Last updated on February 15th, 2023 at 12:53 pm
Do you want to know everything about the NSFAS N Rule; NSFAS N+ Rule? Are you confused about the NSFAS N+1 rule and NSFAS N+2 rule? Well then, you’re at the right place. Keep reading.
In this article, we’re explaining the full meaning of the NSFAS N Rules.
So let’s jump into the topic and of the day, the N+1 rule and the N+2 rule of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
What Is NSFAS N Rule?
The NSFAS N+ Rule is a pivotal rule instituted by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme to add additional years of funding to students who may not complete their qualifications for the registered years expected.
For example, students are expected to finish their bachelor’s degree for four academic years. However, a student may fail his modules, or take a gap year, or cannot finish the degree as expected for whatever reason.
In such cases, NSFAS will have to apply the NSFAS N+ Rule to continue to fund students who may need additional years to complete their qualifications.
What Are The Types of NSFAS N Rule?
Currently, NSFAS operates the NSFAS N+ Rule in two forms. The NSFAS N+1 Rule and the NSFAS N+2 Rule. Both rules are not the same and they are applied in different situations.
So, let’s go straight into knowing how the NSFAS rules of N+ are applied and the students who qualify for each of the rules.
What Is NSFAS N+1 Rule?
The NSFAS+1 Rule is applied when a student has only N+1 years to complete his or her qualification.
In the rule, the “N” means the minimum number of years a student is registered to complete a qualification whiles the “+1” means the extra one-year NSFAS has to fund the student for not completing the qualification for the expected years.
For example, the minimum number of years to finish a bachelor’s degree is four (4) years. So in the NSFAS N Rule, the N for bachelor’s degree student will mean the student is expected to complete his or her higher education qualification in four years.
The +1 in the NSFAS+1 Rule means NSFAS will have to fund the student an additional one year because the student couldn’t finish his or her qualification as expected.
This is what the NSFAS N+1 Rule means in the NSFAS N+ Rule.
You should read NSFAS N+1 Rule – Fully Explained for detailed information.
What Is NSFAS N+2 Rule?
In the NSFAS N Rule, the N+2 Rule means a student needs N+2 years to complete his or her degree qualification.
The “N” means the number of years the student is registered to finish the qualification whiles the “+2” means the extra two years NSFAS has to fund the student for not completing the qualification for the expected years.
For example, a student reading a bachelor’s degree is expected to complete the qualification in four (4) academic years and NSFAS per the loan agreement is going to fund the student for four years.
However, in case the student could not finish the qualification in four years, then NSFAS will invoke the NSFAS N+ Rule which is the NSFAS N+ 2 Rules in this case
NSFAS fund students based on the duration of course or degree the student is registerd to study according to the loan agreement. The NSFAS N+ Rule is to add extra years in case a student fail a year.
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You should read NSFAS N+2 Rule – Fully Explained for in-depth information.
When Do You Need NSFAS N+1 Rule?
In the NSFAS N+ Rules, a student will need the NSFAS N+1 Rule in case he needs an extra one year to complete the qualification because he failed one year.
When Do You Need NSFAS N+2 Rule?
In the NSFAS N+ Rule, a student will need the NSFAS N+2 rule when there is the need for an extra two years to complete the qualification because he failed.
How Does NSFAS N+ Rule Work?
According to www.nsfas.org.za, (NSFAS) when applying the rule, both the N+1 Rule and the N+2 rules refer to all the years a student has been registered for higher education study, public university, or TVET.
The rule is not based on whether the student was funded by NSFAS or not. Again, the rules still apply even if the student change institution.
As we learn about the NSFAS N Rules, don’t forget to apply for NSFAS. Go here to NSFAS Online Application to apply for NSFAS funding.
But do you know you have to meet certain NSFAS requirements in order to be funded by NSFAS? Check the Requirements For NSFAS before you begin to apply for funding.
Does NSFAS Fund N 1 Students?
Yes, NSFAS funds N 1 students who need the extra year of funding to complete their qualifications. Students who could not finish their course or degree and need an additional one year to complete will use the NSFAS N1 Rule.
Does NSFAS Fund N 2 Students?
Yes, NSFAS funds N 2 students who need the extra two years of funding to complete their qualifications. Students who could not finish their course or degree and need additional two years will use the NSFAS N2 rule.
Remember: If your application was unsuccessful, you can Reapply For NSFAS Online.
Again, returning students whose funding was revoked because they failed their modules will need to appeal.
We recommend that you read How To Write NSFAS Appeal Motivational Letter for the in-depth guide to writing the best appeal letter. You’ll also get some appeal samples as a roadmap to writing your appeal.
We do hope this article on NSFAS N Rule on NSFAS N+1 Rule (NSFAS n1 rule) and NSFAS N+2 Rule (NSFAS n2 rule) was helpful.
You can ask your questions in the comment section below.
241 comments
Good day.
I started my first year in 2020 and I am currently studying a three years degree, and I was supposed to finish this year and graduate next year but I failed my second major and now I have to study two more years, is nsfas going to fund me with the n+2 rule or the n+1
NSFAS will fund you with the N+2 rule since you still qualify for additional 2 years of funding.
