The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is a beacon of hope for South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Offering bursaries for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, ISFAP specifically targets the "missing middle" – those who fall outside the criteria for traditional government funding but still can't afford tertiary education costs.
ISFAP has now revealed their 2025 application dates. Our sister site, The Careers Portal recently sat down with ISFAP to discuss funding for the 2025 academic year. Sifanele Biyela, Corporate Partnership and Operations Manager at ISFAP, revealed:
We go live on the 3rd of June 2024 and will remain open until the end of October.
"We prioritize scarce skills," explains Sifanele. This ensures graduates are well-positioned for successful careers upon graduation.
So how we supply all these is based on the budgets, the funding available from our donors, as well as the caps which we apply to the different pockets that we make available to the students.
To qualify for an ISFAP bursary, you must be a South African citizen with a household income below R600,000 per year.
What does ISFAP bursaries cover?
Beyond financial aid covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, textbooks, and laptops, ISFAP understands the holistic needs of students.They also provide academic and mental health support services, ensuring recipients have the well-being resources needed to thrive.
They also provide wraparound support that they "make available to the students where they're able to get social skills, they're able to get study assistance, we try and support the students on a more well-rounded structure".
You are supported not just financially, where your mental health matter, where if you need guidance in terms of tutoring and mentoring, there's that space.
How to Apply for an ISFAP Bursary
ISFAP utilizes separate application websites for undergraduate and postgraduate students. These will be accessible when applications open.
Applicants will need to also submit certified copies of their ID and a commissioner-stamped indemnity form.
Born from the aftermath of the Fees Must Fall movement, ISFAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering students from the "missing middle" to achieve their university dreams. With comprehensive financial and support services, ISFAP is paving the way for a brighter future for South Africa's next generation of professionals.
