NSFAS Eligibility Criteria for Financial Aid 2024

These guidelines for the NSFAS eligibility criteria and conditions for funding have been approved by the NSFAS Board in concurrence with the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation in line with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act 56 of 1999.

NSFAS Applicability

• The policy standard applies to:
  • Qualifying students, including students with disabilities studying a NSFAS approved qualification at an institution, and who meet the qualifying criteria as specified in this document.
  • All institutions are subjected to requirements and conditions as set out in this document and must abide by the rules herein.
• NSFAS does not provide financial aid in the following instances:
  • Students who have received loans, bursaries, or scholarships from non-NSFAS sources to the extent that these defray their cost of study or allowances. (To the extent that these do not cover the full cost of study, NSFAS funding will be considered provided that all eligibility criteria are met).
  • A student that has achieved an undergraduate qualification who wants to study on a second undergraduate qualification.
  • A student that has achieved a certificate qualification who wants to study on a second certificate qualification.
  • Students studying at an institution other than a public University or a public TVET College.
  • Students enrolled for qualifications that are not approved by DHET.
  • Any student who does not meet the eligibility criteria defined herein.

Restrictions and Limitations

• The eligibility conditions and criteria as they pertain to the funding of trades in the TVET Colleges are excluded from this policy. A separate notice will be circulated once the conditions and criteria for the funding of these programmes are finalised.
• NSFAS is highly dependent on the submission of accurate data from institutions in a timely manner, as well as accurate and complete information from students. Should these not be received, or not received on time, NSFAS processes will be delayed and may result in applications being rejected or continued funding being withdrawn or paused.
• Notwithstanding anything contained in this policy, NSFAS’ responsibility shall be limited only to the provisions of financial aid in respect of the full cost of study, subject to the availability of funds.
• NSFAS shall not be responsible to fund any item or need which is not specifically provided for in this policy and the terms of the NSFAS Bursary Agreement.
• Financial aid is awarded for the first term of study only. Funding for subsequent years is at the discretion of NSFAS, subject to availability of funds and provided the student continues to meet the academic and financial criteria stipulated in this policy.
• NSFAS shall, under no circumstances, be liable for any general damages, special damages and/ or consequential losses, whether such are caused by negligence or any fault or deliberate actions of NSFAS and its employees.
• It is a duty of all persons applying, and/or receiving funding to disclose accurate and complete information to institutions and NSFAS, in relation to their NSFAS funding and which may have an impact on their eligibility assessment.
• All persons in the above further must ensure that NSFAS is, at all times, in possession of current, accurate, and complete information and that any changes in their circumstances are notified to NSFAS. NSFAS will, in turn, ensure that institutions receive funding decisions that are accurate on time.
• In the event that financial aid is extended to any person based on inaccurate, incomplete and/or outdated information, NSFAS reserves the right to cancel such funding with immediate effect and claim back all funds already disbursed based on such inaccurate and/or incomplete and/or outdated information.
• In the event NSFAS awards a bursary to a student based on falsified information, the Board can cancel the funding and instruct legal proceedings against the student, their biological parents, or legal guardians.
• Further: Any funding granted to any person who is later found not to have been eligible for funding shall be cancelled with immediate effect and NSFAS reserves the right to claim back all funds already disbursed and report the matter to law enforcement.

