Did you know the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is expanding and now offers postgrad bursaries as well? Yes, they do and it's an amazing offering.
Careers Portal had a chat with Shaun Perrier, the Head of Fundraising at ISFAP, to learn more about the courses covered for ISFAP Postgrad Bursary.
ISFAP has partnered with the National Research Fund (NRF) to provide these postgrad bursaries. The NRF has offered around 120 bursaries with ISFAP then matching that.
Perrier has revealed that there are 250 bursaries up for grabs.
Which courses are covered by the postgrad bursary?
The bursary will fund all critical skills across various industries and sectors in South Africa. These courses are:
- Actuarial Science
- Chartered Accountancy
- Entrepreneurship
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Advanced Diploma in Technical and Vocational Teaching
Which universities are covered?
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Central University of Technology Free State (CUT)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- North-West University (NWU)
- Rhodes University (RU)
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of Venda (UNIVEN)
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
An ISFAP bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, books, laptops and data. They also provide wraparound support which they believe is a critical element to a student's success and performance at University.
Your ISFAP Motivational Letter
Students are required to write a compelling motivational letter in support of their application.
Briefly outline your educational background, including your undergraduate degree, the university you attended, and any relevant coursework or achievements. Highlight distinctions you've earned to demonstrate your academic excellence.
Clearly articulate your long-term career aspirations and explain how your chosen ISFAP programme aligns with those goals. Show you understand the programme's curriculum and research focus, and how it directly addresses your interests.
Mention research projects, publications, or conference presentations to showcase your research skills and potential contributions to your field. Briefly touch on your broader academic and professional interests. Explain your financial situation and how ISFAP funding will enable you to focus on your studies without financial constraints. You can also mention any personal qualities that make you a deserving candidate.
Key Points to Remember
- Tailor your letter to the specific ISFAP programme you're applying for.
- Maintain a professional tone and ensure clear, concise, and error-free writing in British English.
- Proofread carefully before submitting electronically through the ISFAP Online Application Portal (open 3rd June 2024 - 31st October 2024). Feedback is expected by late February/early March 2025.
The ISFAP programme welcomes applications from all qualified South African citizens enrolled full-time in postgraduate studies, regardless of background. While strong undergraduate academic performance is a key selection factor, funded students can receive wrap-around support alongside ISFAP funding and from other bursaries. Remember to submit proof of registration to [email protected] if not included initially, as funding covers the standard program completion time.