NSFAS N+2 Rule is one of the frequently asked questions about NSFAS N+ Rules by students. Most students don’t know the meaning and how the rule is used. Sadly, they find themselves worried about the effect of the rule on their education.
In this article, we’re going to explain in full, to your understanding, the NSFAS N+2 Rule.
Again, we’ll define what is NSFAS N+2 Rule is, when does NSFAS N+2 Rule apply, how does NSFAS N+2 Rule works, who needs NSFAS N+2, etc.
We’ll also answer some of the frequently asked questions about the NSFAS N + 2 rule.
So, let’s dive straight into the subject of discussion.
NSFAS N+2 Rule
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS N+ rules help to define the number of additional years that the scheme is willing to fund students as extra years of funding.
When students apply for NSFAS funding, they add the qualifications that they have applied to study at a university or TVET college to which they are seeking admission.
A student has to indicate that, he or she is going to read a Bachelor’s degree in the NSFAS Online Application process.
For Example, the minimum length of years to complete a bachelor’s degree in South Africa is three (3) years.
With that information, NSFAS makes its calculations that they are going to fund the student for an expected year of three (3) years.
However, a student may not complete the qualification in the expected year, and that is where NSFAS will introduce the N+ rule.
What Is NSFAS N+2 Rule?
The NSFAS N+2 Rule simply means a student funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme will need to complete his or her qualification with the N+2 rule.
This means NSFAS will have to fund the student for an additional two (2) years in order to complete his or her qualification.
What Does the N Stand For In the NSFAS N+2 Rule?
The “N” defined in the NSFAS N+2 rule means the minimum number of years a student is expected to complete his or her qualification of which he or she was admitted to read in a university or a TVET college.
For example, if the student is admitted to the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to study Bachelor’s Degree in Humanity Management, the student is expected to complete the qualification in three years period of full-time study.
With this calculation, NSFAS will create its bursary agreement with UJ with the information that it’s funding the student for a minimum of three years until the student completes the qualification.
With the expectation of students who may fail to pass the academic performance requirements and lose their funding.
You should read Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail My Modules? for in-depth information about how you can lose your NSFAS funding through your modules.
What Does The +2 Stand For In The NSFAS N+2 Rule
The “+2” in the NSFAS N+2 Rule is defined as the additional number of two (2) years that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme will have to fund a student in order for the student to complete his or her qualification.
This means NSFAS will have to fund a student for extra two years before the student can complete the qualification he or she registered for.
When Do You Need NSFAS N+2 Rule?
When a student needs an additional two (2) years to complete his or her qualification.
Most students are not able to complete their qualifications in the year expected and will need additional two years to complete them.
This means NSFAS has to add additional two years of funding for the extra two years the students need to finish their qualifications.
In such a case, NSFAS will then employ the N+2 rule to help students to complete their qualifications through funding.
Students who need only two years to complete their qualifications are eligible candidates for the N+2 rule.
Students who need just one year will have to use the NSFAS N+1 Rule to complete their qualifications.
We recommend you read NSFAS N+1 Rule – Fully Explained (2022) for detailed information on the NSFAS N+1 Rule.
You can use the NSFAS N+2 rule appeal 2022 to benefit from the rule so that you can complete your qualification if you need additional two years.
How Does NSFAS N+2 Rule Works?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will only apply the N+2 rule when a student who is already funded needs additional two years with funding to complete a qualification in a university or in a TVET college.
Will NSFAS Use N+2 Rule When You Need More Than 2 Years?
No, NSFAS will not use the NSFAS N+2 rule when a student needs more than additional two years to complete a qualification. Students will not get funded.
The maximum additional years NSFAS will fund a student is two (2) years.
NSFAS will fund you for a maximum of five (5) years. So, the N+2 which is two years plus the general three years to complete your bachelor’s degree will add up to the total of 5 years that NSFAS will fund you.
NSFAS will not exceed the maximum of five (5) years to fund you.
Does NSFAS N+2 Rule Effect When You Change Institution?
Yes, even when you change your institution, NSFAS will record your funding from your previous institution.
Therefore, NSFAS dates your funding from the first year they approve your application for funding.
