South Africa, July 2025 – The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) has officially opened applications for its 2026 bursary programme, offering full financial support to South African students from low- and middle-income households. This is a golden opportunity for Matric learners and first-time university students who are eager to pursue careers in high-demand fields.
ISFAP specifically targets the “missing middle” – students whose household income is above the NSFAS threshold but still too low to afford university fees (between R350,000 and R600,000 per year). If this sounds like you, now is the time to apply.
What ISFAP Offers
ISFAP does more than just pay tuition. The bursary covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation or travel allowance
- Textbooks and study materials
- Monthly meals and living allowance
- Extra academic and wellness support from university partners
This all-round support is designed to help students succeed, both in and out of the classroom.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be in Matric in 2025 or have already completed Matric
- Have applied and been accepted for your first year at a partner university in 2026
- Be studying towards an approved qualification in a high-demand field
- Have a household income of R600,000 or less
- Show financial need and good academic performance
Some universities may also require your Matric marks and National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores.
What Can You Study?
ISFAP funds studies in careers where South Africa needs skilled workers the most. These include:
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.)
- Health Sciences (Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, etc.)
- Science & Technology (Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Biotechnology)
- Commerce (Accounting, Business Management, Economics)
- Education (Teaching in various phases)
- Social Sciences (Social Work, Psychology, Political Studies)
ISFAP works with top universities like the University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, Wits, TUT, University of Venda, and more. The full list is on their website.
How to Apply
- Go to www.isfap.org.za
- Create an account and log in
- Complete the online application form
- Upload the required documents:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Grade 11 final results and Matric marks (if still in Matric), or your Matric certificate
- Consent form (available on the site)
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit, or grant documents)
- Certified ID copies of parents or guardians
Make sure your documents are certified within the last three months. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
When asked, state that you heard about the bursary from bursaryforms.co.za
Important to Know
- ISFAP is not the same as NSFAS – it is privately funded and targets students left out of other financial aid systems.
- The bursary focuses on scarce skills, so your course must align with South Africa’s job market needs.
- Funding is limited and depends on academic results, household income, and partner requirements.
Deadline to Apply
Applications close on 31 October 2025 at midnight.
No late applications will be accepted for 2026.
Need Help?
Call: 010 880 0400
Email: students@isfap.org.za
Before you apply for any bursary, make sure you have a clear plan. Download our comprehensive Bursary Application Checklist to stay organized, submit your documents correctly, and increase your chances of success.
Bursary Application Checklist
Comments are closed