Struggling to finance your studies? You might be part of the growing number of deserving students in South Africa's "missing middle" and you might be eligible for an ISFAP bursary!
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) provides bursaries to missing middle students for both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
ISFAP is a non-profit organization offering bursaries to undergraduate and postgraduate students facing financial constraints. They understand the challenges faced by the "missing middle" – students from families earning too much to qualify for government aid, yet not enough to afford university fees comfortably.
Our sister website, 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.
What does ISFAP cover?
Beyond covering tuition, ISFAP bursaries provide comprehensive support. This includes:
- Accommodation: Help with finding and financing off-campus housing.
- Living Allowance: Funds for essential expenses like food and transportation.
- Textbooks and Laptops: Resources needed for academic success.
- Academic and Mental Health Support: Guidance and assistance to ensure well-being throughout your studies.
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.
How to Qualify
- Be a South African citizen.
- Demonstrate financial need with a household income below R600,000 per year.
- Pursue studies in a scarce-skill field (check ISFAP's website for details).
How To Apply
ISFAP will open dedicated websites for undergraduate and postgraduate applications. Applicants will also need to provide certified copies of their ID and an indemnity form stamped by a commissioner of oaths.
ISFAP goes beyond financial aid; they aim to empower students for success. Their wraparound support includes social skills development, study assistance, and overall well-being resources.
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.
By providing this holistic approach, ISFAP helps students graduate and contribute meaningfully to South Africa's future.
