If you’re funded by NSFAS in 2025, August is a big month. There’s a confirmed August payout run, updated allowance caps (including the learning material allowance you can use to buy a laptop), and clear rules on who qualifies and how to apply.
What’s new for 2025
- Confirmed August allowance run: NSFAS’s official 2025 schedule includes an installment with a payment date of 29 August 2025 for qualifying registrations processed in time. Some universities also run their own early-month cycles (e.g., 4 August 2025 at UKZN).
- Laptop allowance logic remains: NSFAS doesn’t “give” a laptop for free—instead, funded students use their learning material allowance (the 2025 cap shows R5,678 for most categories; R6,240 for disability categories) to purchase a laptop (either through the NSFAS Digital Learning Device process or via approved alternatives).
August 2025 payout
- Institution cycles: Many universities/TVETs publish cycle dates for monthly allowances (e.g., UKZN lists 4 August 2025 as a cycle date). These cycles are how your campus pushes allowances to you once NSFAS funds are in place and your registration data is valid.
- NSFAS month-end run: NSFAS’s national installment schedule shows Installment 8 with an exclusion cut-off 15 August and a payment date of 29 August 2025. If your institution submitted your valid registration before the cut-off and there are no holds, your August allowance should land in that window.
- Bank/wallet readiness: TVET students now receive allowances to their own bank accounts (no compulsory third-party wallet), so ensure bank verification is done. Universities generally use your bank details on file or institution processes. No bank issues = fewer delays.
2025 allowance caps
NSFAS publishes allowance caps each year. For 2025, the learning material allowance (the pot students typically use to buy a laptop) is capped at R5,678 for most categories (and R6,240 for disability categories).
Key points
- Learning Material (Books/Laptop) Allowance: R5,678 per year (most categories). R6,240 for disability categories. This is what funds your laptop purchase.
- Living Allowance (typical caps): R17,160 per year (R20,800 for disability categories in applicable lines).
- Travel Allowance (where applicable): R8,190 per year (selected categories).
Step-by-step: how to get your NSFAS laptop in 2025
- Confirm funding & registration
- Make sure your myNSFAS funding is approved and your institution has uploaded valid registration.
- Choose your route to a device
- NSFAS Digital Learning Device route (via myNSFAS → Online Order Portal) or buy your own device that meets course needs .
- Place the order
- Log in to myNSFAS, open the Online Order portal, confirm your details, and accept terms. Your learning material allowance funds the purchase.
- Collection/Delivery & Proof
- Follow your campus FAO instructions for collection (some campuses use a DLD form), or keep your invoice if buying independently.
- Safeguard your funds
- TVET students: ensure your own bank account is set up and verified; university students should keep banking details current.
August payout & 2025 allowance essentials
| Item | What you need to know (2025) |
|---|---|
| August payout window | Institution cycles (e.g., 4 Aug 2025 at UKZN) and the NSFAS month-end run (29 Aug 2025)—watch both. |
| Learning Material (Books/Laptop) Allowance | R5,678 (most categories); R6,240 (disability categories). This is the laptop allowance source. |
| Living Allowance (typical caps) | R17,160 (standard); R20,800 (disability where applicable). |
| Travel Allowance | R8,190. |
| Accommodation caps | Vary by metro/non-metro and catered/non-catered (see NSFAS 2025 table). |
| Who qualifies (bursary) | SA citizens/permanent residents; income ≤ R350,000 (≤ R600,000 if disability), academic eligibility per NSFAS. |
| Missing-Middle Loan | R350,001–R600,000 income; loan scheme runs alongside bursary. |
| Where the laptop comes from | You buy it using your learning material allowance via myNSFAS Online Order or an approved purchase. |
| Bank/wallet rules | TVET: allowances to your own bank account (set up & verify). Universities: follow campus process; keep bank details updated. |
| Why payments delay | Late/invalid registration uploads, unresolved holds/appeals, or bank verification issues. |
Practical tips to secure your full August payout
- Beat the cut-offs: Your institution must upload valid registration ahead of the 15 Aug 2025 NSFAS cut-off for the 29 Aug national run. Don’t sit on admin.
- Watch campus cycles: If your campus pays on 4 Aug, perfect—but still make sure your data also matches the month-end run in case of top-ups/corrections.
- Verify your bank: TVET students especially—bank account verification is non-negotiable. Universities should also keep banking details up to date.
- Laptop timing: If you need a device for Semester 2, order early via myNSFAS Online Order or buy with your allowance and keep proof.
FAQs
How much is the “laptop allowance” in 2025?
It’s not a separate pot. You use your Learning Material Allowance—R5,678 (most categories) or R6,240 (disability)—to buy your laptop.
When will August 2025 allowances be paid?
Look for your campus cycle (e.g., 4 Aug at UKZN) and the NSFAS national payment date (29 Aug 2025). If your registration is valid and bank details are correct, you should receive your August payout in that window.
Who qualifies for the 2025 NSFAS bursary?
Generally: SA citizens/permanent residents, accepted at a public university/TVET, with combined household income ≤ R350,000 (or ≤ R600,000 if disability). Missing-middle (R350,001–R600,000) students can apply for the NSFAS Loan.