VerifiedIf you are a continuing university student, passing 50% of your registered modules meets NSFAS’s 2026 academic requirement. If you are at a TVET college, 50% is not enough: the 2026 criteria require continuing TVET students to pass 70% of the modules or courses they enrolled for, and to meet the subject rules for their programme. Source: NSFAS’s 2026 eligibility criteria.
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The 2026 academic rules side by side
| University | TVET college | |
|---|---|---|
| Module pass rate (continuing students) | At least 50% of registered modules in the year | At least 70% of modules or courses enrolled in the year |
| NC(V) | Not applicable | Also pass at least 5 subjects in the previous level |
| Report 191 N-courses | Not applicable | Also pass at least 3 subjects in the previous N-level |
| Occupational programmes | Not applicable | Progression rules set by the college |
| Time limit | N+1 (N+2 with a disability) | N+1 (N+2 with a disability) |
These rules apply to continuing students. First-time entering students are assessed on admission, not on a pass rate.
Examples
- A university student who passed 5 of 10 registered modules has met the 50% rule, if still within N+1.
- A TVET student who passed 5 of 8 subjects (62.5%) is below 70%, even though 5 subjects would meet the NC(V) subject rule.
- An N-course student who passed 3 of 4 subjects (75%) meets both the 70% rule and the three-subject rule.
If you fall short
- Check your status and the reason on myNSFAS.
- If illness of two months or more, a death in your immediate family, a violent crime or a disability affected your studies, appeal within 30 working days with a supporting letter from your institution.
- TVET students past the N+ limit may still appeal if they have no more than two Report 191 subjects or three NC(V) subjects left to complete.
Related: can NSFAS fund me if I failed? and how many years NSFAS funds.
Frequently asked questions
Is 50% enough to keep NSFAS at a TVET college?
No. NSFAS’s 2026 criteria require continuing TVET students to pass 70% of their modules or courses, plus the NC(V) or Report 191 subject rules.
Is 50% enough to keep NSFAS at university?
Yes. In the 2026 criteria, continuing university students must pass at least 50% of their registered modules and stay within the N+ limit.