Last updated on December 25th, 2022 at 09:42 pm
One of the frequently asked questions about NSFAS by students is the explanation of the NSFAS N+1 Rule. Most students usually do not have a clear or basic understanding of the rule at all.
So, in this article, we’re going to give a full explanation of what the NSFAS N+1 rule is.
Again, we’re going to explain what is NSFAS N+1 Rule is, when does the NSFAS N+1 Rule is applied, how does the NSFAS N+1 rule works, etc.
We’ll also answer other related questions to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme rule.
So, let’s begin the discussions.
NSFAS N+1 Rule
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) N+ Rules help to define the number of years that NSFAS will fund a student to complete the qualification that they applied for funding for.
In the application process for NSFAS financial support for university or TVET education, students specify the qualification they are going to study for if they get admission into an institution.
NSFAS will therefore make calculations to define the number of years that the student is expected to complete the qualification.
For example, the maximum length of years to complete most of the undergraduate qualifications (i.e Bachelor’s Degrees) in South Africa is expected to be three (3) years.
In such a case, NSFAS agrees that it is going to fund your education for three years until you complete your bachelor’s degree qualification.
What Is NSFAS N+1 Rule?
The NSFAS N+1 Rule simply means a student who has been admitted to an institution is expected to complete the qualification he or she registered for with an N+1 year.
This means the institution allocated N years for the students to complete the qualification and NSFAS is willing to add one-year funding.
What Does The N Stand For In The NSFAS N+1 Rule?
The “N” defined in the NSFAS N+1 Rule means the minimum number of years the student is expected to complete the qualification that he or she was admitted to study in the institutions.
For example, if a student is admitted into the University of South Africa (UNISA), to read Bachelor of Arts In Environmental Management, UNISA allocates a minimum of three (3) years for the student to complete the qualification.
UNISA will therefore inform NSFAS that your qualification is a three-year qualification and so, NSFAS is going to fund you for your entire three years till you complete your studies.
With the exception of those who fail to pass the academic performcane requirements. NSFAS cancels funding for those students
We recommend that you read How Many Modules Can You Fail With NSFAS
What Do the +1 Means In The NSFAS N+1 Rule?
The +1 defined in the NSFAS N+1 Rule means the additional number of one (1) year that NSFAS is willing to add to the student to complete his or her qualification.
Often, most students are not able to complete their qualifications as expected. In such cases, NSFAS will apply the NSFAS N+1 Rule to support the student with funding so that the student can finish the qualification.
When Do You Need NSFAS N+1 Rule?
Students usually fail their modules, or take a gap year, or may not complete their qualifications as expected for some reasons beyond their control.
If a student is in the final year but needs an additional one year to complete the qualification, then NSFAS will use the N + 1 Rule to fund the student so that he or she can finish the qualification the next year.
The NSFAS N+1 Rule is used when the student need only additional one year to complete the qualification.
A student will not benefit from the NSFAS N + 1 Rule if he or she needs more than an additional year to complete the qualification.
Students can use the NSFAS N+1 rule 2023 appeal when they need an additional one year to complete their qualifications for the 2023 academic year.
How Does NSFAS Apply N+1 Rule?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will only apply the N+1 Rule when a student needs an additional one (1) year to complete a qualification in a university or a TVET college.
Will NSFAS Use N+1 Rule When A Student Needs 2 Years?
No, NSFAS will not use the N+1 rule when a student needs 2 years to complete a qualification. Instead, NSFAS will use the N+2 Rule.
Does N+1 Rule Effect When You Change Institution?
Yes, even when you change your institution, NSFAS will record the number of years you’re expected to complete your qualification from when you registered your admission at your previous university or TVET.
NSFAS N+1 is not counted from your news institution but from your previous institution where you first registered into a university or a TVET college.
How Do I Appeal For NSFAS Funding?
You will need to Write NSFAS Appeal Motivational Letter when you lose your funding when you fail to pass the academic performance requirements.
You should go here NSFAS Motivational Appeal Letter Samples. for some already written appeal letters. It will help you to write a good appeal letter so that you get your funding back.
We do hope this article was helpful.
www.nsfas.org.za is NSFAS webpage
You can ask your questions in the comment section.
243 comments
if iam doing my 1year course of 4 year degree and then change to other course where ill start my 6 years course into medicine so my n rule will be used up or it means I have to pay my last 2 years remaining in medicine..plz advise me because I wanna do a transfer
You’ll have to pay for your last 2 years by yourself. NSFAS funding does not start over when you change institution or course but you continue with the years at your new institution or course.
Hey.. My first year was at Uj in 2019 but then changed into a new institution with a new degree and now I still have 1 more year in order to finish my degree will n+1, rule be applied,will I be funded or?
Yes, the maximum number of years of funding is 5 years so, you still qualify for funding. However, you will not be funded in the following years if you do not complete your degree in 2023.
