How to Apply for a Free Laptop From NSFAS

By Tevait Feanle •  Updated: 01/11/25 •  5 min read

As the world becomes increasingly digital, a laptop for your studies has moved from ‘nice to have to an essential part of the learning experience. You can’t be powered up to make the best of your learning opportunity without the right tools, after all! As the South African government looks to correct some of the challenges left in the wake of the global health crisis, particularly with regard to digital learning, the NSFAS has expanded its mandate to help struggling students access laptops through the Digital Learning Device Programme. Today, we will take a look at how to get one yourself.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How Can I Get a Free Laptop from NSFAS?

Of course, not just anyone can access this opportunity! The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary offers financial support to a huge number (think over a million) of tertiary students throughout the country.

These bursaries are used at both TVET colleges and universities, and students from either track can apply. If you are attending a TVET college, you must be a continuing student currently registered to study in this academic year. First-time and continuing students in University programs can also apply. 

When Can I Apply for an NSFAS Laptop?

If you are in the process of registering at an NSFAS-accredited institution, adding the laptop to your bursary couldn’t be simpler. Firstly, you will need a Digital Learning Device form, or DLD received from the Financial Aid Office at your campus. You will then order your laptop (the DLD) in the same NSFAS online portal you already use.

Head to the myNSFAS Online Order portal and place your order. Yes, it is that simple! Of course, you will also need to provide the name of your institution, a contact number or two, and an email address you can access. 

NSFAS and your institution will then verify your registration and details as well as the order. If you pass your checks, the order for the laptop will be placed. When it is ready, either the institution or the service provider supplying the laptop will contact you.

Does NSFAS Give You a Laptop?

You will receive a laptop from the NSFAS if you are eligible. However, it isn’t technically a gift, as you will pay for it through the bursary. A portion of the costs of the laptop will be deducted from the student learning materials allowance you receive from them, currently pegged at R5200 a year.

This means that the allocated amount will likely not cover your textbooks  and

- ADVERTISEMENT -
 the laptop, so make a wise choice.

Will NSFAS Give Students Laptops?

If you meet the criteria and have placed an order through the NSFAS portal for your laptop, the NSFAS will liaise with your institution to confirm all details. If they approve, then yes, you will receive your laptop. On the website, you will have the choice of three types of laptops at different price points. Remember, this isn’t an actual free laptop- it is one that will be funded by part of your bursary.

Once they or the laptop provider has the unit ready to go, they will contact you. No one else can receive or collect this laptop on your behalf. You will need to be physically present to receive it and will sign an acknowledgement receipt when you get it. Typically, you will collect it on campus. Of course, you will have to provide them with your ID document as proof of identity along with your student card or proof of registration. For applicants without IDs, a birth certificate will do.

You will also have to agree to the terms and conditions applicable to your institution of learning before you receive it.

What are the NSFAS Laptop Terms and Conditions?

The terms and conditions to receive an NSFAS laptop are set by your institution, so you will need to liaise directly with them. You can discuss these and any other concerns you have with the Financial Aid Office on campus; when you go to fetch the DLD form, you need to kickstart the process of receiving an NSFAS laptop. 

The terms and conditions typically centre around the repayments made from your NSFAS bursary money to the institution. It is important to remember you are being offered the device to help you better comply with the needs of your program and educational use, not as a freebie to use for fun. You will need to take proper care and safety precautions with it, leave all anti-malware programs and other security items intact, and cannot use it for personal use or loan/sell it on. You should not tinker with the device or try to repair it. In the event you need a repair, take it back to your institution for assistance.

And there you have it! As part of the broader push to democratise learning in South Africa, students using an NSFAS bursary to fund their tertiary education at registered learning facilities can apply for help to receive a laptop- and now you know how to leverage this opportunity for yourself.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

Why Is It Important to Pay Back NSFAS Loan?

Why Is It Important to Pay Back NSFAS Loan?

Like any loan, not paying NSFAS has ramifications. Most of those ramifications will revolve around your financial prospects but could even affect your job

How To Register Celbux As An NSFAS Student

How To Register Celbux As An NSFAS Student

South Africa student can use a Celbux account with an NSFAS wallet, provided that they has a registered account.

How To Get NSFAS Confirmation Letter

How To Get NSFAS Confirmation Letter

What Is NSFAS DHET Grant

What Is NSFAS DHET Grant

In this article, we will discuss most sought-after bursaries among funding hopefuls - the Department of Higher Education and Training Bursary (DHET) scheme.NSFAS DHET Grant

What Does ‘Awaiting Registration’ Mean on NSFAS?

What Does ‘Awaiting Registration’ Mean on NSFAS?

Sometimes you will find your application status showing ‘awaiting registration.’ Today, we look at what this means and what you should do about it.

What is NSFAS?

What is NSFAS?

What is NSFAS? NSFAS helps undergraduates who cannot afford tertiary education, enabling students to contribute to the country's development.

How To Write NSFAS Appeal Form

How To Write NSFAS Appeal Form

The NSFAS Appeal Form/Letter is an important part of the appeal process that sets in the event where an application for funding has been rejected by NSFAS

When Will I Receive My First NSFAS Allowance?

When Will I Receive My First NSFAS Allowance?

To give readers a thorough grasp of the NSFAS allowance system, we shall examine this query in this post along with several similar ones.

How Long Does NSFAS Take to Verify Identity?

How Long Does NSFAS Take to Verify Identity?

In case you're wondering how long it takes to verify your identity, this article has all the answers.

How To Apply For NSFAS Online

How To Apply For NSFAS Online

It is for this very reason that the article was written for all those who want to know how to apply for NSFAS online.

How to Download NSFAS Disability Annexure A Form

How to Download NSFAS Disability Annexure A Form

In this article, we will explain what the form is all about and how and where to download NSFAS Disability Annexure A Form

NSFAS Payment: What To Do If You’ve Not Received Your Allowance

NSFAS Payment: What To Do If You’ve Not Received Your Allowance

The NSFAS payment process can be painful and cause a lot of worry. Here’s what you should do if your NSFAS allowance hasn’t been received.

How to Open A Nsfas Coinvest Account

How to Open A Nsfas Coinvest Account

How to Sign Your NBA NSFAS Online

How to Sign Your NBA NSFAS Online

The NBA is the NSFAS bursary agreement that is given to students who have applied to NSFAS for the first time. How to Sign your NBA NSFAS Online

What Does NSFAS Cover for College Students?

What Does NSFAS Cover for College Students?

This article will present full information on What NSFAS Covers for College students at South Africa technical vocational education training colleges.