Does NSFAS Have Age Restriction?

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 11/19/22 •  5 min read

When you decide to pursue higher education but cannot afford it, the good news is that you can consider the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding. However, you must meet specific requirements before applying for financial aid. For instance, many people often ask, “Does NSFAS have an age restriction?” In this article, we explain crucial elements that can affect the outcome of your aid application.    

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Does Nsfas Have Age Restriction?

NSFAS aims to help students with poor financial backgrounds and does not discriminate against age or race. There is no age limit, and you can apply for financial support to study at any public university or TVET college of your choice, even if you are more than 60 years. You can get funds from NSFAS to pursue your higher education if you meet the requirements.  

Who Qualifies For Nsfas?

To qualify for NSFAS funding, you should meet specific conditions. First and foremost, you must be a South African citizen to be eligible for NSFAS funding. To be considered for financial support, you must have a South African birth certificate, ID copy, or passport. All SASSA grant beneficiaries also qualify for aid. 

You need to prove that you come from a family with a combined annual household income of less than R350 000. For applicants with disabilities, the combined household income should not exceed R600 000 per year. Students who were registered before 2018 should have an annual household income of not more than R122 000. If you are admitted to a TVET college or public university and intend to register for the first time, you qualify for an NSFAS bursary. You should know that it only covers students at public universities and TVET colleges.  

It is vital to pass Grade 9 and 10 to qualify for NSFAS aid to study at a TVET college. To study at a public university and receive NSFAS funding, you must pass Grade 12 first. Without matric, you cannot get a place at university which automatically disqualifies you from getting support. 

Who Is Not Eligible For NSFAS?

The bursary is not open to foreigners even if you have permanent residence in South Africa. If you come from a family with a combined annual household income of R350 000, you don’t qualify for NSFAS. Additionally, if you complete another qualification using NSFAS funds, you are not eligible for support again. NSFAS can only sponsor an individual once.   

If you fail in your academic studies, you will have to look for alternative funding. Prospective TVET students must pass Grade 9 and 10, whereas university applicants must have matric. People looking for money to cover short courses are not eligible for NSFAS. Furthermore, if you want to study at a private institution, you will not get assistance since NSFAS is specifically meant for students at public universities

- ADVERTISEMENT -
and TVET colleges only. 

How Many Years Does Nsfas Fund A Student For? 

NSFAS can fund you for a maximum of five years, depending on the availability of funds. If you take more than five years to complete your course, then you’ll have to pay from your pocket to complete your course. Most degree programs take three to four years to complete, meaning students can complete their studies without fear of financial challenges. Other degree programs like medicine take seven years to complete, meaning that students should fund the remaining years to complete their studies. 

The number of years you are registered at a particular institution determines your funding. NSFAS offers the N+1 rule, which implies that the students will get an additional year to complete their course. For example, if you fail several modules to finish your course, you are given another chance to finish. You will no longer be eligible for government support if they exceed five years. 

Does Nsfas Fund You If You Fail?

NSFAS policy agreement states that students must pass at least 50% of their modules and meet the academic performance standards of their respective institutions to continue receiving funding. If you fail more than 50% of your modules, NSFAS will stop providing funds for your education. 

However, if you meet the policy requirements of passing more than 50% of your modules, you will continue getting aid. For instance, if you fail two or three modules but your academic performance is above 50%, you will get financial support to complete your program. 

NSFAS has an N+1 rule which states that each student is entitled to get an additional year to complete their studies if they fail certain modules. This policy is meant to protect the students’ interests because their failure can be caused by factors beyond their control. For instance, poor health or losing your loved one can affect your performance. Therefore, you will be given another chance to put your house in order. 

If you fail again, NSFAS stops funding, and you will have to look for alternative sources of money if you are still interested in obtaining your qualification. The N+ rule is based on the number of years you have been registered at a particular tertiary institution to study in South Africa, not the years you have been receiving support.  

Before you apply for NSFAS funding, you should know the requirements to qualify. If you meet the conditions outlined above, you can go ahead and apply for financial assistance to pursue your studies at your preferred public university or TVET College in South Africa.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How Much is the NSFAS Allowance Per Month

How Much is the NSFAS Allowance Per Month

NSFAS provides an allowance for its applicants. The monthly allowance in %currentyear% paid directly by NSFAS. The NSFAS allowance period always varies.

What Is SOP NSFAS?

What Is SOP NSFAS?

The schedule of particulars, SOP NSFAS is a document that NSFAS provides for students to fill out and agree to all the terms

What Does NSFAS Cover for College Students?

What Does NSFAS Cover for College Students?

This article will present full information on What NSFAS Covers for College students at South Africa technical vocational education training colleges.

Is NSFAS Open For 2025?

Is NSFAS Open For 2025?

If you have already missed the 2022 deadline, it is a good idea to submit your NSFAS application for 2024 early once they open.

Can NSFAS Fund A Second Degree?

Can NSFAS Fund A Second Degree?

NSFAS can funds a second degree only based on some specific selected courses and if the second degree is a professional requirement for employment.

Five Essentials Covered By NSFAS

Five Essentials Covered By NSFAS

Essentials Covered By NSFAS. It is important to know what it is exactly that the bursary scheme covers for its beneficiaries

How to Sign NSFAS Agreement Online

How to Sign NSFAS Agreement Online

In this article, we'll provide simple instructions on how to sign NSFAS agreement online and also take a look at what happens thereafter. 

How To Create eZaga NSFAS Account

How To Create eZaga NSFAS Account

How To Create eZaga NSFAS Account. This article will show you how to set up your eZaga NSFAS account and use its features.

NSFAS Portal Login: How to Create And Login

NSFAS Portal Login: How to Create And Login

So let me help you to open an account at the NSFAS portal. Follow these steps for how to create NSFAS Portal Account.

When Will I Receive My First NSFAS Allowance?

When Will I Receive My First NSFAS Allowance?

To give readers a thorough grasp of the NSFAS allowance system, we shall examine this query in this post along with several similar ones.

How to Activate NSFAS on sBux Account Portal

How to Activate NSFAS on sBux Account Portal

In this article, we will be looking at how anyone can activate NSFAS on Sbux, use NSFAS sBux, and other related issues pertaining to NSFAS Sbux.

Why My NSFAS Status Is Blank?

Why My NSFAS Status Is Blank?

Why My NSFAS Status Is Blank?. This article explains different things you should know about the status of your application.    

Does NSFAS Fund Second Undergraduate Qualification?

Does NSFAS Fund Second Undergraduate Qualification?

Does NSFAS Fund Second Undergraduate Qualification? Students studying for a second undergraduate degree are considered ineligible for NSFAS

Why NSFAS Does Not Fund International Students

Why NSFAS Does Not Fund International Students

Why NSFAS Does Not Fund International Students. In the past, NSFAS provided support to only South African citizens

How Much Is NSFAS Accommodation Allowance?

How Much Is NSFAS Accommodation Allowance?

Taking accommodation into review and considering the state, it is the general consensus for applicants to ask how much is NSFAS accommodation allowance