Hey, in 2019 I registered for a 4-year course and in 2020 I changed to a three-year course. So do I still qualify for nsfas funding in 2023?
Changing course or institution does not affect your funding. NSFAS will still consider your years of funding from the year you started school not when you started receiving funding.
In 2019 I was doing my first year at a different institution, then in 2020 I went to another one and changed courses, now I’m doing BEd, which is a 4 year course, will Nsfas fund me for 2023? Basically this year was my 4th year of being funded by Nsfas, but will the N+1 rule apply and will I get funding to complete my degree?
Yes, you have one year to complete your 5 years of NSFAS funding.
There’s a new rule that says if you did a 3 year course and changed to a 4year course you won’t get funding on your final year?
What’s the difference between switching in your first year and second year?
There’s no different. NSFAS will still count your funding years from the first year you started receiving funding.
I registered for a 3 years degree in 2020 but in 2021 switched to a 4 years degree will nsfas still fund me for the whole 4 years?
NSFAS will continue to fund you from the years left when you were doing the 3 years degree. This means that if you were funded 1 year during your 3-year degree, then you were left with 2 years of funding.
In this case, NSFAS will continue your funding but will fund you for 3 years in your 4-year degree course so that, your total funding will be 5 years.
This means I won’t have funding for my final year?if so Is it possible to appeal in my final year to ask for funding?
Yes
I want to ask if nsfas will still fund Me because I. Was studying at college and I change to university and I am affected by N+1 rule will I be funded because my status its been months now its say application in progress
Once you’re affected by the N+1 rule, you’ll have to appeal to NSFAS. Your appeal letter will be reviewed and NSFAS will make a decision on it. That’s why you should construct your letter with a strong emotional approach and with supporting documents to prove your claim.
2016 -2017 I was registered at tut than dropout,2020i I registered at UL for a three year course. Does NSFAS also count The number of years not registered in a university?
NSFAS counts the funding years when applying the N+ rule from the first year you ever registered in an institution. In your case, 2016 at TUT. So, yes, those years are counted.
Hi please assist l was affected by the n+ rule and appealed earlier last month my status is written “funding eligible pending valid registration” does this mean that I will be funded?
Yes, you’ll be funded. What you should do is register at an institution and NSFAS will create your bursary for you and start funding you.
Hey
Why does my nsfas status keeps on changing
Last week my status was funding eligible pending valid registration and ka funded it was yes
Now it says awaiting academic eligibility check and funded it say No
Why does it keep on changing?
Will I end up being funded or what is going on? Cause am stressing right now
This might be an internal error on the NSFAS website. As usual, NSFAS takes your application through a series of verification and various stages of status. With the problem you’re experiencing, we suggest you contact NSFAS to make an inquiry. Use these NSFAS Contact Details
Good day am doing a 5 year degree started in 2017 and nsfas started funding me in my second year in 2018 so last year was my final year however as you know mekhukhu ya nelwa i still have to go back to school this year somarr nsfas ere am not funded due to the n+1 rule so i want to know the prospects of sucess for my appeal and 30 days has lapsed already when will i get the response
Unfortunately, only NSFAS has the power to make decisions on whether to accept an appeal or not. So, once you have appealed, they will review your reasons and make the decision in effect to that.
Also, we recommend that you read How Long Does NSFAS Take To Respond To Appeal? for a detailed explanation on the subject.
I started a course on 2019, changed after two years and started another one on 2021. I started using NSFAS after registering for a 4-year course on 2021, I just want to know if by chance I will be funded next year using Nrule
If your first registration intos an institution was in 2019, then yes you will be funded.
If a status says awaiting academic eligibility check does it mean that I will be funded?
Once NSFAS verifies your academic records, yes, they will approve your application and fund you.
Good day
My nsfas status has changed from unsuccessful and reject reason being exceeded N+ rule enrollment to awaiting academic eligibility check and reject reason is N/A does it mean that I will be funded?
Can you please explain what it means
And what must I do
The N+ rule means exceeded enrollment means you have been funded more than the years you’re supposed to. This is because of the year you first registered in an institution. We do recommend that you read this NSFAS Exceeded N+ Rule Enrollment Fully Explained
Good day
I called NSFAS and they said my problem is being escalated
What is happening when they escalated the matter?
When escalating an issue, please provide as much information as possible to assist in investigating Additional information such as your NSFAS reference number, copies of emails, details of the phone number, and any information available will assist in the speedy resolution of your complaint.
I used NSFAS for 3 years to complete a 3 year coarse , I completed it in time now I’m registered to another University for different coarse so my status say I exceed the n+rule so since I can’t appeal I called NSFAS and they said my problem is being escalated so what outcome must I expect on my situation?
First, you still qualify for NSFAS since you’ve not exceeded the eligible funded years which is 5 years. With escalated issues, provide as much information as possible to assist in investigating Additional information such as your NSFAS reference number, copies of emails, details of the phone number, financial status, if you’re a returning student, academic records, and NSFAS will work on your application.
