The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is calling on eligible South African students to apply for the 2026 academic year bursary. This programme supports students from the “missing middle” income bracket, helping them pursue undergraduate studies in critical, high-demand fields at top South African universities. Don’t miss this chance to fund your education!
About the Bursary Provider
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) committed to empowering poor and middle-income students by covering tertiary education costs. ISFAP secures funding from diverse sources, including non-profit organisations, government bodies, development finance institutions, private sectors, and local and international donors. The organisation plays important role in advancing South Africa’s economic development by fostering skilled professionals through education.
Fields Covered
The bursary supports studies in the following fields at partner institutions, including the University of Pretoria, University of Venda, University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand, and others:
- Engineering (e.g., Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Mining, Computer)
- Health Sciences (e.g., Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy)
- Commerce (e.g., Accounting, Economics, Financial Management, Business Management)
- Science (e.g., Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Geology)
- Arts and Social Sciences (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Languages, Political Studies)
- Education (e.g., Foundation Phase Teaching, Senior Phase and FET Teaching)
- Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (e.g., Agricultural Economics, Environmental Management)
Expenses Covered
The bursary will cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and travel (if no accommodation is available)
- Books
- Meals
- Monthly stipend (living allowance)
- Academic, social, life skills, and medical support through the university
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have completed Matric or be currently in Matric
- Must be studying or intend to study in one of the eligible fields listed
- Must be enrolled at or accepted into a recognised and accredited institution (partner universities)
- Must have a family household income NOT more than R600 000 per annum
- Must be starting your first year of undergraduate studies in 2026
- Must be in financial need and require funding for your studies
How to Apply
To apply, complete the online application form:
ISFAP Bursary Application 2026
Submit clear, certified copies of the following documents with the completed form:
- South African ID document (certified copy)
- Grade 11 final results and Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
- Matric final results/certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
- ISFAP Funding Application Consent Form (completed by applicant and household contributors) (certified copy)
- Proof of household income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, proof of grants/pension if applicable) (certified copy)
- Parents, guardians, and household contributors’ ID documents (certified copy)
- Note: All documents must be certified within the past 3 months
Applications must be submitted via: Online application portal
Email: students@isfap.org.za
Subject line: ISFAP Bursary Application 2026
Closing Date
31 October 2025 (at midnight)
Ensure that you submit your application before the deadline. Late applications will not be considered. Applications submitted after 31 October 2025 will be considered for the 2027 academic year.
Contact the Bursary Provider
For queries, contact:
Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP)
Tel: 010 880 0400
Email: students@isfap.org.za
Website: https://www.isfap.org.za