Conditions and Criteria for Obtaining the NSFAS Bursary

• Citizenship and Place of Study:
  • Only South African citizens and permanent residents with a valid South African ID number registered at an institution are eligible for NSFAS DHET funding.
• General Conditions:
• General conditions of funding:
  • Students must be formally registered to study for an approved NSFAS funded qualification at an institution, subject to institutional DHET approved enrolment plans, and meet the financial eligibility criteria, and academic criteria before a bursary award is confirmed.
  • The financial need of the student is assessed at the point of first application, and continuing students do not need to re-apply annually, subject to paragraph 4.2.1.5.
  • NSFAS may for each subsequent academic term re-assess the eligibility of any funded student and reserves the right to withdraw funding if the student no longer meets the eligibility criteria.
  • Returning students and University students that move through the NSFAS funding academic pathway must re-apply and meet the continuing student academic eligibility requirements.
  • Students who change institution types (i.e., shift from TVET College to University or vice versa) must re-apply for funding.
  • Students who de-register or drop out during an academic term and wish to resume their studies in future academic terms, must re-apply.
  • A student can only be funded for one qualification at one institution at any one time.
  • Applicants for financial aid accept the terms and conditions of the NSFAS Bursary Agreement (NBA) at the point of application, which indicates that they accept the obligations and responsibilities of the Bursary Programme should they be funded.
  • New applicants, returning and continuing students are deemed to have accepted the NBA once the NBA is issued and benefit is derived in terms of the bursary awarded, unless explicitly rejected by the student.
  • If a student receives a full bursary from another source, the student and the institution must advise NSFAS within 10 days of receipt of the alternative bursary, the NSFAS bursary must be withdrawn, and no further payments made to the student, and all excess funds must be refunded to NSFAS during the reconciliation process.
• If a student receives a partial bursary from another source, the student and the institution must advise NSFAS of the funding conditions of the new funder within 10 days of receiving the partial bursary, the NSFAS bursary must be reduced, and any excess refunded to NSFAS during the reconciliation process.
• As a rule, financial support granted must be distributed for tuition in the first instance, then accommodation, then other allowances as may be applicable. If the funder has specified the allocation of the financial support granted, then the excess to be returned to NSFAS is calculated on this basis.
• A student who receives financial aid from a funder other than NSFAS and loses this financial aid during the academic term and the NSFAS window for applications is not open, is allowed to apply to NSFAS for financial aid through their institution, if they meet all NSFAS eligibility criteria as set out in this policy standard.
• In respect of paragraph 4.2.1.13, NSFAS will not fund a student whose funding has been discontinued by another funder if the reason for that discontinuation is due to poor academic performance.
• A student that no longer complies with the University N+Rule or TVET College N+Rule may not be funded.
• Financial aid received cannot be used to settle historic debt unless it is specified as such.
• A student must submit all applicable NSFAS forms and supporting documents in a manner that is complete, accurate, and free from omission for their application to be considered for funding eligibility evaluation.

TVET funding conditions

• TVET College students studying occupational programmes can only be funded for the cost of tuition for the duration of the qualification. Allowances for TVET college students studying occupational programmes can only be considered subject to clause 5.4.4 of this Eligibility Criteria.

Discontinuation of funding

• NSFAS reserves the right to withdraw or cease financial aid to a student under the following circumstances:
  • The student no longer meets the financial or academic eligibility as set out in this policy standard; or
  • The student has been found to have defrauded NSFAS or another NSFAS beneficiary; or
  • The student was funded in error; or
  • Incorrect information was submitted by the institution, leading to the student being funded erroneously; or
  • Incorrect or false information was submitted by the student when requested to do so; or
  • Dual registration records have been received from different institutions for the same student and the dual registration remains unresolved.

University Specific Conditions

• Students must be studying towards their first certificate qualification or undergraduate qualification.
• Students who have already studied at a university or obtained a prior University qualification do not qualify as FTEN students even if they are entering the first academic term of a new qualification. However, students starting a university qualification for the first time, but who have already achieved a TVET qualification, qualify as a University FTEN student.
• Any funding received by a senior University student prior to 2018 is subject to the conditions of the Loan Agreement already signed.
• University students referred to in 4.2.1.5 must re-apply for funding and may not register for an NCV at a TVET College.

Students with Disabilities

• A detailed medical report from a medical professional registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa is required to support an application for a student with a disability.
• Any other chronic diseases or medical conditions can only be considered based on a full medical evaluation, and a detailed report outlining how the condition is manifested in the student’s difficulties in accessing teaching and learning, with or without support.

Approved Funded Qualifications

• The University and TVET Colleges funded qualifications are approved by the NSFAS and implemented in conjunction with this eligibility criteria.
• University approved funded qualifications are qualifications that have been accredited by the Council on Higher Education, are registered on the NQF with the institution listed as the originator. These qualifications fall into two broad categories each of which have the following attributes on the NQF.
• TVET College approved funded qualifications fall into four broad categories, each of which have the following attributes.

Financial Eligibility Criteria

• Financial eligibility criteria are used to assess prospective students applying for funding for the first time continuing and returning students.
• Household income:
• Household income is applicable to non-SASSA recipients only and is determined as follows:
  • Where the student/applicant is unmarried, household income is the sum of the gross income (from all sources) of the biological (or adoptive) mother, the biological (or adoptive) father, and the student/applicant.
  • Where the student/applicant is under legal guardianship, the household income is the sum of the gross income (from all sources) of the legal guardian and that of the student/applicant.
• Where the student/applicant is married, the household income (from all sources) is the sum of the gross income of the student’s spouse and that of the student/applicant.
• Students/applicants who are unmarried and independent of their parents and satisfy the definition of “adult learner” as defined in the Higher Education Act (101 of 1997): Requirements and Conditions for Matriculation Endorsement and issuing of Certificates of Exemption for admission to tertiary studies will be exempted from providing the NSFAS declaration form.