Must I send those details via comments or there a email ?
You can use both options. You can contact NSFAS via their social media outlets especially Twitter for assistance, email them with the details, or walk in the nearest office. Check out the offices’ form here NSFAS Offices And Application Centers – Full List
Good day
Why does my nsfas status keeps on changing. Last week it was like this
Status :funding eligible pending valid registration
Funded :yes
Reject reason :N/A
But now it has changed to
Status :awaiting academic eligibility check
Funded :No
Reject reason :N/A
Will I end up being funded or what
Cause now am confused on what is going on
This might be an internal error on the NSFAS website. As usual, NSFAS takes your application through a series of verification and various stages of status. With the problem you’re experiencing, we suggest you contact NSFAS to make an inquiry. Use these NSFAS Contact Details
Good day
I started enrolling at varsity from 2018 and am doing an extended program(4yrs) and this is my final year (2022)….when I check my status it says exceeded N+rule enrollment
Soo my question is am I wrongfully affected? And will nsfas fund me?
Yes, and it is possible you should appeal.
What reason should I select… Cause all those reasons doesn’t favor my situation and I can’t choose I need less than 60 credits because
Here at UL one semester =60 credits
And am doing both first and second semesters
The best option is to choose the nearest reason to the main one if you can find the reasons there which you can get a supporting document to back your claim. Then you get a letter from UL that will back you as to why you chose that reason although it should have been another.
I registered in 2018. Did A higher certificate for 2 years till 2019. 2020 did my first year for 4 year degree. Now doing 3rd year,, Will i get funding for this year?
If you first registered in 2028, then you have 2022 as your last eligible year to get NSFAS funding.
Hi please assist… I was funded by NSFAS for LLB Extended from 2017 which means that 5 years has lapsed will I still be funded for one more year?
It is rare for students who have exceeded the eligible years of funding to get funded. However, you can try your shot.
Hi, yesterday my status was on “awaiting academic eligibility check ” when I check today it says exceeded N+1 rule whilst I was funded for 3 year in a 3 year qualification I finished it in record time so how does it apply to me?
Then you should appeal. Again, it may be a mistake from NSFAS. They may have used your funded years and limited it to 3 years since you’ve been able to complete your qualification on time. So appeal to NSFAS if you need another funding.
Moreover, if your appeal is accepted, NSFAS will use the N+ 2 rule to fund you for additional 2 years so that you complete the 5 years maximum of funding,
But the appeal tab is not there? What should I do?
NSFAS removes the appeal tab from accounts that are affected by the N+ rule. We suggest you contact NSFAS for further assistance. You can check the nearest NSFAS office and registration center from here NSFAS Offices And Application Centers – Full List
But the institution registration fee was paid NSFAS or an institution can allow you to register if you only owe the registration without funding?
You can pay your registration fee and when NSFAS approves your application for funding, they will reimburse your money to you.
Good day
If my hold on the institution were lifted and i was able to register but my status says “application in progress ” that means I’m the NSFAS funded list as I applied for NSFAS only
If your status shows “application in progress”, it means NSFAS is trying to access and verify all the documents and information you provided when applying. Once the verification process is done, your status will change to either “unsuccessful” or Approved for Funding.
Hi, if I completed my 3 year qualification in the record of time am I left with two years to use on another undergraduate qualification?
NSFAS will fund you.
Hi, can n+1 rule apply if I completed a 3 year qualification in time and transferred to another University for another undergraduate qualification, can they fund me for the year i did use on the previous qualification?
Your years of eligibility do not change when you change institution or a course. NSFAS records your education data from the first year you registered and they consider it even if you change an institution or a course.
Again, if you have completed your 3 years of funding qualification, you’re eligible for additional 2 years of funding since NSFAS funds a student for a maximum of 5 years.
hi, i completed my higher certificate this year ,started 2020. i am rejected due to exceeding the n+ rule enrollment.
i have the appeal tab but i don’t know which appeal reason to choose. please help
According to NSFAS, if your funding status shows “Exceeding N+ Enrollment” you cannot appeal. However, if you still want to appeal (if possible) you should appeal with your admission records because NSFAS considers the first year you registered at an institution and not when you started receiving funding.
1. The latest transcript of your academic record
2. Motivation and reason on why you should remain funded. The reason must be substantive, and relevant supporting documents must be provided
NSFAS stated that if you see that appeal tab it means you are eligible to appeal. In the sense of the given reasons not being applicable for you, you should select the one close to your reject reason and provide the letter from your institution as well as a motivational letter. University students were advised to use the 60 or less credits reason. Obtained this information from an NSFAS agent.
I just submitted my appeal application but I am not sure not sure if my documents are uploaded. When I uploaded my documents it only showed me name of documents on file tab but did not show that the document really went through and I have been proceed to click on submission tab so I just wanted to know whether my documents were uploaded even though it does not show the file I chose except name of that document ony?
If the name of the documents appears, then the documents were uploaded.