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Digital Learning Device

Ordering, receiving and using the NSFAS-provided Digital Learning Device


As part of government’s mission to ensure that challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic do not affect teaching and learning at higher education and training institutions, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, directed NSFAS to procure learning devices for students to ensure that the blended learning methodology is realised. The NSFAS Digital Learning Device Programme was then introduced.

This is what to expect once an order for a laptop is processed and the device is delivered:



Laptop
Laptop Charger
Laptop Bag
Delivery Receipt


No one other than the student who is approved to receive a laptop may collect the device.

Steps to order & receive laptop

01

Register:

NSFAS funded students at TVET colleges: You must be a continuing student who was registered in 2020 and currently registered to study in 2021.


NSFAS funded students at universities: You must be registered to study at any public university; both first-time entering and continuing students may apply for a learning device.

02

Complete the DLD form:

Collect, complete and submit the Digital Learning Device (DLD) form to your Financial Aid Office (FAO) on campus. Order your laptop on the DLD online order portal via the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za. NSFAS along with your institution will verify your details as well as your order.

03

Collection:

Once the verification process is complete, an order for your laptop will be placed with our service providers to dispatch the device for delivery. Once your laptop is ready, you will be called by the laptop service provider or your institution to arrange collection/delivery.


Remember, once you are contacted for the delivery and collection of the device, no one can receive/collect the laptop on your behalf, you must be present and also sign before it is handed over to you.

04

Identification:

You must produce your ID/birth certificate and proof of academic registration/student card from your institution before receiving your device.

05

Agree to the terms and conditions:

You will be required to agree to the terms and conditions as set out by your institution before receiving your learning device.

06

Laptop payment:

Non-NSFAS funded students who require a device should consult their institutions as they will remain responsible for the payment of the device and must therefore agree to the payment terms as defined by the institution.


As a NSFAS funded student, you should upon delivery of the digital learning device, produce a valid ID, proof of registration (or student card) as well as sign the acknowledgement receipt of the digital learning device. You will also be required to agree to the terms and conditions of the device as set out by your institution.


  • Keep food and drinks away from the device.
  • Only use your laptop for your study purposes.
  • Report any problems/issues you encounter while using the laptop.
  • Always backup the information/data on your laptop.
  • Only make software changes for usability or cosmetic reasons.

This process might be overwhelming and complicated for you; relax, NSFAS in partnership with universities and TVET colleges, we will walk this journey with you and give you all the support needed for a smooth ride.

  • After you have ordered your laptop and received a notification that your device is on its way, you may contact your Financial Aid Office (FAO) on campus to follow up on the delivery.
  • For queries related to the delivery of your laptop, speak to the Financial Aid Office (FAO) on campus.
  • For information on the terms and conditions of your laptop, contact the FAO on campus.
  • To change your delivery address, wait for a call from the laptop service provider or your FAO. Ensure that NSFAS has your correct contact number.
  • Upon delivery of the digital learning device, you must produce a valid National ID, proof of registration (or student card) and acknowledge receipt of the digital learning device by signing on the delivery note.
  • Agree to the cost of the device being deducted from your learning material allowance as well as the amounts and period over which the deductions will occur as defined by the university.

You will be required to agree to the terms and conditions are as set out by your institution in order to receive the device.

University students who order a laptop, must remember that payment for the laptop will be from their learning material allowance.