Social Grants Recipients (SASSA)

• Any student who is a South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) recipient, as validated by NSFAS, automatically meets the financial eligibility criteria and will be eligible for a bursary award if they are registered at an institution and are academically eligible.

Non-Social Grants Recipients (Non-SASSA)

• All students (except those with disabilities), irrespective of when they first registered at an institution will be assessed as financially eligible if the applicant’s combined annual household income is R350,000 or less.
• Applicants with disabilities will be assessed as financially eligible if the applicant’s combined annual household income is R600,000 or less.

Third Party Data Sources

• NSFAS will use any third-party data source, over and above the declared household income to determine an applicant’s financial eligibility.
• All students are required to submit complete, accurate and duly signed NSFAS consent forms to enable NSFAS to assess the student’s financial eligibility.

Academic Eligibility

• Academic eligibility criteria:
  • Academic progression criteria will be measured by the percentage of course credits that a student achieves in the academic year. Institutions and NSFAS will progressively align academic progression criteria requirements.

University Academic Eligibility Criteria

• Continuing and FTEN university students:
  • Must as of 2024 achieve a course credit pass rate of 50 percent.
  • Must achieve a course credit pass rate of 60 percent for the end of the 2024 academic year to succeed academically for 2025 funding year.

TVET Academic Eligibility Criteria

• A bursary may only be awarded to students progressing to the next NC (V) level if they:
  • Passed at least 5 subjects in the previous NC (V) level.
• A bursary may only be awarded to students progressing to the next Report 191 level if they:
  • Passed a minimum of 3 subjects in the previous N-Level.
• Academic progression criteria requirements for continuing students studying occupational programmes will be determined by TVET Colleges, and results shared with NSFAS.

N+ Rule

• The N+ Rule sets the outer limits for the duration that a student may receive financial aid from NSFAS, the N+ rule is outlined below.
• A student that is no longer compliant with the University academic progression pathways or exceeds the University N+ rule may not be funded to study at a university or TVET College.
• Similarly, a student that is no longer compliant with the TVET College academic progression pathways and exceeds the TVET College N+ rule may not be funded to study at a university.

Academic Progression Pathways

• Only NSFAS approved University and TVET College academic progression pathways are funded and implemented in conjunction with this eligibility criteria and can be described as follows:
  • The only approved University progression pathway is from a qualification that has been defined as a certificate qualification to a qualification that has been defined as an undergraduate qualification (refer to section 4.3.2), noting that NSFAS only funds students studying towards their first certificate or undergraduate qualification.
• The approved TVET progression pathways for PLP, NC(V), and Report 191 qualifications are as follows:
  • The approved progression pathway from a PLP is to a Report 191 Level 1 qualification or a NC(V) Level 2 qualification.
  • Bursary recipients who switch from one programme to another (i.e., from NC(V) to Report 191 programme N1 – N3 or vice-versa) or change programmes within an NC(V) or Report 191 programme during the course of their studies are not eligible for financial assistance, unless the student was an FTF and has completed only one academic term of study.
  • Furthermore, bursary recipients who complete NC(V) Level 4 are not eligible for financial assistance should they want to enrol for another NC(V) programme or Report 191 programme N1 – N3.
  • Similarly, bursary recipients who complete Report 191 N4 – N6 are not eligible for financial assistance should they want to enrol for another Report 191 programme or an NC(V) programme.

Duration of Study

• The University N+ Rule is based on the number of years a student is registered in the higher education sector. The TVET College N+ Rule is based on NSFAS funded academic terms at TVET Colleges. The additional NSFAS funded academic term may be for repeating at any level from the entry academic term to exit the academic term. The N+ Rule does not apply to occupational programmes as these programmes are aligned to employment contracts which do not make provision for the N+1 period of study.
• The N period of study equates to the minimum time required to complete a qualification.
• In the instance of distance university students studying at a non-contact university, the N period of study equates to double the minimum time required to complete the qualification.
• The N+1 Rule applies to all students who receive financial aid from NSFAS.
• All students with disabilities qualify for N+2.
• The additional funding (denoted by 1 or 2) is applied once over a student’s academic career within the sector (University or TVET College).
• The N+ rule is applied to the qualification that the student is registered for in the relevant academic term. The N thus changes for students who change qualifications from one academic term to the next.
• Where a student has changed their qualification and the remaining N does not accommodate the time required to complete the different qualification, the student will no longer receive NSFAS funding.

