The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) has opened 2025 bursary applications for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in South Africa.
Applications for 2025 ISFAP bursaries opened on 3 June 2024. Prospective bursary recipients have until the end of October 2024 to submit their applications, however, only limited funding is available so students are encouraged to apply early.
ISFAP’s Sifanele Biyela, Corporate Partnership and Operations Manager explains that bursaries are need-based and specifically target students in fields with high job demand.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) published the 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand (OIHD) in February. The list details occupations that are experiencing a rise in job creation. These occupations also offer competitive salaries and there are high vacancy rates in these occupations.
We have a new list released in February...containing our 2024 list of occupations in high demand.
Biyela explains that specific courses funded by ISFAP are determined by both job market needs and donor requirements. Students can find a list of funded courses on the ISFAP website.
we are also very funder or donor-driven in terms of specifics and requirements so it's also largely dependent on the requirements that we receive from our funders in terms of the courses that we end up funding
Who Qualifies For An ISFAP Bursary?
To be eligible for an ISFAP bursary, students must be South African citizens and enrolled or planning to enrol at a university that partners with ISFAP and offers a course funded by the programme. Students must also have a stamped indemnity form and certified ID copies.
The entire application process is done online through the ISFAP website. There will be separate application links for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Biyela encourages students to visit the ISFAP website to check if their intuition is on the ISFAP-funded list.
[students] have an idea of where they want to study or for students that are already studying make sure that your University is then on the list of the universities we have and in those universities make sure that the course that you want to apply for is then also listed under that University
How To Apply
1. Go to the ISFAP application website
- There will be two different ‘Apply Online’ websites for undergraduate applications and postgraduate applications
2. Complete the online application form
3. Upload supporting documents
- Certified ID Copy of the Applicant
- Certified Copy of Latest Academic Results (Grade 11 or Matric)
- Certified Proof of Income
4. Download and complete the Consent Form (Applicant and Household Contributors) and certify by Commissioner of Oaths
Successful applicants will receive a funding package that includes tuition, accommodation and monthly allowances as well as wraparound support. Wraparound support includes things like mentorship, coaching, extra tutorials, academic support, financial support, accommodation support and even peer-to-peer learning.