This means, your expected years to complete a qualification are counted from your previous institution, and that affects the NSFAS N+2 rule.
We recommend that you read this article How Many Modules Can You Fail With NSFAS? for detailed information on how you can keep your funding till you complete your qualification.
www.nsfas.org.za is NSFAS webpage.
I do hope this article about NSFAS N+2 Rule was helpful. You can ask your questions in the comment section.
Greetings If I started enrolling in a course of 3 years in 2019 does the n+2 rule apply to me
Yes, if you could not finish after the 3 years, you have additional 2 years of funding which is the N+2. So, NSFAS will fund you for the next 2 years to make your funding 5 years.
Hi I started 2018 with my studies but had to drop out since is had health issues on 2020 . Will I be able to appeal next year since I wasn’t funded for 2020
When you take a gap year, you do not appeal but rather reapply for funding. So, you should reapply.
My name is Vincent am worried ,so what happens if I already has 5 years funded by Nsfas and fail few modules does this mean I would not get funded if I do appeal for 1 year addition funding ..
When you appeal, NSFAS will consider the reason and if your reason is convincing, they might approve you for funding. However, in the 2022 appeals, most students who were affected by the N+ Rule were not allowed to appeal.
Hi I first started studying at a University in 2011 and came back in 2019 this year is supposed to be my N+2 years I got my food allowances for 2 months now all of sudden my account has been blocked because apparently the N+2 rule has been done away with,How true is that?
Greetings: NSFAS started to fund me from 2018 and my Degree supposed to end in 2021 but I need extra 2years to finish my Degree which is 2022 and 2023 ,I am already funded for 2022 my worry is 2023 my 6th year according to the above statement am on N+2 rule so in order to be funded in 2023 I will need to appeal? Or NSFAS will consider me automatically since N+2 rule says your Degree is 4 year’s and if you didn’t finish you will get another 2years am so confused and worried
Did they reply ?
Hy plz help…was doing a four year degree starting from 2018 Nd now am doing final in 5th year but still I have one module which I need to complete next year second semester.Will I still get the funding since I never appealed before?
You would have exceeded the N+ by 2023. However, NSFAS made lots of changes in its policies this year. Let’s hope things changes for the best next year as well.
Hi, I started my first 2018 doing 3 years course , now Uhm doing third year module and 1 module for level 2 ..first semester I want to know if I will be funded to study this year us Uhm till in five years period
Yes, you’ll be funded.
I was studying in college of cape town in 2019 N4 to N6 now I applied at unisa it says I have exceeded n+2 rule what can I do about this matter?
Just appeal to NSFAS
i was doing Biological Science from 2020 to 2021 . Then 2022 i changed the degree to another institution which is three years. I will like to ask whether will NSFAS fund me for those 3 years.
It doesn’t matter if you change institution or a course. NSFAS will count your eligible funding years from the year you first registered in an institution. So, NSFAS will still affect your funding from 2020.
Hello. I’m Keagan. A student Electrical Engineering student. My study period is 3 years. 1st year was in 2018. Things got real now I’m here with only 3 modules(semester) left. I appealed but after reading things about N+2 rule, I’m worried a bit. Do I still qualify for my 2nd year of N+2 rule. 2018, 19,20. That’s the 3 for the qualification. And now we’re in 2022.
If you were able to appeal, then let’s hope for the best.
Started my degree in 2018 got excluded this year 2022 but still need to go back and study but my worry is I don’t know if am still gonna be funded if i appeal, so wanna know if i can still appeal and be funded?
Yes, you still qualify for 1-year funding. You should appeal.
i started from 2019 from other institution till 2020 and last year 2021 started new qualification which is higher certificate but nsfas could not fund me because they said i already have 2 years of enrolment registered in higher education institution they dd nt fund me last with n+1 rule….this year i am about to start new diploma so on my nsfas portal i received n+2rule..due to poor connectivity of network could not able to upload supporting documents i do not know what to do please help….
If you’re affected by the N+ rule, then the chances to appeal are very thin.
