How Long Does NSFAS Fund You in 2023?
When it comes to pursuing higher education, many students in South Africa rely on financial assistance to make their dreams come true. One of the most prominent financial aid providers in the country is the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
However, students often wonder how long NSFAS will fund their studies and what factors influence the funding duration. In this article, we will explore all the essential aspects of NSFAS funding and How Long Does NSFAS Fund You to support.
How Long Does NSFAS Fund You?

NSFAS does not have a time range attached. Bursaries are awarded only if the funds available to students in the year of application are sufficient to cover the course’s cost and the amount required by the institution.
However, beneficiaries of the scheme can only receive benefits for up to five years. As long as your course of study is up to four years in duration, you will be eligible to receive the bursary during the registration period. Until you complete your course of study, you will be responsible for paying the remaining tuition fees.
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How Many Months Does NSFAS Give Allowance?
NSFAS beneficiaries receive allowances that cover most of their academic expenses. Registration fees, lodging, transportation, tuition fees, book allowances, living expenses, and personal care expenses are not charged by the bursary.
A procedure is used to fund the scheme’s beneficiaries in this way. For ten months, NSFAS funds are distributed to students in the first week of each month.
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How Many Times Does NSFAS Fund Students?
Funding is only available to students who have been accepted into an institution, according to NSFAS rules.
You will receive funding once your application has been approved. There is no funding available for more than one program at a time through NSFAS.
How Do I Know If NSFAS No Longer Funds Me?

The NSFAS will not simply discontinue providing you with a bursary if you are a beneficiary. It is not possible to nullify the benefits you receive unless there is a valid reason for doing so. If you fail to meet NSFAS’ academic requirements, you will not receive funding for your education. In other words, you must receive a minimum grade of 50% in your courses. NSFAS no longer considers you a beneficiary once you visit the MYNSFAS portal to check your application status. Tracking your application status is only possible after you have completed the following steps;
- Step 1: Log in to http://www.nsfas.org.za.
- Step 2: Select the MYNSFAS account
- Step 3: Log in with your username and password
- Step 4: Click the login button
- Step 5: Click on Track Application Progress
You can find all the information about NSFAS funds here. It will be determined then if you are eligible for the program.
Deferring your studies for an entire academic year will result in your education no longer being funded by NSFAS. To continue receiving benefits from the scheme, reapply when ready to retake the course.
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Can NSFAS Fund You for More Than 5 Years?
There is a maximum five-year period in which NSFAS aid can be received. There will be a charge for additional courses beyond five years. However, after completing a degree or earning a qualification, the N+2 rule requires rereading other courses and modules.
In the event that you achieve a degree within three or four years, you will receive a bursary from NSFAS for the next two years. You will be supported for an additional two years by NSFAS if you need to repeat a course or module. This scheme is only available to students who’ve enrolled in a course of study at the institution for at least two years.
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FAQs
How long does NSFAS fund you for undergraduate studies?
Undergraduate studies can be funded through NSFAS for up to a certain number of years.
How long does NSFAS fund you for postgraduate studies?
NSFAS funding is limited to two and three years for master’s and doctoral degrees, respectively.
Can I apply for NSFAS funding if I am studying at a private institution?
No, only students studying at public universities or TVET colleges are eligible for NSFAS funding.
What happens if I fail a year or repeat a course?
If you fail or need to repeat a course, you may be eligible for funding for another year from NSFAS.
What are the consequences of not repaying NSFAS loans?
Students who fail to repay their student loans may be listed on credit bureaus, which may make it more difficult for them to access credit. Government repercussions may also apply to students who do not repay their loans.
Conclusion
The NSFAS is one of the most valuable resources for South African students from low-income families. The scheme also provides financial aid for tuition fees, housing expenses, and other academic expenses.
You will receive NSFAS funding for a different period of time depending on whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student. Academic performance and funding availability determine how much funding can be provided.
Documentation is required as part of the application process for NSFAS funding. Defaulting on NSFAS loans can lead to legal action by the government.
Moreover, you can also check NSFAS Provisionally Funded Meaning
My name is Eli Doyle, and I am the owner of this website. People who rely on the NSFAS can benefit from valuable resources and tools provided by me. Including step-by-step instructions on how to apply and the benefits of the NSFAS, I offer a variety of guides on the NSFAS Application.