Cost of Study Covered by NSFAS

Tuition Costs

• NSFAS covers the institutional tuition cost for the student’s program of study based on the approved fee handbook. Tuition costs are paid according to the agreed sector increase for the applicable academic year 2024.
• Registration fees are included in the tuition cost, and NSFAS-funded students are exempt from paying the initial registration fee.

Allowances

• Allowances are paid based on an approved NSFAS payment channel.
• Accommodation allowances for University and TVET students are capped depending on whether they live in a metro or another area. Metro areas have a higher accommodation cap compared to other areas.
• Institutions in non-metro areas can request NSFAS to review the assigned accommodation cap in exceptional circumstances with detailed motivation and supporting evidence.

University Allowances

• Allowance caps vary based on different types of accommodation for contact University students for the 2024 academic year.

University Allowances Details

• Living Allowance: Provided to all NSFAS-funded students at universities not accommodated in catered residences to cover food and incidental expenses.
• Accommodation and Travel Allowances: Students may qualify for either the travel allowance or the accommodation allowance. All institution-owned or leased and private accommodations are capped at specific amounts per academic year based on the area.

Allowance Types and Qualifications for University Students

• Students Residing with Immediate Family or Relatives: They do not qualify for accommodation allowances.
• Students in Institution-Owned or Leased Accommodation: Qualify for a capped annual accommodation allowance as per the provided table.
• Students in Accredited Private Accommodation: Qualify for a capped accommodation allowance based on their location.
• Students in Institution Catered Accommodation: Qualify for a maximum allowance inclusive of accommodation, living, and personal care allowances, capped at specific amounts per annum depending on the area.
• One Allowance Type per Academic Term: Students qualify for only one accommodation allowance type per academic term.
• Students Making Own Accommodation Arrangements with Family or Relatives: They do not qualify for the accommodation allowance but instead may receive a travel allowance determined by the institution, up to a maximum amount.

Learning Materials Allowance for University Students

• Learning Material Allowance: All university students qualify for a learning material allowance, set at a maximum amount for the 2024 academic year. This allowance is intended for the purchase of academic books, materials, and/or a learning device, and only one allowance is provided per student per academic year.

TVET College Allowances

• Allowance Caps and Types for TVET College Students: TVET College students have different allowance types and caps depending on their accommodation situation and distance from the college.
• Distance TVET College Students: They qualify for the personal care allowance only.
• Occupational Qualification Students: Students registered for an occupational qualification may qualify for allowances only if in simulated training; those with employment contracts and stipends do not qualify.
• Accommodation Allowances: Students qualify for one accommodation allowance type per academic term, except for annual students.
• Students Residing with Relatives or Immediate Family: They do not qualify for accommodation allowances.
• Private Accommodation Application: TVET College students not allocated accommodation by their institution can apply to NSFAS for private accommodation, subject to certain conditions and lease agreements.

Verification of Home Address for TVET College Students

• TVET College students who fail to provide proof of their home address as specified will automatically qualify for the travel allowance instead of the accommodation allowance.

Allowances for Students with Disabilities

• Allowance Caps and Types: Students with disabilities attending TVET Colleges qualify for specific allowances, including living allowances, learning materials allowances, assistive devices, repairs and maintenance, human support, and assessment costs.
• Conditions and Applicability: Various conditions and applicability criteria apply to each allowance, and students must meet specific requirements to qualify.
• Assistive Devices: Students with disabilities do not automatically qualify for assistive devices allowances; approval is subject to meeting application criteria outlined in the policy.
• Transfers and Duplicate Devices: Students transferring institutions or sectors are subject to the annual threshold limit, and the purchase of duplicate devices is not permitted.
• Payment Conditions: NSFAS will honor payments for assistive devices, repairs and maintenance, and assessment costs if the goods and services are relevant to the disability, accredited suppliers are used, and required documentation is submitted.

