Many students reach a stage where they need to ask an important question: Can NSFAS fund you twice in South Africa?
The answer depends on your academic history, whether you completed a qualification, dropped out, changed programmes, or exceeded your funded years.
This guide explains how NSFAS handles second-funding situations in 2026 and clarifies what students should know before reapplying.
Quick Glance: When NSFAS Can and Cannot Fund You Twice
- NSFAS does not fund a second completed qualification.
- If you dropped out before finishing, you may still qualify if you have remaining N+2 years.
- Changing courses or institutions is allowed, but it counts toward your total funded years.
- Failing does not reset funding. All years spent studying still count toward N+2.
- NSFAS does not fund a second degree, second diploma, or new qualification once one is completed.
How NSFAS Evaluates Second Funding Requests
NSFAS follows the N+2 rule, which determines how many years a student may be funded. This means NSFAS will fund the standard length of your qualification plus two additional years.
Every year you are registered at a university or TVET college counts toward this limit, even if you did not pass or complete the course.
The key to understanding whether NSFAS can fund you twice in South Africa is knowing how many of your allowed years remain.
Can NSFAS Fund You Twice If You Dropped Out?
Many students stop studying due to financial challenges, health issues, or personal circumstances.
If you dropped out before completing your qualification, NSFAS may still fund you again, but only if you have years left within the N+2 limit. NSFAS does not reset your funded years when you leave.
The years you were previously registered still count, even if you did not progress academically.
This is the determining factor behind whether NSFAS can fund you twice if you dropped out.
Can NSFAS Fund You Twice If You Failed?
NSFAS does not offer additional funding for failed modules or years. The system continues counting each academic year toward the N+2 limit.
Failing one or two years may still allow continued funding, but failing multiple years increases the likelihood of reaching your maximum number of years.
Students who ask whether NSFAS can fund you twice if you failed should understand that the rule is based strictly on remaining N+2 years, not on how many times a student repeats a module.
Can NSFAS Fund You Twice for Different Qualifications?
NSFAS does not fund a second bachelor’s degree, a second diploma, or a second higher certificate.
Once a student completes one full qualification, they are not eligible for funding for a new or different qualification. This rule applies across all public universities and TVET colleges.
This is the clear answer for students searching for whether NSFAS can fund you twice for different qualifications.
Can NSFAS Fund You Twice for Different Courses?
Changing courses is allowed, especially if it happens early in your academic journey. NSFAS will continue funding you as long as you remain within the N+2 limit.
However, changing courses does not give you extra years of funding. All years spent studying count toward your total limit, regardless of the programme or institution.
Students who want to know whether NSFAS can fund you twice for different courses should understand that course changes are possible, but the funding clock does not restart.
Can NSFAS Fund You Twice for a Second Degree?
NSFAS does not fund second degrees. If you complete one qualification, NSFAS considers you fully funded.
A second degree, even if it is in a completely different field, is not supported. This restriction helps the system prioritise first-time students from low-income households.
When NSFAS Will Consider Funding You Again
NSFAS may fund you again only if all the following conditions are met:
- You did not complete your previous qualification
- You still have years remaining under the N+2 rule
- You meet the household income requirements
- You are registered at a public university or TVET college
If these conditions are not met, NSFAS will reject a second funding request.
When NSFAS Will Not Fund You Again
NSFAS will not consider a second funding request if any of the following apply:
- You completed a qualification
- You exceeded the N+2 limit
- You want a second degree or second diploma
- You want to restart a completely new programme
- Your income eligibility has changed
These rules apply consistently across institutions in South Africa.
Conclusion
The answer to the question can NSFAS fund you twice in South Africa depends entirely on whether you still have remaining years within the N+2 limit and whether you completed your previous qualification.
NSFAS does not fund second degrees or second qualifications, but it may support students who return after dropping out or changing courses, provided their total funded years have not been exceeded.
Understanding these rules helps students plan their academic path responsibly for the 2026 academic year.
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.
