Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail Modules?

NSFAS provides financial support to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. 

However, many students worry about the impact of failing modules on their NSFAS funding.

This article will address this concern and provide a comprehensive guide on NSFAS funding and academic performance.

How Many Modules Do I Need to Pass to Keep Getting NSFAS Funding?

To maintain your NSFAS funding, you need to meet specific academic progress requirements.

These requirements differ slightly depending on whether you’re a first-time entering student (FTES) or a continuing student.

  1. First-Time Entering Students (FTES): FTES students must achieve a course credit pass rate of at least 50% for their previous academic term. This means you need to pass at least half of the modules you registered for.
  2. Continuing Students: Continuing students, meaning those in their second year or beyond, have a slightly higher threshold. They need to achieve a course credit pass rate of at least 55% for the previous academic term.

Here’s an example: Let’s say you’re a first-year student registered for eight modules.

To maintain your NSFAS funding, you would need to pass at least four of those modules (50%).

These are the minimum requirements set by NSFAS.

Your specific institution might have stricter academic progress requirements.

You should check your university’s or TVET college’s academic policies for details.

What Happens If I Fail More Than the Allowed Number of Modules?

If you fail more modules than the minimum pass rate (less than 50% for FTES or less than 55% for continuing students), there are still possibilities to retain your NSFAS funding.

Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Academic Progress Warning: NSFAS will likely issue you an academic progress warning. This serves as a notice that your funding is at risk if you don’t improve your academic performance in the following semester.
  2. Opportunity to Re-register: Your institution might allow you to re-register for the failed modules during a supplementary exam period or the next academic year. This gives you a chance to improve your grades and meet the minimum pass rate.
  3. Reduced Funding: In some cases, NSFAS might reduce your funding amount if you fail to meet the minimum pass rate.
  4. Loss of Funding: If you consistently fail to meet the academic progress requirements, NSFAS might revoke your funding entirely.

What is the N+ Rule?

The N+ Rule is a policy implemented by NSFAS that determines the maximum duration for which you can receive funding for a specific qualification.

  1. N represents the standard duration of your chosen qualification (e.g., a Bachelor’s degree typically takes three years, so N would be 3).
  2. +1 signifies that NSFAS will provide funding for an additional year beyond the standard duration if you encounter academic difficulties, such as failing modules.

Currently, all NSFAS-funded students are eligible for the N+1 rule.

This means you can receive funding for one extra year (e.g. four years for a three-year degree) if you need to repeat a year due to failing modules.

Can I Reapply to NSFAS If I Lost Funding Due to Failing Modules?

Yes, you can reapply to NSFAS if you lost your funding due to failing modules.

However, your eligibility will depend on several factors:

  1. Reason for Failing: NSFAS might be more lenient if you have a valid reason for failing, such as documented medical issues or exceptional personal circumstances.
  2. Academic Improvement: Demonstrating significant academic improvement in subsequent semesters can strengthen your reapplication.
  3. Available Funding: The availability of NSFAS funding also plays a role. If there are limited resources, your reapplication might be less successful.

What Are Some Reasons NSFAS Might Approve N+1 Funding After Failing Modules?

While the N+1 Rule offers a second chance, NSFAS considers various factors before approving additional funding.

These are some potential reasons for approval:

  1. Documented medical conditions that significantly impacted your academic performance.
  2. Family emergencies that created undue hardship during the previous academic term.
  3. Extenuating circumstances beyond your control that negatively affected your studies.

Having strong supporting documentation (doctor’s notes, affidavits, etc.) for your reasons is vital when appealing for N+1 funding.

What Should I Do If I Fail Modules and Lose NSFAS Funding?

If you fail modules and lose NSFAS funding, don’t give up. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Contact your institution’s financial aid office to discuss alternative funding options or payment plans.
  2. Appeal to NSFAS for reinstatement under the N+1 Rule. Gather all necessary documentation to support your case.
  3. Explore alternative bursaries or scholarships that might offer financial assistance. Several organizations offer support to students facing academic challenges.
  4. Consider taking a leave of absence to address any personal issues impacting your studies. This allows you to return to your studies with renewed focus when ready.

Can I Re-apply to NSFAS If I Failed All My Modules?

Re-applying to NSFAS is possible if you haven’t reached the maximum funding duration (N+ Rule).

However, approval depends on the severity of your situation and your institution’s academic progress requirements.

Consult your institution and NSFAS for specific guidance.

What Happens to My NSFAS Debt If I Fail Out of My Studies?

Since NSFAS funding is now a bursary (not a loan), you generally won’t have a debt to repay even if you fail out of your studies.

However, some exceptions might apply under specific circumstances.

It’s best to contact NSFAS directly for clarification.