I was studying at unisa doing higher certificate I’ve be funded from 2020 to 2021 and I’m registered to college 2022 my nsfas application rejected because of the N+2 role The course was for 4years duration how can I appeal I’ve changed the institution and course
NSFAS includes counts from the first year you registered at an institution when applying the N+ rules. We could make better suggestions if you can tell the year you first registered at an institution.
Hi
My qualification N is 4 years and I had an extra year in 2021 and was funded. I failed some modules and need to do final year in 2022. First year was 2017 with no gap years in between, this is my 6th year. Can I appeal and will nsfas fund me? What documents do I need for an appeal?
Your help will be highly appreciated
You can appeal to NSFAS. As to whether they will fund you will depend on how you can convince them in your appeal since you’ve exceeded your funding year.
Hi, I’m doing Law, in my third year this year, however I was a tvet student for 2 years (2018-2019) then went to varsity (2020). When I track my nsfas status, it says not funded, exceeded n+ rule… Do i still have a chance if I appeal
Yes, you still have the chance to get funded and you should appeal.
I just have one semester to complete, as i only started in 2020 in the 2nd semester. Nsfas said i exceeded my years, however, in 2020 i only studied for 6 months at a institution, so that means it was not a full year. Is that fair then to calculate for the year
You should appeal.
I registered in UFS in 2016 and took a gap year in the following year due to financial constraints then in 2018 I registered in NMU I couldn’t finish my degree in time. I still need to be funded this year am I affected by N+2 rule?
Yes, you’re affected by the N+ rules.
Hi used nsfas in 2014 and stop and used again in 2018 to 2021 . Iam doing LLB but I have taken breaks in between , iam told i have exceeded my n2 but I have only used 5 years and this year its my last semester. Am i allowed to appeal ? How have I exceeded it?
You have exceeded because, NSFAS considered it has funded you for 5 years, even though they should have considered your funding from the first year you registered, thus 2014. Yes, NSFAS funds students for 5 years. You can appeal with strong reasons and hope for the best.
I started my degree in 2018 and this is my final year I got rejected the status is Exceeding N+ Rule. Am I allowed to appeal?
Yes, you should appeal.
was funded for 4 years doing last year in 2022 but no funding and no appeal option pls explain why
Please help I was funded from. 2018 up until 2021 in my nsfas portal the status is exceeded N+2 if I appeal will nsfas fund me ?
Yes, but you’ll only be funded for 2022. That means you’ll have to pay for your education cost if you don’t complete your qualification in 2022.
sorry to disturb you but i have been funded since 2018 for 4 years 2022 is my 5th and final year however i was reected and dont see an appeal option on my portal. Clases start in 13 days i really need an explanation. Am i allowed to appeal and if i do how long do i have to wait because i havent registered yet. pls assist
Hi I first started studying at a University in 2011 and came back in 2019 this year is supposed to be my N+2 years I got my food allowances for 2 months now all of sudden my account has been blocked because apparently the N+2 rule has been done away with,How true is that?
Yes, with the N+2 rules, NSFAS considers the year you first registered, in your case 2011. Again, NSFAS funds students for a maximum of 5 years including the N+2 therefore, it seems you’ve exceeded your eligible years of funding. And that is why NSFAS has canceled your funding.
Hi, I’m going through the commments, and I’m seeing that you saying NSFAS funds students for a maximum of 5 years. I was registered in 2018, and now my status says I have exceeded the “N+rule”. My question is, will the status be updated and changed automatically or I will have to appeal ?
I started with accounting science in 2017 ,I applied for nsfas and got accepted but I had a bursary and nsfas stopped funding me in 2019 I changed to bcom economics nsfas started funding me again but dropped me in 2021 due to n+2 rule I do not understand
I appealed in 2021 and got rejected
Hello I was doing a one year course but I finished it the other year and passed it. I need to continue and I applied for nsfas and it say exceeded n+ rule what should I do
You should appeal.
NSFAS has released a statement regarding the N+ rule that those affected by in are not allowed to appeal
was funded for 4 years doing last year in 2022 but no funding and no appeal option pls explain why
The appeal option is not showing due to a system error on the NSFAS website. Keep trying or go to the nearest NSFAS office for assistance.