Assistive Devices for Students with Disabilities

• Physical Disability:
  • Examples include wheelchairs, walking aids (crutches, walking sticks), orthotics, and other devices as required.
• Visual Impairment or Disability:
  • Perkins Braille, digital recorders, specialized digital devices, spectacles/magnifiers, and other relevant devices.
• Hard of Hearing or Disability:
  • Hearing aids, assistive listening devices (ALDs).
• Learning Disability and Communication Disorders:
  • Digital voice recorders, fluency devices, augmentative and alternative communication devices.
• Human Support:
  • Examples include guide dogs, scribes, note-takers, carers, individual reading support, tutors, and sign language interpreters.
• Conditions for Human Support:
  • Approval is subject to meeting application criteria, recommendation by a registered medical practitioner, and confirmation by the institution.
• Carers:
  • Students may select their carer, subject to approval and ratification by NSFAS.
  • Institutions providing carers must adhere to specific conditions regarding funding allocation and cost-sharing.
• Opt-In Requirement:
  • Students must sign an opt-in form for human support, and all supporting evidence will be evaluated by NSFAS.
• Transition to Disability Bursary:
  • Students who become permanently disabled during their studies may be eligible for disability bursary funding.

Funding from Non-NSFAS Sources

• Students funded by donors other than NSFAS may apply to NSFAS for additional support if their existing funding does not cover the full cost of study or necessary allowances for students with disabilities.
• This ensures that students with disabilities have access to the necessary resources and support to facilitate their education, regardless of their funding source.

NSFAS Responsibilities

University Responsibilities

• Notify NSFAS about student exits and enrollments in semester courses.
• Identify students receiving funding from multiple sources and inform NSFAS.
• Enable integration of systems and data exchange with NSFAS.
• Inform students about funding regulations and registration fee waivers for NSFAS recipients.
• Prioritize allocation of upfront payments from NSFAS towards allowances and tuition fees.
• Provide accurate registration data and academic information to NSFAS.
• Inform NSFAS if students are ineligible for funding due to changes in qualification or registration status.
• Return unutilized student funds to NSFAS within specified timelines.
• Only allow consideration of private accommodation when university residences are full.
• Obtain NSFAS approval for changes in allowance types or claims for incorrect allowances.
• Maintain detailed records of payments made to students and retain audit trails.
• Disburse funding to students in accordance with NSFAS funding rules.
• Establish a separate bank account for NSFAS funding administration.
• Provide statements to NSFAS regarding fund utilization.
• Facilitate cancellation of duplicate registrations and share details with NSFAS.
• Conduct audits according to NSFAS procedures and share audit certificates with NSFAS.

TVET College Responsibilities

• Notify NSFAS about student exits during academic cycles.
• Identify students receiving funding from multiple sources and inform NSFAS.
• Inform students about funding regulations and registration fee waivers for NSFAS recipients.
• Prioritize allocation of upfront payments from NSFAS towards allowances and tuition fees.
• Provide registration details and academic information for NSFAS eligible students.
• Maintain accurate academic records and eligibility status for all students.
• Submit accurate and complete data to NSFAS within specified time frames.
• Only submit registration records for students enrolled in funded qualifications.
• Inform students if they are no longer eligible for funding due to changes in qualification.
• Return all credits owed to NSFAS, along with earned interest, by March 31st of the next academic year.
• Only allow consideration of private accommodation if college residences are full or unavailable.
• Obtain NSFAS approval for changes in allowance types submitted and budgetary approvals.
• Maintain detailed records of payments made to students and retain audit trails for 5 years.
• Disburse funding to students in accordance with NSFAS funding rules.

Student Responsibilities

• Apply for NSFAS financial aid on time and submit all NSFAS required documents.
• Provide accurate and complete information to NSFAS during the application process.
• Notify NSFAS and institutions of any changes in qualification or funding status.
• Inform NSFAS and institutions of any other sources of funding received.
• Adhere to academic progression criteria and attendance requirements.
• Manage individual financial commitments responsibly.
• Abide by institution policies regarding accommodation and allowances.
• Cancel registrations at institutions where not formally registered to avoid dual registrations.
• Complete NSFAS onboarding process and submit required documents within specified time frames.
• Maintain updated contact details for communication with NSFAS.
• Use learning material allowance for intended purposes.
• Abide by terms and conditions set out in the NSFAS agreement.

