To stay funded, a university student who is not a first-time entering student must pass 50% of their registered modules in the year, and a TVET student must pass 70%. These figures come from the 2026 NSFAS eligibility policy standard (2026 academic year). This page does not state a figure for 2025 or 2024.
NSFAS measures academic progression by the percentage of modules you pass in the academic year.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
- University, not first-time entering: pass 50% of total registered modules in a year to be funded the next year
- TVET, not first-time entering: pass 70% of the modules or courses you enrolled for
- NC(V): at least 5 subjects passed to progress
- Report 191: at least 3 subjects passed to progress
If you were a first-time funded or first-time entering student in your previous term and you failed, you do not need to appeal. You are funded automatically for your next term if you meet the other criteria and your institution confirms you are likely to complete.
NSFAS may reassess funded students each term and withdraw funding if the criteria are no longer met.
Income and Affordability Requirements
The pass rate is not the only limit. Funding is also capped by the N+ rule: N+1 for every funded student and N+2 for students with a disability. Repeating years uses up that time, so a failed year can cost you twice.
Read our NSFAS N+ rule page, or see the full NSFAS requirements for the income test.
Credit and Financial Requirements
The pass rate does not involve a credit check. If you fall below it and are not funded, you become responsible for your fees unless an appeal succeeds, so speak to your institution’s financial aid office early.
Documents and Verification Required
NSFAS receives your results from your institution, so you do not normally submit a transcript to prove your pass rate. You need documents only to appeal. An appeal against failing the academic criteria is considered only on proof of one of these:
- severe ill health lasting two or more consecutive months
- death of an immediate family member
- a serious violent crime, supported by your institution’s letter confirming you can still complete
- a disability, supported by a medical report
- incorrect results having been sent to NSFAS
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
A continuing student who did not meet the progression criteria can appeal on the myNSFAS portal within 30 working days of the outcome. Upload formal proof for the ground you rely on. NSFAS may reject affidavits as evidence.
If your institution did not allow you to progress, the appeal goes to the institution, not to NSFAS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pass rate does NSFAS require?
Under the 2026 policy, 50% of registered modules at university and 70% at TVET colleges for students who are not first-time entering. See the NSFAS policy standard.
What were the NSFAS pass requirements for 2025 and 2024?
This page does not quote pass percentages for 2025 or 2024. Confirm them with NSFAS or your institution’s financial aid office.
What happens if I fail a year?
If you are a first-time funded or first-time entering student you are funded automatically for your next term, provided you meet the other criteria and your institution confirms you can complete. Otherwise you may lose funding, and you can appeal on myNSFAS within 30 working days.
Is there a limit on how long NSFAS funds me?
Yes. The N+ rule gives N+1, or N+2 with a disability, so repeated years use up your funded time.
Are NSFAS rules the same as my university rules?
No. If your institution did not allow you to progress, the appeal goes to the institution, not NSFAS.
Confirm the current rule with NSFAS through myNSFAS and with your institution’s financial aid office. See NSFAS requirements, loan requirements and browse all finance and funding requirements.