I was studying at TUT in 2016 for one year and i was academic and financial excluded. I then started again 2019 NWU for a three year course, but i have a module left (failed). Am i still going to be funded. My status says FUNDED : NO, Awaiting for Academic results.
Awaiting academic results means NSFAS is waiting for your academic results and your admission status at the institution you applied to. The process may delay because NSFAS will have to rely on your institution to provide them with your academic information to see if you qualify for the funding academically.
We suggest you make inquiries from your institution if it’s possible.
Hy was funded 2012 .then 2013 ddnt go back .then 2020 self payment at new institution new degree which 4 years .2021 started using nsfas .2022 still using it .i want to know it will fund me till i finsh and which year its N rule apply for me ?
NSFAS funds a student for a maximum of 5 years including N+ rules. Also, nsfas counts your funding years when applying the N+ rules from the first year you registered and not the first year you started receiving funding.
So means they going to count from 2012 ? Or 2020 .please explain more ?
NSFAS will count your funding years from the first year you registered at an institution. In your case, 2012.
Ok and it only funded me for 3 years which means the n+ rule will be exceeded 2024 ??
You can appeal. And let’s hope for the best.
Hi,I’m doing my final year I was funded from 2018 but changed the course in 2019…do I need to appeal or wat hence I have not exceeded the n+2 rule which is 5 years
There’s no need to appeal if you passed 50% of your modules.
I was funded in 2010 then i dropped out. Went back in 2018 and got nsfas. Now im only left with 1 module to finish this year. If i should appeal, what supporting documents should i have?
I’m doing BSc Dietetics which is 4 years and I started in 2017, do I still qualify for N+2 rule?
Nsfas funds student for a maximum of 5 years. It looks like you’ve exceeded your funding since you registered in 2017.
Hi I’m doing a four year course- registered in 2017. I will only be finishing my studies next year (2023) since I am repeating a module of last year (2021).
I appealed in 2020, per requested by financial aid in order to be still funded by Nsfas and my appeal got approved hence Nsfas still funded me last year. I’m concerned whether they’ll fund me again this year since I failed one module. So would I need to appeal again should I not be funded, or should I reapply for funding?
The only time NSFAS will cancel your funding is when you fail to meet the academic performance requirement which is to pass at least 50% of your modules.
I’m I am studying an engineering course and only started Nsfas funding in 2019, although I have started studying before 2019. I also got an N+2 exceeded notification. I saw a similar situation to mine but I am not sure how to appeal. On mynsfas portal there is no option to appeal, and the tab where I would go into to track funding and saw the N+2 statement has now disappeared. What do I do?
First, when NSFAS is applying the N+ Rules, they consider your first year of registering at an institution and not the year you started getting NSFAS funding. That’s why they said you’ve exceeded your N+2 opportunity if you registered earlier than 20219, you didn’t mention the exact date you registered though.
Second, the appeal tap has disappeared on the MySFAS website because the recent NSFAS system upgrade has caused that. They have however made an official statement that they’re working on resolving the problem and it will come back soon.
Hi, am doing Civil Engineering at Dut. And it’s 2years. I got nsfas from 2020. Unfortunately am left with only one module to finish. This year I got n+2. What can I do?
Appeal to NSFAS for funding
There is no appeal option under mynsfas
This is a hiccup from the system and lots of students are facing the same problem. However you can clear your browser’s cache or change your browser and try again.
What Im I expected to write in my appeal motivational letter as I am excluded with n + 2 reason. And what are the required supporting documents for appeal
Appeals are to convince NSFAS that you need the funding. You should therefore be able to word your letter to call for empathy on your behalf. With the documents you need, NSFAS gives reasons as to why your application was unsuccessful. It better to provide the missing documents that cause your application not to be approved, and if possible, other supporting documents that will help to proof your claim in your appeal.
Please assist either I am excluded from Nsfas or what happened I was funded by Nsfas from 2018 until 2o21 but this is my 5th year and according to the N+2 rule I’m still qualify to be funded by Nsfas but if I check my status it says not funded the reason for rejection: Exceeded N+2 enrollment rule. What should I do to be funded?
Please help me. I’m not funded because it says I exceeded the N+rule I was doing a higher certificate in archives and records management 98577 with unisa from 2019 to 2021.. What should I do I don’t want to take a gap year I want to study bachelor of art ???
