The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) has opened applications for its 2027 bursary intake, targeting South African students who need financial assistance for university studies and typically fall within the so-called “missing middle”. This group comprises households that earn too much to qualify for NSFAS but cannot fully afford university costs.
About the ISFAP Bursary
ISFAP is a student funding initiative designed to complement traditional government financial aid by supporting capable students facing financial barriers yet not qualifying for NSFAS. It focuses on students enrolled in accredited South African universities pursuing careers linked to occupations in high demand across various sectors such as Engineering, IT, Health Sciences, Agriculture, and Finance.
The programme offers more than just tuition assistance. It adopts a wrap-around support model that may include funding for accommodation, meals, learning materials, and living expenses, alongside academic and student development support.
Who Can Apply?
- South African citizens or eligible individuals according to ISFAP criteria
- Students who plan to enrol or are already enrolled at recognised South African universities participating in ISFAP
- Applicants pursuing ISFAP-supported undergraduate bachelor’s degrees or selected Honours and Master’s programmes (doctoral studies are not funded)
- Those demonstrating financial need via ISFAP’s means testing process
- Applicants meeting academic performance standards and any additional funder or programme-specific conditions
Requirements and Eligibility
Applicants are assessed on financial need, academic merit, the relevance of their chosen qualification to South Africa’s labour market demands, and available donor funding. ISFAP’s funding eligibility does not solely depend on household income figures but considers a comprehensive financial assessment. Earlier income thresholds often cited (R350,000 to R600,000 per annum) serve only as guidelines and may vary.
Application Details and Deadlines
Applications must be submitted online. Separate application portals exist for undergraduates and postgraduates, reflecting the programme’s structure:
- Undergraduate applications: Apply through the official ISFAP undergraduate portal.
- Postgraduate applications: Apply via the dedicated ISFAP postgraduate portal for selected Honours and Master’s studies.
The recommended deadline for submitting applications is 31 October 2026. It is advisable to apply early to allow sufficient time for gathering required documentation and to avoid last-minute complications.
Essential Documents
Applicants should prepare and upload various legally certified documents to support their application, including but not limited to:
- Certified copies of the applicant’s and household contributors’ South African IDs
- Academic records such as matric certificates, current university transcripts where applicable
- Proof of household income
- Evidence of university admission or acceptance if available
- Any other documents required by the portal’s checklist
Important Considerations Before Applying
Students should not rely solely on NSFAS; instead, consider ISFAP as part of a broader financial aid plan alongside other bursaries and funding sources. Additionally, applicants should verify that their intended university and programme are supported by ISFAP for the 2027 academic year using the online portal before applying.
Choosing a qualification should stem from careful career research to ensure alignment with personal goals and labour market demands. Resources such as career and university exploration tools are recommended to make informed decisions.
How to Apply
1. Research careers and qualifications to identify a suitable field and related ISFAP-supported programmes.
2. Confirm your university and qualification are eligible on the official ISFAP portal.
3. Apply separately for university admission if not already done.
4. Collect all necessary certified documents before beginning your ISFAP application.
5. Complete the appropriate online application:
- Undergraduate applications: ISFAP Undergraduate Application Portal
- Postgraduate applications: ISFAP Postgraduate Application Portal
6. Review all details carefully before submitting your application.
7. Regularly monitor your application status via the contact information provided during the application.
