Many students begin their application by asking one important question: How many years does NSFAS fund a student?
Understanding the funding duration is essential, as NSFAS follows strict academic rules for both university and TVET college students.
This guide breaks down how long NSFAS funds you, how the N+2 rule works, and what you should expect for the 2026 academic year.
Quick Glance: NSFAS Funding Duration
- NSFAS funds university students for their full qualification length + 2 extra years.
- NSFAS funds TVET students for the full NC(V), NATED, or occupational programme cycle.
- You must pass enough modules each year to avoid losing funding.
- NSFAS does not fund second degrees or a new qualification once you complete one.
- Funding stops if the student exceeds the maximum allowed years.
How Many Years Does NSFAS Fund a University Student?
If you want to calculate how many years does NSFAS fund a student in a standard degree, the N+2 rule provides a clear answer for most programmes.
What is the N+2 rule?
If your qualification normally takes N years, NSFAS allows 2 extra years on top of that.
Examples:
- A 3-year degree → NSFAS funds up to 5 years
- A 4-year degree → NSFAS funds up to 6 years
- A 5-year professional degree → NSFAS funds up to 7 years
This structure is designed to help students who face academic interruptions, funding delays, or personal challenges.
But once you use all your years, funding automatically stops — even if you still need extra credits.
This is why it is important to understand how many years does NSFAS fund a student before planning your academic path.
How Many Years Does NSFAS Fund TVET Students?
TVET college funding works differently from university funding. NSFAS funds the full cycle of each programme:
NC(V) Programmes
NSFAS funds all three levels:
- Level 2
- Level 3
- Level 4
You must progress each year to stay funded.
NATED Programmes (N1–N6)
NSFAS funds:
- N1 to N3 (Engineering)
- N4 to N6 (Business & other programmes)
Occupational Programmes
Funding is provided for the full qualification duration, depending on the college.
Unlike universities, TVET cycles are shorter, but NSFAS still requires students to pass to continue receiving funding.
What Happens If You Fail a Year?
Failing a year does not automatically disqualify you. NSFAS allows some flexibility within its maximum funding period.
But failing multiple years can cause you to exceed your N+2 limit.
If you fail:
- One year → still funded (you use one of your extra years)
- Two years → still funded but may reach your limit faster
- Three or more → likely to exceed N+2
Once you reach the maximum number of funded years, NSFAS stops payments immediately.
Does NSFAS Fund a Second Qualification?
Most students also ask whether they can switch qualifications or start a new one.
NSFAS does NOT fund second degrees, such as:
- A second diploma
- A second bachelor’s degree
- A second TVET qualification
- A new degree after finishing one
NSFAS only considers exceptions for:
- PGCE
- Some bridging or professional programmes (rare and institution-dependent)
If you have already completed one full qualification, NSFAS will not fund another.
This is another reason why students must consider how many years NSFAS funds a student before switching programmes.
When NSFAS Stops Funding You
NSFAS will stop funding a student immediately if:
- You exceed the N+2 limit
- You complete your qualification
- You move to a second qualification
- Your academic performance is too low
- You deregister or do not enroll for a year
- Your income status changes and no longer qualifies
Universities also send academic progress data to NSFAS each semester.
How to Keep Your NSFAS Funding Active
If you want to stay within your allowed years and avoid losing funding:
- Pass at least 50% of your modules
- Attend classes and assessments regularly
- Register every academic year
- Avoid unnecessary course changes
- Speak to your institution’s financial aid office early if struggling
The earlier you solve issues, the better your chances of staying funded.
Conclusion
Understanding how many years does NSFAS fund a student helps you plan your modules, avoid unnecessary course changes, and stay within the allowed funding period.
Whether you are in a university or a TVET college, NSFAS will support you for the full length of your programme — as long as you stay within the allowed years and meet the academic rules.
With good planning, you can use NSFAS funding throughout your entire qualification in 2026.
Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.