I registered nsfas when i was doing engineering studies in 2021 qnd i was finded but failed modules only passed 2 now I’ve changed courses doing Hospitality service will nsfas continue funding me for changing courses
No, you’ll have to appeal to NSFAS. When you fail to pass at least 50% of your modules, you lose your NSFAS funding and it doesn’t matter if you change institution or course. What you need to do is to appeal before you can get funded.
Hi pls help me, in 2019 I did Higher Certificate then 2020 I did 3year course and last year was the 3rd year nsfas funding me. Now my question is should I have appealed for the N+1 rule or I automatically get funded without appealing? I passed my modules.
If your first registration was in 2019, then all you need is to meet the academic performance requirements of passing at least 50% of your modules. You’ll only appeal if you fail your to pass the academic eligible requirements.
Hi. in 2015 i registered at TUT and i was only funded for 2 years then i lost my funding due to poor performance and i didn’t complete my course because of financial difficulty so this year 2022 i registered in another institution will NSFAS fund me?
Unfortunately, NSFAS uses the year of which you first registered when considering funding especially for returning students. Since the N+ Rules allow NSFAS to fund students for a maximum of your qualification expected years of completing plus extra 2 years, you may not be funded if your first registration was in 2021.
However, you can try your shot.
In terms of Constitutionality and equality, why are people who changed course that they paid for themselves or left immediately after losing jobs charged with the N+1 and 2 rules as if they were using state funds since they started registering. When I studied teaching it was in demand and paid for myself but transport fees and living conditions made me stop. Was I supposed to continue with studying education from scratch when funded since I could not get academic record to transfer sue to owing?
Hi I am doing higher certificate in criminal justice at university of South Africa.I started on 2019 on the second semester. One the 2020 i got an appeal because I didn’t meet the 50% on my modules then I registered on the second semester my registration were finalised then I pass all my modules then last year I left with four I did them but I pass3 of them and fail one which is a supplementary so I’m still waiting my results so this year I got rejected because of n+rule enrollment when I chose the reason which I need less than 3 modules tho finish my qualifications it says I must submit institution letter what should I do?
you have to contact your institution to get you the letter that proves that you’re indeed left with the number of modules you claim.
Good Day
I am a first time NSFAS Applicant with an unsuccessful status The reason for my rejection is that I have exceeded the N+2 rule. I started my degree in 2018. I have applied for an appeal hence I was only given an option to select my reason for Appeal but I was not given a tab to applaud my supporting documents. Now when I try to track my Appeal status it doesn’t allow me to go through, it says (contains more than the maximum number of prefixes) I’m not sure what it means . I really need NSFAS assistance for me to complete my degree. Please, I have tried to explain and motivate my need for NSFAS fundings on my Motivational letter. Please assist me. What can I do from here?
First of all, NSFAS is trying hard to prevent students affected by the N+ rule from appealing. So, it will be difficult to have a successful appeal result even if you could appeal.
All the issues you’re facing in your MyNSFAS account are that the system is trying to prevent your appeal.
It’s unfortunate but that’s NSFAS’s decision.
If it’s possible, visit the nearest NSFAS office or cent by checking this from this article NSFAS Offices And Application Centers to seek assistance from.
Hallow
I am a first time NSFAS Applicant with an unsuccessful status The reason for my rejection is that I have exceeded the N+2 rule. I started my degree in 2018. I have applied for an appeal hence I was only given an option to select my reason for Appeal but I was not given a tab to applaud my supporting documents. Now when I try to track my Appeal status it doesn’t allow me to go through, it says (contains more than the maximum number of prefixes) I’m not sure what it means . I really need NSFAS assistance for me to complete my degree. Please, I have tried to explain and motivate my need for NSFAS fundings on my Motivational letter. Please assist me. What can I do from here?
Hello. I enrolled in a three year course due to failing I had to appeal for funding in 2020 and it was approved now I’m told I have 3 outstanding modules meaning I’ll graduate in 2023 but I have not gotten an sms saying I’m funded. I was wondering if I will be funded again if I have appeal since it will be my second time appealing or I’ll be funded since nsfas funds you for 5 year max.
You don’t have to wait for an SMS. You can check your funding status in your MyNSFAS to know if it says you’re funded or not.
My nsfas student account is not working. I tried registering it again a thousand times but still nothing. Do I need to submit a pdf copy of the ID or I could just take a picture?
If your MyNSFAS account is not working, it’s will be difficult to appeal also.
Hi…I started using nsfas in 2017 but it stopped funding me in 2019 it funded me again in 2020 but this year it says I’ve exceed the N+ even though I got funding for only 4 years..will I get approved if I appeal?
Whenever NSFAS is applying the N+ rules, they include the year you first registered at an institution and not the from when started to receive funding. It seems you’ve exceeded your funding years since NSFAS funds students for 5 years. However, you can still appeal (if the appeal tab appears in your MyNSFAS Account).