Islamic Relief Bursary South Africa 2025

Founded in the United Kingdom in 1984, Islamic Relief is a well-established, independent non-governmental organization (NGO).

Islamic Relief South Africa is a registered non-profit company established in 2004.

It is the local branch of this international organization.

IRSA works alongside communities to alleviate poverty by providing essential services like education, water, sanitation, and healthcare.

Their bursary program, specifically, falls under the Orphans & Vulnerable Children Programme, aiming to bridge the financial gap for deserving students pursuing tertiary education.

About the Islamic Relief Bursary

The Islamic Relief Bursary offers financial support for undergraduate degrees or diplomas in specific fields at accredited public universities in South Africa.

The bursary covers tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, and even tutoring services.

Funding is paid directly to the student’s university, ensuring transparency and efficient use of resources.

The Islamic Relief Bursary prioritizes fields that contribute significantly to South Africa’s development.

Here’s a list of the supported fields:

1. Accounting Science
2. Agriculture
3. Built Environment (Architecture, Construction)
4. Economics
5. Engineering
6. Financial Management
7. Information Technology
8. Logistics and Supply Chain Management
9. Medicine
10. Nursing  

Bursary recipients can expect to have their tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, and tutoring costs covered.

However, there are certain expectations attached to receiving this support:

1. Maintaining a minimum average of 60% throughout your studies.
2. Reapplying for the bursary each year to maintain funding.
3. Submitting academic results and attending progress meetings every semester.
4. Participating in a leadership program and attending online seminars offered by IRSA.

Eligibility Criteria for the Islamic Relief Bursary

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

1. Be between 18 and 24 years old.
2. Have completed your Matriculation (South African National Senior Certificate).
3. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident (nationality is not restricted).
4. Identify as any religion.
5. Be enrolled or intend to enroll full-time in an undergraduate program at a recognized public university listed by IRSA.
6. Demonstrate financial need with a household income not exceeding R450 000 per annum.
7. Have no outstanding debt owed to your university.
8. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are highly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply for the Islamic Relief Bursary

Applications for the Islamic Relief Bursary typically open in the latter half of the year.

Here’s a breakdown of the application process:

1. Download the Application Form: The application form is usually available on the IRSA website or through reputable bursary information portals.
2. Complete the Online Form: Fill out the online application form thoroughly and accurately.
3. Gather Supporting Documentation: Ensure you have clear copies of all the required documents listed below. Incomplete applications will likely be disqualified.
   • ID / Passport / Asylum seeker / Refugee Status documentation
   • Matric certificate
   • Academic transcript (if currently studying)
   • Proof of university acceptance (provisional or final)
   • Tuition fee quotation from your university
   • Proof of parents’ or guardians’ income (payslips or affidavits)
   • Parents’ death certificates (if deceased)
   • Details of other bursary applications/awards (if any)
   • Four motivational essays (250 words each) covering:
     • Your chosen course, its career prospects, and how you discovered it.
     • Your academic and personal achievements.
     • Your community involvement.
     • Why you deserve the bursary.
4. Submit Your Application: You can submit your application electronically to [email protected] with “Islamic Relief Bursary 2025” in the subject line. Alternatively, you can deliver a hard copy to one of the IRSA regional offices in Johannesburg, Durban, or Cape Town.

Download the Islamic Relief Bursary Application Form here.

Islamic Relief Bursary Contact Information

For any inquiries, contact Islamic Relief South Africa directly:

1. Email: [email protected]
2. Johannesburg Branch: 011 486 0378
3. Durban Branch: 031 208 2838
4. Cape Town Branch: 021 696 0145

Islamic Relief Bursary Closing Date

Applications for the 2024 academic year. Be sure to check the Islamic Relief South Africa website for updates on the next application period.