The NSFAS N+ rule determines the maximum period a student is eligible to receive financial aid, based on the standard duration of their qualification (N), plus additional years allowed for completion[1].
- N stands for the minimum (standard) number of years required to complete a qualification as prescribed by the institution.
- The N+1 rule (for most students) allows funding for the standard duration of the qualification plus one extra year. For example, if a degree takes 3 years (N=3), you may receive funding for up to 4 years[1].
- For students with disabilities, the N+2 rule applies, granting funding for the standard period plus two extra years[1].
- Students studying with Unisa receive an N that is double the usual duration, due to the nature of distance learning[1].
- The N+ rule applies only to years funded by NSFAS from when a student starts receiving support. Students who are funded from the third year, for example, may have longer to complete the qualification within the N+ limit[1].
- To continue receiving funding under the N+ rule, students must also meet the academic progression requirement: maintaining satisfactory performance as set by NSFAS (typically at least a 60% pass rate in courses/modules)[3].
- Exceeding the NSFAS N+ rule timeframe, or failing to comply with academic progression, results in loss of funding eligibility[3].
General NSFAS funding requirements include being a South African citizen, meeting household income limits (R350,000 or R600,000 for disabled students), and being registered at a public university or TVET college[2].
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