How many modules should I pass for NSFAS?

Maintaining academic progress is essential to continue receiving NSFAS funding.

And while there isn’t a single, fixed number of modules dictated by NSFAS itself, there are minimum pass rate requirements you need to meet to retain your funding eligibility.

This article will go into details about these requirements, explain related topics, and offer valuable information for NSFAS recipients.

NSFAS Minimum Pass Rates

The minimum pass rate for NSFAS funding depends on your student category:

  1. First-Time Entering Students (FTES): If you’re a first-year student enrolling for your first degree, you need to pass at least 50% of your registered modules.
  2. Continuing Students: If you’re a returning student who has received NSFAS funding in the previous academic term, the minimum pass rate increases to 55% of your registered modules.

While the focus is on passing a percentage of modules, you need to remember that modules often carry different credit values.

Your institution will have its credit system, so ensure you understand how many credits are associated with each module.

NSFAS typically funds students for the standard duration of their chosen qualification, plus an additional year (N+1).

Falling below the minimum pass rate may affect your funding if it extends your study time beyond the N+1 period.

What Happens if I Fail Modules?

Failing modules doesn’t necessarily mean you lose your NSFAS funding immediately.

However, there are consequences:

  1. Reduced Funding: If you fall below the minimum pass rate, your NSFAS funding might be reduced.
  2. Academic Progress Requirements: Each academic institution has its own academic progress requirements. Failing modules could put you at risk of academic probation or exclusion, which could also impact your NSFAS eligibility.
  3. Appeals Process: If you have extenuating circumstances that affected your academic performance, you can appeal to NSFAS for continued funding. However, this requires strong supporting evidence.

How Many Modules Can I Fail and Still Get NSFAS?

There’s no exact number. The key is to ensure you pass at least 50% (FTES) or 55% (continuing student) of your registered modules, considering their credit value.

For example, if you’re a first-year student registered for six modules, each carrying 1 credit, you would need to pass at least 3 modules (50%) to maintain your funding eligibility.

It’s important to consult your institution’s academic advisor to understand how failing modules might impact your specific program and NSFAS funding.

What if I don’t meet the NSFAS Pass Requirements?

The primary consequence is the potential loss or reduction of your NSFAS funding.

Also, failing modules can:

  1. Delay your graduation: This could have financial implications and push you beyond the N+1 funding timeframe.
  2. Affect your future studies: A poor academic record might make it challenging to secure postgraduate funding or scholarships.

What happens if I fail more modules than the NSFAS minimum?

Falling below the minimum pass rate can result in the suspension of your NSFAS funding.

However, there might be options depending on the severity and reason for failing modules.

  1. Appeals process: You can appeal the funding suspension by providing documented reasons for your underperformance, such as medical emergencies or exceptional circumstances.
  2. Academic progress requirements: Some universities have stricter academic progress requirements beyond the NSFAS minimum. Failing to meet these requirements could lead to academic probation or even exclusion, impacting your overall studies.

Can I still get NSFAS funding if I repeat a year?

NSFAS funding typically covers the standard duration of your chosen qualification, with an additional “N+1” year for unforeseen circumstances.

Repeating a year due to failing modules might affect your funding eligibility in the following ways:

  1. Funding limitations: NSFAS might not provide funding for repeated modules, impacting your financial support for that year.
  2. Academic progress review: The funding agency might conduct an academic progress review to assess your eligibility for continued support.