Last updated on January 5, 2026
NSFAS will not fund a student twice for the same qualification, and it does not fund a second undergraduate qualification once you complete your first one. However, NSFAS can fund you again if you move from a TVET qualification to your first university degree, which is recognised in the 2025 policy as an official academic progression pathway (Section 4.5.5). A common question for 2026 is can NSFAS fund you twice, particularly for students who dropped out, changed institutions, or want to follow a new academic pathway.
This article breaks down which second-time funding cases are allowed — and which are not — so you know exactly where you stand for 2026.
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.
Recap
NSFAS Funding Eligibility Table
Quick comparison of when NSFAS can and cannot fund you again under the 2025–2026 rules.
| Scenario | NSFAS Policy | Eligible for Second Funding? |
|---|---|---|
| Same qualification twice | Excluded because the qualification has already been achieved. | No |
| Second undergraduate after first undergraduate | A student who has already achieved an undergraduate qualification and wants a second one is excluded. | No |
| TVET to first university degree | Recognised as an academic progression pathway from a funded TVET qualification to a first university qualification. | Yes |
| Returning student re-applying (new qualification) | Only allowed if the first qualification was not completed and the N plus rule for maximum years of study still applies. | Yes (only if first qualification incomplete) |
| Two qualifications in the same year | NSFAS funds only one qualification at one institution at any time. | No |
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.
