Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail My Modules?

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 12/20/22 •  4 min read

Many people consider the connection between NSFAS and academics to be dicey. Applicants looking to apply for NSFAS funds may wonder about the conditions of NSFAS, especially when it comes to failing or passing your modules. 

As it has been established, The national student financial aid scheme is much concerned with supporting students in their academic period. Although the mission is to provide financial support to students or applicants, they also look at academic performance. 

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NSFAS does not prioritize academic performance. Your funds do not depend on your academics; however, it is mandatory for you not to fail your studies. 

Passing your work at the beginning of the year while studying in a tertiary institution public or TVET college is part of the requirements to qualify for funds. 

Students who may be trailing are keen to know their stand regarding funding from NSFAS. As we continue to give you insight about NSFAS, we will be looking at passing your modules while receiving NSFAS funds, paying back NSFAS bursary if you fail, what happens if you fail all your modules and many other related topics.

Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail My Modules?

For many applicants who have failed some of their modules, this question has always given them pause. It is acceptable to think about these ideas, but keep in mind that the NSFAS standards still apply. If you failed every module, you did not achieve the minimum passing score of 50%. When you fail every module, it becomes clear that you cannot achieve the passing score, and NSFAS will revoke your funding. Once you receive all failing grades for your modules, NSFAS will stop funding you.

No, If you fail any of your modules, NSFAS will stop funding your education. The NSFAS policy agreement states that, for students to continue receiving financing, they must pass at least 50% of their modules as well as their institution’s academic standards.

How many modules must you pass for NSFAS?

If you failed all of your modules, this indicates that you did not pass with a score of at least 50%. Once you have failed all of your modules, it is clear that you cannot satisfy the pass standard, resulting in the NSFAS cancelling your funds. Once you have failed all of your modules, NSFAS will no longer provide you with funding.

Do you have to pay back NSFAS bursary if you fail?
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Ordinarily, the NSFAS bursary has to be paid back.

However, in 2017 a new derivative came from NSFAS. Many people consider this as a great support to students studying in tertiary institutions. 

On the other hand, the NSFAS has become a bursary as of the year 2018, and if you began receiving funding from the NSFAS after the year 2017, you would not be required to pay anything back.

The government of South Africa has committed to making every effort to provide free educational opportunities for all citizens. It is currently being offered as a full scholarship program. If you are successful, you will not have to worry about your education costs. 

What happens if I fail all my modules?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a bursary program that is funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training and is intended for students who do not have the financial means to fund their studies and who are unable to access bank funding, study loans, or other types of bursaries.

Failing all your modules means a resit and a sit-up for you as the students. If your concern is about the NSFAS funding, then you should know NSFAS will continue to fund you. The only issue is about paying part of the bursary back should you keep failing. 

Your academics may alter as your institution has a cut-off point throughout the study period. 

Why will NSFAS stop funding a student?

If a student is enrolled in or open to taking classes that are not financed by NSFAS, then the student’s NSFAS funding may be terminated or not allocated. Students who have previously enrolled for NSFAS financing will have their registrations cancelled, and they will be required to make the required payment before they may register again.

There are other things like receiving other grants from a different bursary. NSFAS can stop funding you as a student should there be a confirmation of receiving a full grant or scholarship from another institution.

Students who may decide to transfer to a private institution may not receive funding from NSFAS anymore. Guidelines have been created by NSFAS that indicate the terms and conditions that applicants or beneficiaries seeking financing are expected to adhere to.

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