NSFAS News

Can You Apply for NSFAS After a Gap Year?

Published

3 weeks ago

May 4, 2025

Can You Apply for NSFAS After a Gap Year? Pursuing higher education in South Africa can be financially challenging, but the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) continues to be a beacon of hope for thousands of learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. Whether you took time off to work, travel, or simply reflect on your future, it’s essential to understand how your break affects your eligibility for funding.

What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government initiative that provides financial aid to South African students who wish to further their studies at public universities and TVET colleges but lack the financial means. This funding covers tuition, accommodation, transport, and learning materials.

What It Means for Your NSFAS Application

A gap year refers to taking a break of one year (or more) from studies after completing Grade 12. It’s not uncommon for students in South Africa to use this time to work, volunteer, upskill, or gain life experience. However, a gap year can impact your academic momentum, and more importantly, your NSFAS funding status.

If you’ve taken a gap year and are planning to return to study, you must reapply for NSFAS during the official application window. It’s important to understand that NSFAS does not automatically carry over funding for students who take a year off after matric.

Even if you were approved for NSFAS in the past, your previous approval does not remain valid if you don’t register for study during that year. That means once your academic enrolment pauses, your NSFAS funding pauses too, and you start afresh.

Does NSFAS Allow Appeals After a Gap Year?

Here’s the straightforward truth: Appeals for funding after a gap year are not accepted. If you missed the NSFAS application deadline, even if you have a valid reason like a personal emergency, travel, or employment, you won’t be able to lodge an appeal to reopen your case. That’s why timing is everything. Once you decide to return to studies after a break, you need to act quickly and apply during the normal NSFAS application period, typically between September and January each academic year.

Who Can Apply for NSFAS After a Gap Year?

As long as you meet the general NSFAS eligibility requirements, you can apply after a gap year. You’ll need to ensure:

You are a South African citizen.
Your combined household income is R350,000 or less per annum (or R600,000 if you are living with a person with a disability).
You have been accepted into a public university or TVET college for a funded course.
You meet the academic progression criteria if you’ve previously studied.

Even if you passed matric two or three years ago, you are still eligible to apply, provided you meet the above conditions and apply within the application window.

How to Apply for NSFAS After a Gap Year

Register on the NSFAS website: Go to www.nsfas.org.za and create a MyNSFAS account using your ID number and email.
Complete your profile: Upload all required documents, including your certified ID, parent/guardian proof of income, and proof of acceptance from your chosen institution.
Submit your application: Once you’ve completed the application, ensure you click “submit” and receive a reference number.
Track your status: Use the MyNSFAS portal to check your application status regularly.

NOTE: Gather all your supporting documents in advance to avoid last-minute delays. NSFAS does not accept late applications.

Tips for Gap Year Students Applying to NSFAS

Stay informed: Regularly visit the NSFAS website and social media channels for updates on application dates and processes.
Plan ahead: Choose your institution and course well before applications open, so you’re ready to apply without delay.
Keep your contact details updated: Make sure NSFAS can reach you with feedback or requests for more information.
Meet academic requirements: If you’ve previously studied, you’ll need to show you passed enough modules to qualify for continued funding.

Conclusion

Taking a gap year is not the end of your academic journey it’s a detour. What matters is how you navigate your return. With the right timing and preparation, you can apply for NSFAS after a gap year and receive the funding you need to pursue your dreams.