rule is an essential policy that determines how long students can receive funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This rule applies to students studying at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
Since NSFAS funding is not unlimited, students must complete their qualifications within a specific timeframe. If a student exceeds this time, they lose their NSFAS funding. But how does the NSFAS N+ Rule work, and how can students calculate their remaining years of funding?
Let’s break it down.
What Is the NSFAS N+ Rule?
The NSFAS N+ Rule is a formula used to determine the maximum number of years a student can receive NSFAS funding.
- “N” represents the minimum number of years required to complete a qualification.
- “+1” (or “+2” for some students) represents the extra years NSFAS provides in case of academic challenges.
Current NSFAS N+ Rule Breakdown:
- N+1 Rule – Applies to all students (one extra year of funding).
- N+2 Rule – Applies to students with disabilities (two extra years of funding).
Example:
If a degree normally takes three years (N = 3), NSFAS will fund the student for a maximum of four years (N+1 = 3+1).
For a student with a disability, NSFAS will provide funding for five years (N+2 = 3+2).
Related: Steps to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application In 2025
How Does the NSFAS N+ Rule Apply to Different Institutions?
The NSFAS N+ Rule applies differently to universities and TVET colleges.
At Universities
- NSFAS funding is based on the total number of years a student has been registered at a higher education institution.
- If a student exceeds their allocated N+ years, they lose their NSFAS funding, even if they were not funded in some of those years.
At TVET Colleges
- The rule applies to academic terms (semesters or trimesters).
- NSFAS funding stops when a student reaches the maximum allowed funded terms.
Exception: Occupational Programmes
NSFAS does not apply the N+ Rule to occupational programmes at TVET colleges because these courses are linked to employment contracts and do not fit into the N+1 timeframe.
What Happens If You Exceed the NSFAS N+ Rule?
If a student surpasses the allocated N+ years, they lose their NSFAS funding and receive an “Exceeded N+ Rule Enrolment” status.
Important Considerations:
- The NSFAS N+ Rule applies to all the years a student has been enrolled in tertiary education, even if they were not funded by NSFAS during those years.
- If a student studied without NSFAS funding and later applied, those previous years still count toward the N+ limit.
Changing Courses and the NSFAS N+ Rule
If a student changes their qualification, the N+ calculation resets based on the new qualification.
Example: If you first pursued a two-year diploma but later switched to a three-year degree, your NSFAS N+ Rule will be based on the new three-year degree.
However, if you have already exceeded your N+ years, NSFAS will not continue funding you, even after switching courses.
Can You Appeal If You Exceed the NSFAS N+ Rule?
Yes. Some students may be eligible to appeal their NSFAS funding termination due to the NSFAS N+ Rule.
However, not all students qualify for an appeal. NSFAS only considers appeals under specific valid circumstances.
Valid NSFAS N+ Rule Appeal Reasons
Students may submit an appeal if they were unable to complete their studies due to:
- Health Issues – Severe illness lasting two months or longer, or hospitalization during exams.
- Family Tragedy – The death of an immediate family member affecting academic performance.
- Victim of a Crime – If the student was a victim of a violent crime that disrupted their studies.
- Pregnancy – If the student was pregnant and gave birth during the academic term, affecting coursework or exams.
- Disability-Related Challenges – A student with a disability must submit a medical report proving how their condition affected their studies.
- Final Year Completion – If a university student has 50 percent or fewer course credits left in their final year, they can appeal for funding to complete their qualification.
- TVET College Completion – TVET students with:
- Two or fewer subjects left for a Report 191 qualification, or
- Three or fewer subjects left for an NC(V) qualification, may submit an appeal.
Who Cannot Appeal Under the NSFAS N+ Rule?
- Students who have already reached N+2 (or N+3 for students with disabilities) cannot appeal.
- Students who failed too many modules without a valid reason will not be approved for an appeal.
How to Calculate Your Remaining NSFAS Years
To determine how many years of funding you have left under the NSFAS N+ Rule:
- Find the Minimum Years (N) – Check how long your qualification is supposed to take.
- Apply the N+ Rule – Add +1 year (or +2 if you have a disability).
- Subtract Previous Study Years – Count all the years you have been enrolled in tertiary education, including those without NSFAS funding.
Example Calculation Using the NSFAS N+ Rule:
| Qualification | Minimum Duration (N) | N+1 Funding Limit | N+2 (For Disabilities) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | 3 years | 4 years | 5 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 5 years | 6 years |
| Higher Certificate | 1 year | 2 years | 3 years |
Key Takeaways on the NSFAS N+ Rule
- The NSFAS N+ Rule determines how long a student is eligible for funding.
- All students follow the N+1 Rule, while students with disabilities get N+2.
- All previous years of tertiary education count, even if NSFAS did not fund them.
- Students who exceed their N+ years lose their funding unless they qualify for an appeal.
- Appeals are only considered for valid reasons such as illness, family death, pregnancy, crime victimization, or nearing graduation.
Need More Information About the NSFAS N+ Rule?
For official updates on NSFAS funding policies, visit:
You can also contact your university or TVET college financial aid office for guidance.
