ISFAP Bursary South Africa 2025

We’ve been talking about a number of great bursary providers in South Africa lately.

In today’s article, we will be discussing a new one that is changing lives and making academic dreams possible for students like you.

The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) offers complete financial support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This article will give you more details about their operations.

What is the ISFAP Bursary?

ISFAP is a leading bursary program dedicated to assisting “poor” and “missing middle” students in achieving their academic aspirations.

It provides financial support for undergraduate studies in fields that are considered critical to South Africa’s development, such as engineering, science, healthcare, and education.

The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, a monthly stipend, and meals, along with student support and on-campus mentorship.

ISFAP Bursary Application Form and Process

The application process is entirely online and accessible through the official ISFAP website.

Here’s a list of the key steps to follow when applying for your bursary:

  1. New applicants can register by providing personal information and existing users log in with their credentials.
  2. Select the “Start New Application” button in the “For Applicants” section.
  3. Choose your preferred university and desired undergraduate program. Ensure they’re both listed among ISFAP’s partner institutions and funded programs.
  4. Complete the form by answering all the questions and providing accurate and detailed information.
  5. Attach certified copies of required documents, including identity documents, academic results, household income proof, and the signed consent form.
  6. Thoroughly review your application before submitting it electronically. Remember, incomplete applications won’t be considered.

It will also be smart to download the “ISFAP Funding Application Guidelines” document from the website for detailed instructions and document checklists.

ISFAP Bursary Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the ISFAP Bursary, you must meet the following criteria:

  • South African citizenship: You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
  • Age: First-time applicants must be under 25 years old by the application deadline.
  • Matriculation results: You must have achieved a minimum Bachelor’s pass (APS score of 30 or higher) in your matriculation exam.
  • Previous year academic performance: You must have maintained a minimum average of 60% in your previous year of study.
  • Financial need: You must demonstrate financial need based on the ISFAP’s means test criteria.
  • Field of study: You must be applying for a designated field of study deemed critical to South Africa’s development.

For a complete list of eligible fields and detailed eligibility criteria, please refer to the official ISFAP website.

ISFAP Bursary Closing Date

The ISFAP bursary application opens annually around June and closes in October.

However, the exact dates may vary slightly each year so ensure you check the official ISFAP website for the latest application dates and deadlines.