The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is a transformative support initiative aimed at assisting financially constrained South African students—particularly those in the “missing middle”—to access higher education. It provides a comprehensive bursary package that addresses not just tuition but also support services, enabling students to thrive academically and personally.
What Is This Bursary Program?
ISFAP offers an extensive support package that typically includes:
- Full university tuition fees
- Accommodation (if needed)
- Travel allowances (where applicable)
- Books and learning materials
- A monthly cash (living) allowance
- Academic support services (tutorials, extended programmes)
- Social support and life skills training
- Mentorship, particularly for first-year students
- Psycho-social and medical support where needed
- Access to a dedicated programme manager and an online platform for tracking progress
Who Can Apply
Eligibility criteria include:
- South African citizenship
- A combined household income between R0 and R600,000 per annum
- Academic criteria aligned with university requirements (e.g., matric or other relevant academic performance) depending on what your institution mandates
The Bursary Sponsor – ISFAP
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing the educational funding gap for students who are academically capable but financially underserved. The program focuses on covering scarce skills fields—such as Engineering, Science, Finance, IT, and Medicine—while offering holistic support to ensure student success.
Closing Date
Prospective applicants should apply well before late October 2025, allowing ample time for processing.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online via the ISFAP portal:
https://applyonline.isfap.org.za
Submit your application early—preferably before late October 2025, as the portal typically closes around then for the upcoming academic year