The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides funding for eligible South African students to complete their tertiary education. However, students may find themselves needing to change courses for various reasons, such as lack of interest, career changes, or academic struggles. If you are considering switching courses but are concerned about your NSFAS funding, this guide will walk you through the process and requirements to ensure that you remain funded.
Understanding NSFAS Funding Policies
NSFAS funding is designed to support students for the minimum duration of their qualification plus an additional one-year grace period (N+1 rule). This means that switching courses may impact your funding eligibility if it results in an extended study period beyond this allowance.
Read more: Can You Work and Still Receive NSFAS Funding in 2025?
Steps to Change Courses Without Losing NSFAS Funding
1. Check Your Current Funding Status
Before making any changes, confirm your NSFAS funding status on the NSFAS portal or with your institution’s financial aid office. This will help you understand how much of your funding allocation you have used and whether you have remaining eligibility.
2. Choose a Course Within the Same N+1 Timeframe
If you switch to a new course that will still allow you to graduate within the allocated N+1 time period, your funding will likely continue. However, switching to a longer program that extends beyond your funding limit may result in losing NSFAS support.
3. Ensure the Course Is at a NSFAS-Funded Institution
NSFAS only funds students at public universities and TVET colleges. If you switch to a private institution, you will lose your NSFAS funding.
4. Obtain Approval from Your Institution
Most universities and TVET colleges require students to apply for a course change. This process usually involves consulting an academic advisor, submitting an application, and getting approval. Ensure that your change is processed correctly to avoid complications with NSFAS.
5. Notify NSFAS About the Change
Once your course change has been approved by your institution, inform NSFAS by updating your details through the MyNSFAS portal or via your institution’s financial aid office. This helps ensure that your funding is correctly allocated to your new course.
Scenarios That Could Lead to NSFAS Funding Loss
- Exceeding the N+1 Rule: If your new course requires more years of study than your NSFAS funding allocation, you may need to self-fund the additional years.
- Failing to Inform NSFAS: If NSFAS is not officially notified of your course change, they may stop your funding due to discrepancies in your academic records.
- Moving to a Non-Eligible Institution: NSFAS will not fund students who transfer to private colleges or institutions not recognized under the scheme.
- Dropping Out or Repeated Course Changes: Frequent course changes without valid academic progress may result in NSFAS withdrawing your funding.
Read more: Ways to Make Money While Studying Without Losing Focus
What to Do If You Risk Losing Funding
If your course change leads to a loss of NSFAS funding, consider the following options:
- Appeal to NSFAS: If you have valid reasons (e.g., medical, financial, or personal circumstances) for the change, you can submit an appeal through the NSFAS portal.
- Apply for Bursaries or Scholarships: Look for alternative funding sources such as government bursaries, university scholarships, or private sector funding.
- Explore Part-Time Study and Work Options: Some students work part-time to cover additional study costs if NSFAS no longer covers their extended study period.
Changing courses does not automatically mean losing NSFAS funding, but it requires careful planning and adherence to NSFAS policies. Always consult your institution’s financial aid office before making a decision and ensure that NSFAS is kept informed about any changes to your academic path. By following the correct procedures, you can successfully switch courses while maintaining your financial support.
