What is the NSFAS N+2 Rule and How Does It Work?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is helping many students to break financial barriers and acquire their dream education. However, this social welfare scheme has certain rules that all South African students should know, especially those eligible for the NSFAS bursary. Today, we will highlight one critical regulation of NSFAS, i.e., the NSFAS N+2 rule.
NSFAS N+2 Rule Meaning
The N+2 rule NSFAS is confusing for many, especially those applying for the scheme for the first time. If you want to know about this rule or understand the NSFAS N+2 rule appeal 2024, then the following information is for you.
The N+2 rule specifies the number of years a student can get financial aid, where “N” indicates the number of academic years for qualification and “+2” represents the extra two years that a student might need to complete the degree. Simply put, N is the minimum number of years of a degree, and +2 is the additional years, the maximum number of years collectively for which NSFAS will fund a student’s education.
It is counted as the number of years a student is enrolled in a University. NSFAS funds a student for a maximum of five years. Anyone who fails to complete his degree in the given period will not receive any funds from NSFAS, even if they are eligible for the bursary.
Similarly, the N+1 rule gives one extra year of funding to those students who could not complete their degree in “N” number of years. Are you confused, is it N+1 or N+2 NSFAS? Both are NSFAS rules; the only difference is the student’s qualification.
NSFAS N+2 Rule Appeal 2024
NSFAS follows the rules strictly but never burdens a deserving student to pay for his studies independently. Even if you don’t get NSFAS financial aid anymore because of the N+2 rule, you still have a chance to appeal. An appeal is a review request on the NSFAS application’s decision of a student.
The funding of a continuing student automatically stops when a student completes N+2 years for a degree, regardless of whether he has completed his degree or not. Remember you should appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision on your NSFAS application.
Submitting an appeal is super easy. I have done it not too long ago. So, all a student needs to do is log into his NSFAS portal or account and provide all the requested information.
NSFAS N+2 rule is a critical aspect of the NSFAS grant. Applying this rule is essential to ensure the students receiving the financial funds from NSFAS succeed academically. Also, it motivates students not to waste their time or NSFAS funds, to focus on their studies, and to receive the degree within the designated timeframe.