VerifiedNSFAS funds you for the normal length of your qualification plus one extra period. This is the N+1 rule. Students with disabilities get one more: N+2. How the extra time is counted depends on whether you are at a university or a TVET college.
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The N+ rule
| Where you study | How time is counted | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| University | Academic years | N+1 years (N+2 with a disability) |
| TVET college | NSFAS-funded academic terms (trimesters, semesters or years, depending on the programme) | N+1 terms (N+2 with a disability) |
Examples
- A three-year university diploma: up to four funded years, or five with a disability.
- The NC(V), three one-year levels: up to one extra funded year.
- Business N4 to N6, taught in semesters: up to one extra funded semester.
Things that use up your funding time
- Repeating a year, level or term.
- Changing programmes: switching usually ends NSFAS eligibility, unless you were funded for the first time and completed only one term.
- Years funded at another institution in the same sector.
At a TVET college, the extra term can only be used once per sector. The N+ rule does not apply to occupational programmes, which are funded for the length of the qualification.
Moving from TVET to university
If you complete your TVET qualification and move to university, you must apply to NSFAS again. See what happens if you fail and applying for NSFAS as a TVET student.
Frequently asked questions
How many years does NSFAS fund a degree?
The normal duration plus one year. For a three-year degree, up to four years (five with a disability).
Does NSFAS fund me if I change courses?
Usually not. Changing programmes makes you ineligible unless you were funded for the first time and completed only one term.