Will NSFAS Continue Funding Me If I Take A Gap Year? I took a gap year last year and my nsfas status was approved. Now it says awaiting academic results and I was not in any university last year. What should I do.
What Is a Gap Year?
A gap year is when a student takes a break from their studies for one academic year before continuing or starting a new qualification. This can be for:
- Work experience
- Personal reasons
- Financial challenges
- Academic improvement
To put the story short all Answers. If you find yourself wondering whether NSFAS will still fund you even if you took a year or two off and they funded you before, we have an answer for you. Don’t forget that NSFAS applications are now open.
During a webinar with Sassamystatus Live, NSFAS answered this question and said that gap year students, whether that be before you start your qualification or during, will still be funded by NSFAS if they were approved before and qualify.
The only thing students who fall under this category will have to do is re-apply for funding.
This question deals with the N+ rule NSFAS has in place. Before NSFAS was changed from a loan scheme to a bursary, the rule was ‘N+2’ and after the change which came into action in 2018, it was changed to the ‘N+1’ rule.
The N stands for the number of years our qualification goes for and the number (+1) refers to the number of years NSFAS will continue funding you for if you fail. After 2018, students are granted one year extra of funding should they fail a year in their course.
NSFAS has said that this is how they “give grace in case something happens”.
It is important to further note that, the N+ rule is not based on the number of years that a student has been funded, but on the number of years that the student has been registered for tertiary study at any public university in South Africa, regardless of institution change.
Funding will then only be provided to the students once NSFAS receives their registration data from the institution. If they don’t receive registration data, funding will be forfeited.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Will NSFAS automatically fund me after a gap year?
No, you will most likely need to reapply, and approval is not guaranteed.
Can I pause my NSFAS funding for a year?
No, NSFAS does not allow you to pause funding. If you are not registered, funding stops.
Do I need to reapply for NSFAS after a gap year?
Yes, in most cases you must submit a new application.
Will NSFAS reject me if I took a gap year?
Not automatically, but your application will be reassessed based on eligibility criteria.
What happens if I fail before taking a gap year?
You may lose funding if you do not meet academic progression requirements.
Can I get NSFAS again after dropping out?
It depends on your academic record and whether you meet funding criteria again.
Does NSFAS fund second qualifications after a gap year?
Generally no, unless under very specific conditions.
Will my household income affect reapplication?
Yes, you must still meet the income threshold.
Can I work during my gap year and still qualify later?
Yes, but your income must not exceed NSFAS limits when reapplying.
Does NSFAS fund part-time students after a gap year?
No, NSFAS mainly funds full-time students at approved institutions.
Can I defer my admission instead of taking a gap year?
Yes, and this is often a safer option than fully withdrawing.
Will NSFAS pay outstanding fees after a gap year?
No, only fees for approved funded years are covered.
How long does NSFAS funding last?
Funding follows the N+ rule (standard duration plus extra time).
Can I change courses after a gap year?
Yes, but approval depends on NSFAS rules and institution policies.
What documents do I need to reapply?
ID, proof of income, academic records, and other required documents.
Does NSFAS fund private colleges after a gap year?
Only selected approved institutions are funded.
Can I appeal if my application is rejected?
Yes, NSFAS allows appeals under certain conditions.
Will NSFAS consider my reason for a gap year?
Yes, especially in appeal cases or special circumstances.
Can I take more than one gap year?
You can, but your chances of funding decrease significantly.
Is taking a gap year a bad idea for NSFAS students?
Not always, but it carries risks, especially regarding funding continuity.