Responsibilities of NSFAS

• Publish NSFAS Eligibility Criteria and Conditions for Financial Aid annually.
• Publicize application process and deadlines for students.
• Evaluate applications based on eligibility criteria.
• Make decisions on financial eligibility and funding status of applicants.
• Provide integration platform for data exchange with institutions.
• Ensure timely generation of NSFAS Bursary Agreements for eligible students.
• Facilitate timely disbursements to institutions and students according to predetermined schedules.
• Assist students in accessing their NSFAS bank accounts through the onboarding process.
• Manage the NSFAS appeals process for unsuccessful applicants and continuing students.
• Provide N+ statuses/parameters for continuing students to institutions prior to registration.
• Comply with National Treasury and PFMA requirements regarding funding decisions and payments.

Payment of Private Accommodation Allowance Exceptions

• Establishes criteria and allowances for payment of private accommodation allowances.
• Specifies split payments for accommodation that does not meet Minimum Norms and Standards for Student Housing (MNSFSH).
• Outlines allowances for transport, data, and utilities for students in private accommodations.

Combating Fraud and Corruption

• NSFAS maintains a zero tolerance policy towards fraud and corruption.
• Students, institutions, and NSFAS employees found to engage in fraudulent activities will face disciplinary actions and possible criminal proceedings.
• NSFAS reserves the right to recover funds from individuals or institutions responsible for providing incorrect information.
• Institutions must verify residential addresses and pictures of accredited accommodations to combat fraud.
• NSFAS will conduct random physical address verifications and institutions must maintain reports for audit purposes.
• Inflating allowances or tuition costs is considered an abuse of NSFAS funding and is prohibited.

POPIA Compliance

• NSFAS will verify declared household income and academic performance using third-party data sources.
• Verification includes income verification through entities like SARS and SASSA, as well as credit verification agencies.
• To comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), NSFAS requires consent from students‘ parents, guardians, or verified parental relationships to access third-party data.
• Students must submit a signed consent form to NSFAS to enable verification of their financial eligibility.
• Students/applicants are obligated to provide accurate and truthful information to NSFAS.

Exceptions and Deviations

• Institutions non-compliant with the policy must apply for a deviation, which requires approval from NSFAS.
• Deviation applications must include reasons, mitigations, action plans for compliance, and target dates.
• Non-compliance related to funding conditions may require approval from the Minister.
• Applications for deviation must be submitted 20 working days prior to expected disbursements.
• Institutions seeking deviations for allowance awards must apply by January 31st each year.

Review and Revision

• This policy will undergo review and revision at least every 24 months, subject to Board review.

Annexure on NSFAS Funding Principles

Registering for Qualifications Funded by NSFAS

• NSFAS only provides funding for students registered in approved qualifications listed on the SAQA website.
• Registration in an unapproved qualification means the student won’t receive NSFAS funding, even if they meet other eligibility criteria.
• NSFAS verifies a student’s registration on a funded qualification using registration data from the institution.
• NSFAS does not fund expired qualifications or those not registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
• Students should verify their qualification’s funding status with their institution before registering.

The N+ Rule for University Students

• The N+ Rule for university students is based on the number of years in higher education, not the years funded.
• This rule assists students in achieving their first qualification by providing additional years if needed.
• It ensures fairness, allowing students funded from later years to benefit from additional time to complete their qualification.

The N+ Rule for TVET College Students

• Unlike universities, the N+ Rule for TVET Colleges was introduced in the 2021 academic year.
• It is based on the number of academic terms funded due to shorter funding cycles and higher exit probabilities.

Meeting NSFAS Academic Performance Requirements

• NSFAS aims to support financially and academically deserving students.
• In addition to institutional requirements, NSFAS sets academic performance standards for continued financial aid.

Switching Qualifications

• Students can switch qualifications, but the number of funded academic terms may be affected.
• Students should understand the impact on their NSFAS funding when switching qualifications.
• If the remaining funding period doesn’t accommodate the new qualification’s duration, funding may cease.

Students Receiving Allowances from Their Institutions

• NSFAS typically pays allowances to institutions, which then distribute them to students.
• Institutions may have varied policies and practices regarding the disbursement of allowances.
• Students should consult their institution for information on how and when they will receive their allowances.

Dealing with Financial Aid Being Withdrawn

• NSFAS may withdraw financial aid under various circumstances, including academic ineligibility, changes in household income, fraud, or error.
• Students can appeal a decision to withdraw funding through designated channels provided by NSFAS, ensuring timely submission for consideration.