The ISFAP Bursary provides financial and academic support to South African students pursuing university qualifications linked to occupations in high demand. The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) supports eligible students studying at accredited South African universities, with undergraduate applications available for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees.
Applicants are considered according to factors such as financial need, academic performance, their chosen qualification and available funding. ISFAP also provides additional student support aimed at helping funded students progress through university and prepare for employment.
A closing date is not currently displayed on the ISFAP application portal. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early.
ISFAP Bursary Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) |
| Funding Type | Bursary funding and student support |
| Target Group | Prospective and current university students |
| Undergraduate Level | Bachelor’s degrees |
| Study Location | Accredited South African universities |
| Priority Areas | Occupations in High Demand |
| Financial Assessment | Means testing |
| Application Method | Online |
| Closing Date | Not currently specified |
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be South African citizens who are enrolled or intend to enrol at an accredited South African university. Their intended qualification must fall within an applicable Occupation in High Demand supported through ISFAP.
Financial need is assessed through means testing, while academic performance is also considered during selection. Students are expected to demonstrate commitment to completing their qualification.
Meeting the general requirements does not automatically result in funding. Selection also depends on the funding opportunities available for the applicant’s qualification and university.
What Can You Study?
ISFAP supports qualifications connected to occupations where South Africa has an identified demand for skilled graduates. Supported study areas can include:
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Data Science
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Other qualifying high-demand fields
The qualifications available differ between participating universities. Applicants can select their preferred university and see the applicable programmes during the online application process.
Participating Universities
The undergraduate application system includes programmes at a range of South African universities. Institutions listed include:
- University of Pretoria
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Limpopo
- University of Mpumalanga
- University of Venda
- University of the Western Cape
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Vaal University of Technology
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
Other institutions and programmes may also appear in the application process. Funding is linked to qualifying programmes rather than every course offered by a participating university.
What Does the ISFAP Bursary Cover?
ISFAP provides financial assistance together with additional academic and personal support. The funding package available to an individual student can depend on the applicable funding arrangement.
Alongside financial assistance, funded students can receive support such as:
- Academic tutoring and mentorship
- Study resources
- Psychosocial counselling
- Career guidance
- Workplace preparation
- Skills-development workshops
- Leadership and professional development
These services are intended to support students throughout their studies and assist with their transition from university into employment.
Financial Need and Means Testing
Financial circumstances form part of the assessment. ISFAP uses means testing to consider the financial position of applicants and their households when determining eligibility for funding.
Applicants therefore need to provide accurate household and financial information when completing their applications. The financial assessment is considered together with academic performance and the other requirements of the programme.
Documents Required
Applicants need supporting documents for the online application. Documents requiring certification should generally have been certified within three months of the application date.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, documents can include:
- Certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID
- Certified ID copies of parents, guardians or household contributors
- Latest academic results
- Grade 11 or Matric results where applicable
- Signed consent forms for the applicant and relevant household contributors
The documents uploaded must be clear and readable. Applications without the required supporting documents may not be considered.
How Applications Are Assessed
ISFAP considers academic performance, financial need and other applicable funding requirements when assessing applications. The information and supporting documents provided during the application are used to determine whether the student meets the relevant criteria.
Qualifying applicants can then be considered against available ISFAP or donor funding opportunities. This means an applicant must satisfy both the programme requirements and any applicable conditions attached to the available funding.
How to Apply for the ISFAP Bursary
Applications are completed online. Students should have their identity documents, academic records and household information available before starting.
To apply:
- Open the ISFAP online application.
- Enter your personal and contact information.
- Select your preferred university and qualification.
- Complete the academic and household information requested.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Complete all remaining sections of the application.
- Review the information provided before submitting.
The pre-application stage requires information including the applicant’s South African ID number, email address, preferred university and programme.
Applicants who need assistance can contact ISFAP on 010 880 0400, email info@isfap.org.za or WhatsApp 072 617 8072.
Before You Submit Your Application
Applicants should make sure all required sections have been completed and that the information provided matches their supporting documents.
Check that:
- Your contact details are correct
- Your university and qualification information is correct
- Required identity documents are attached
- Academic results are attached
- Household information is complete
- Required consent forms are signed
- Certified documents are still valid
- Uploaded documents are clear and readable
Keep a copy of important documents used in the application and regularly check the contact details provided for updates about the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for ISFAP funding?
South African citizens who are enrolled or intend to enrol at an accredited South African university can be considered if they meet the financial, academic and study requirements.
Does ISFAP only fund one field of study?
No. Funding covers qualifying programmes linked to occupations in high demand, including fields such as engineering, accounting, information technology and health sciences.
Does every course at a participating university qualify?
No. Available funding is linked to qualifying programmes. The courses available for a particular institution can be viewed during the application process.
How is financial need assessed?
ISFAP uses means testing to assess the financial circumstances of applicants and their households.
How recent must certified documents be?
Documents requiring certification should have been certified within three months of the application date.
Does ISFAP provide support besides bursary funding?
Yes. Funded students can receive academic, psychosocial, career and professional-development support.
Are incomplete applications considered?
Applications should include all required information and supporting documents. ISFAP indicates that applications without the required supporting documentation may not be considered.
How can I contact ISFAP?
Applicants can call 010 880 0400, email info@isfap.org.za or use WhatsApp on 072 617 8072.