You can only appeal since you still qualify for 2 years of NSFAS funding.
Please assist I was funded by Nsfas from 2018 until 2o21 and this is my 5th year, according to the N+2 rule I’m still qualify to be funded by Nsfas for 2022 but my status it says not funded the reason for rejection: Exceeded N+2 enrollment rule. Please assist either I should appeal or already I am excluded from Nsfas or what should I do to be funded for 2022 academic year?
Dear I hope this message will find and keeping safe. Please assist I was funded by Nsfas from 2018 until 2o21 and this is my 5th year, according to the N+2 rule I’m still qualify to be funded by Nsfas for 2022 but my status it says not funded the reason for rejection: Exceeded N+2 enrollment rule. Please assist either I should appeal or already I am excluded from Nsfas or what should I do to be funded for 2022 academic year?
Yes, 2022 should be your last year to get funded. So you should appeal.
But no tap for appeal on my MyNsfas and my track application or status not appear any more on the account. What should I do to appeal soon as possible?
This is a technical issue in the NSFAS system. Try to clear your browser’s cache or use a different browser to log in to your MyNSFAS Account.
Greetings. I enrolled at a higher institution in 2017, a self payer. Then 2018 registered to a different institution still a selfpayer but got funding in 2019. I got an email that explained I have exceeded the N+2 rule and I’m doing my final year this year. Will my appeal be approved if I were to appeal ?
If your funding started in 2019, then you still qualify for funding based on N+1 since you need only 1 extra year of funding to complete your qualification in 2022. So, appeal and you may get funded.
I changed my course now I’m in my 3rd year of bachelor of education and I am rejected due to the N+2 rule
Is there any chance I can appeal?
You can only appeal if you can proof with supporting documents that you have not exceeded the N+2.
I was funded by NSFAS for ABET from 2017 to 2019, took a gap year in 2020 and started my Diploma in 2021 funded by NSFAS but this year my NSFAS status say unsuccessful because I Exceeded N+2 enrolment. What should I do so that NSFAS can carry on to fund me?
If nsfas funded you from 2017 to 2021, then you’ve been funded for 4 years excluding the gap year of 2020. You still qualify for funding for 1 more year, thus 2022. The maximum years NSFAS funds students is 5 years. So you should appeal to Nsfas in order to get funding for 2022. However, after 2022 and you’ve not completed your diploma, you’ll have to pay your fees by your self.
I completed Higher Certificate in Accounting Science last year 2021 and waiting for an offer to start Bachelors degree of Accounting Science in internal Auditing this year. But my NSFAS status say no funding because I didn’t meet the academic requirements.
It may be a system error. Make sure you upload all required supporting document and appeal to NSFAS. You should attach your academic records to your appeal to proof you qualify and need the funding.
I was funded for the first time in 2017 and that time I was doing a diploma then in 2018 I changed my course to a degree ( b Ed) so this year I’m left with 1 module. Will I be funded this year?
NSFAS funds students for a maximum of 5 years. If your funding started from 2017, then your 5 years will end 2022. So this year will be the last year to get nsfas funding. So yes, you’ll get funded if you apply.
I was funded by NSFAS for 3 years in my previous degree since 2018 and I finished it 2020. I am now doing another degree which is also 3 years and for my first year 2021 NSFAS funded me. I’m now doing my second year and when I checked my status it says unsuccessful and the reject reason is highest level of qualification achieved. Does this mean even if I appeal I won’t get approved?
It means NSFAS has already funded your degree program already and will not fund you for another degree program. However, you can appeal.
Alright thanks. Does this mean the N+ rule will be applied since I have not exceeded 5 years yet?
Yes, you qualify for funding for 2022.
I’m doing bachelor of degree in education, it my second year this year but my status is not funded because I didn’t meet academic requirements while I passed 8/ 10 modules
Nancy, the best option is to appeal to NSFAS. You stand a chance to get your funding back if you’ll attach your academic records to your appeal letter. They are humans and will make the necessary corrections once they realize their mistakes. do not argue, just present your letter . Their NSFAS System uuprgrade has caused many issues for this year.