What ISFAP Bursary Is And How It Works. The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is a life-changing funding initiative designed to assist students from low-income households and the missing middle who struggle to afford their tuition fees. Introduced after the nationwide Fees Must Fall movement, ISFAP aims to close the financial gap for students who do not qualify for NSFAS but still face challenges in paying for their higher education.
What Is the ISFAP Bursary?
The ISFAP bursary is a comprehensive financial aid programme that supports South African students pursuing studies in high-demand occupations and scarce skills fields. Every year, ISFAP provides access to fully funded bursaries that not only cover academic expenses but also include wraparound support to ensure students succeed both academically and personally.
This initiative focuses primarily on students whose families earn between R350,001 and R600,000 per year – a group commonly referred to as the missing middle. These students do not qualify for NSFAS funding but are unable to afford university costs without assistance.
The “Missing Middle”
The missing middle category refers to students who fall into the income bracket where they earn too much to receive government aid through NSFAS but too little to pay for higher education without financial strain. This creates a funding gap that ISFAP was specifically designed to fill.
Example:
- NSFAS-eligible income range: Up to R350,000 per household per year
- Missing middle range (ISFAP eligible): R350,001 to R600,000 per household per year
How the ISFAP Bursary Works
When deciding which students to fund, ISFAP prioritises fields of study linked to South Africa’s economic growth and development needs. These include scarce skills careers in sectors such as engineering, science, health, and technology.
According to Sifanele Biyela, Regional Programme Manager at ISFAP:
“We have an issue – missing middle students feel left out. There’s a gap there, and we need as much support in that space.”
One important rule is that double-dipping is not allowed. If you have applied for NSFAS and other bursaries, and you are denied by NSFAS but approved by another bursary, you will not be eligible for ISFAP. Accepting two full bursaries means taking away opportunities from other deserving students. ISFAP enforces a zero-tolerance policy in such cases, and funding will be withdrawn immediately.
ISFAP Bursary Requirements
To qualify for the ISFAP bursary, applicants must meet specific criteria, which vary slightly depending on the institution and funders. The table below summarises the eligibility requirements.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Household Income | Must fall between R350,001 and R600,000 per year |
| Academic Criteria | Meet university-specific requirements, including passing matric and, in some cases, completing the National Benchmark Test (NBT) |
| Field of Study | Must be registered in an ISFAP-funded area of study |
| Funder Constraints | Must meet individual funder objectives |
| Institutional Registration | Must be enrolled at a participating university |
What the ISFAP Bursary Covers
The ISFAP bursary is more than just tuition coverage it offers a comprehensive support package to help students thrive. This includes:
- Full Tuition Fees – Covers 100% of the academic cost for the approved course
- Accommodation – University residence or approved private accommodation
- Monthly Allowances – To cover meals, transport, and other living expenses
- Wraparound Support Services, which include:
- Mentorship and coaching
- Extra academic tutorials
- Peer-to-peer learning programmes
- Career guidance and counselling
- Financial literacy training
- Personal development workshops
Fields of Study Funded by ISFAP
ISFAP funds a variety of scarce skills and high-demand programmes in South Africa. Some examples include:
- Computer Science
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemical Engineering (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Electrical Engineering (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Actuarial Science
- Other specialised science, technology, and healthcare qualifications
These fields are carefully selected to address South Africa’s skills shortage and improve employability for graduates.
Why ISFAP is a Game-Changer for Students
The ISFAP bursary stands out because it not only provides financial support but also focuses on student success. By combining funding with academic and personal support, it ensures that beneficiaries are better equipped to graduate and secure employment.
The inclusion of wraparound support means students have access to resources beyond the classroom, helping them manage academic pressure, improve grades, and adapt to university life.
Conclusion
For students in the missing middle income bracket, the ISFAP bursary can be the key to unlocking higher education opportunities. With its comprehensive funding, wraparound support, and focus on scarce skills, ISFAP not only pays for studies but also invests in the overall success of its recipients.
