The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a crucial source of funding for many South African students who require financial assistance to further their education at public universities, TVET colleges, and other approved institutions. However, a common concern among students is whether they can continue to receive funding if they change courses or study programs during their studies.
This guide will provide you with all the information you need regarding NSFAS funding in the event of a course change, including the necessary procedures, requirements, and implications.
Understanding NSFAS
NSFAS is a government initiative aimed at supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to pursue tertiary education. It provides loans and grants to eligible students, which can cover tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other study-related costs. The funding is typically provided to students enrolled in public universities and public TVET colleges, as well as some private institutions that meet specific criteria.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS?
To qualify for NSFAS funding, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be enrolled in a public university, TVET college, or an institution that NSFAS has agreements with.
- Have a combined family income of less than R350,000 per year (R600,000 for students with disabilities).
- Be pursuing an undergraduate qualification, not already holding a degree or diploma.
NSFAS uses a means test to determine whether a student qualifies for financial assistance. Students are also required to maintain satisfactory academic performance to continue receiving funding.
Can NSFAS Continue to Fund You if You Change Courses?
The short answer is yes – in most cases, NSFAS will continue to fund you if you change courses, but there are important factors to consider. Here’s what you need to know:
1. NSFAS Funding for Course Changes Within the Same Qualification
If you are changing courses within the same qualification or field of study, NSFAS will generally continue to provide funding. For instance, if you were studying a Bachelor of Arts degree in one major and decide to switch to another major within the same degree, NSFAS will usually continue funding your studies, as long as the qualification remains the same.
Important considerations:
- Your new course must still meet the qualifications set out by NSFAS.
- The new program must be registered with NSFAS, and the institution must approve the course change.
- You may need to submit proof of your course change to NSFAS.
2. NSFAS Funding for Course Changes to a Different Qualification
Changing courses to a completely different qualification – for example, from a Bachelor of Science (BSc) to a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – can complicate the funding situation. While it is possible to receive continued funding, this depends on several factors, such as:
- The new qualification must be at the undergraduate level: NSFAS typically only funds undergraduate degrees. Therefore, if you change from one undergraduate program to another, you may continue to receive funding, as long as you meet the NSFAS criteria.
- You have not exceeded the maximum duration of funding: NSFAS has a policy on the maximum number of years a student can receive funding, typically up to the duration of the qualification plus one additional year. If you change your course, this could affect the number of years you can receive funding.
If you change to a completely new qualification, you may need to reapply for NSFAS funding, especially if it’s a different qualification type or a program that was not part of your original application.
3. The Impact of Changing Institutions
If you change institutions (i.e., moving from one university or college to another), NSFAS funding may still be available, but this is subject to specific conditions:
- You must inform NSFAS about the change in your institution, providing all relevant details, such as your new student number, institution name, and program.
- If your new institution is also an NSFAS-approved institution, funding should continue, provided you meet the academic and financial criteria.
- If your new institution is not NSFAS-approved, you may lose your funding, so it is crucial to ensure the new institution is eligible for NSFAS funding before making the change.
4. NSFAS Funding for Postgraduate Courses
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate courses. If you change from an undergraduate qualification to a postgraduate qualification, NSFAS will typically not provide funding for your postgraduate studies. However, NSFAS does have some funding options for postgraduate students through its Postgraduate Financial Aid programs, but these are limited and based on specific conditions.
5. Implications of Changing Courses Too Many Times
If you change your course more than once, it could raise some concerns with NSFAS regarding your commitment to your studies. NSFAS funding is intended to support students on a clear academic path, and switching courses too often might indicate that you are not fully committed to completing your qualification. In such cases, NSFAS may re-evaluate your funding status.
Moreover, if your course changes extend the duration of your study period, you might exceed the maximum time allowed for funding. In this case, you would be expected to fund the remaining years of your qualification on your own.
Read more: NSFAS Allowances 2025: Breakdown of Payment Amounts
How to Notify NSFAS About a Course Change
If you change courses, it’s important to notify NSFAS as soon as possible. Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Log in to the NSFAS Student Portal
- Access the NSFAS student portal with your login credentials.
- Select the “Course Change” option and fill in the necessary details about the new course or institution.
2. Provide Documentation
- You will need to upload supporting documents, such as your new acceptance letter from the institution, proof of registration, and any other documents required by NSFAS.
3. Submit Your Application
- Once all documents are uploaded, submit your application for NSFAS to review your new course details.
4. Await Confirmation
- NSFAS will review your application and confirm whether your funding will continue. Be sure to check your portal regularly for updates.
5. Follow Up
- If you do not receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, contact NSFAS customer support to follow up on your application.
Also check: What Happens to Your NSFAS Funding When You Change Courses?
Changing courses during your academic journey is a common occurrence and can happen for various reasons, whether it’s to explore a different field of interest or to better align with career goals. NSFAS is generally supportive of course changes as long as the new course or qualification aligns with their funding criteria and the student follows the correct procedures.
