How Do I Notify NSFAS If I Change Institution?

If you are a student who is funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and you want to change your institution of higher learning, you may wonder how this will affect your funding and what you need to do to notify NSFAS. In this article, we will answer some of the common questions that students have about changing institutions and NSFAS funding.

Can I change my institution if I am funded by NSFAS?

Yea, if you’re funded by NSFAS, you have the option to switch your institution. However, you’ll need to update your contact information and your new institution on your myNSFAS account. Following this, NSFAS will evaluate your updated application and make a decision regarding your funding. If approved, you’ll be notified via SMS and email.

You’ll also need to finalize the registration process at your new institution and wait for them to transmit your registration data to NSFAS. Once NSFAS has received your data, they’ll directly disburse your tuition fees to your institution and deposit your living allowances into your bank account.

However, it’s important to note that NSFAS funding isn’t available for all institutions, particularly private ones. Before changing your institution, make sure to review the N+ rule and the academic prerequisites for NSFAS funding.

What is the N+ rule?

The N+ rule is a NSFAS policy that sets a limit on the duration of funding for a student. ‘N’ is the minimum duration to complete a course, and ‘+’ is the additional years NSFAS provides funding. For instance, for a three-year course, NSFAS funds for ‘N+1’ or four years. However, this depends on the student’s initial registration year for higher education. Students who first registered before 2018 get ‘N+2’ or two extra years of funding, while those who registered from 2018 onwards get ‘N+1’ or one extra year of funding.

What are the academic requirements for NSFAS funding?

To maintain eligibility for NSFAS funding, students must adhere to specific academic criteria. These are:

Keep an average score of at least 50% throughout the academic year.

Passing at least 50% of the courses or modules enrolled for in an academic year or semester.

Not exceeding the N+ rule as explained above.

Not change their course more than once during their studies.

How do I notify NSFAS if I change my institution?

If you need to inform NSFAS about a change in your educational institution, follow these straightforward steps:

Log into your myNSFAS account: Ensure you update your contact details, including the information about your new institution1.
Assessment by NSFAS: After updating your details, NSFAS will evaluate your new application and notify you of the outcome via SMS and email.
Complete Registration: Once you’re registered at your new institution, they will need to send your registration data to NSFAS. This step ensures that you continue to receive your monthly allowance

FAQ

Should I Reapply for NSFAS if I Change Institutions?

If you switch institutions, you don’t need to submit a new application to NSFAS, but you do need to make sure that your new institution sends your registration details to NSFAS before the deadline. Otherwise, you might end up with NSFAS paying your old institution instead of your new one, and you won’t be able to do much about it. You also need to have met the academic standards at your old institution before you transfer to your new one- but that’s a requirement for enrolling at the new institution anyway. Don’t forget that you need to pass at least half of your modules to keep your NSFAS funding.

NOTE: The only time you need to apply for NSFAS again from the start is if they have rejected your application before.