Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP)Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP)

Fully funded

ISFAP Bursary (Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme)

Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP), South Africa

Scholarship overview

The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is a public-private partnership that funds South African students studying towards Occupations of High Demand (OHDs), careers the Human Resources Development Council has identified as critical to the country's economic development: actuaries, accountants, data scientists, engineers, IT professionals, medical doctors, nurses and related fields.

ISFAP combines financial aid with wraparound support, covering academic tutoring and mentorship, psychosocial counselling, career guidance and skills development workshops, on top of the standard funding most bursaries provide. Students report an 80%+ graduation rate, which ISFAP attributes to this holistic model.

Funding is means-tested: applicants undergo a financial assessment that checks household income and runs credit and affordability checks on a parent, spouse or guardian, with their consent, before an award is made.

Award Information

  • South African citizen.
  • Enrolled, or planning to enrol, at an accredited South African university.
  • Studying towards a qualification in an Occupation of High Demand: actuaries, accountants, data scientists, engineers, IT professionals, medical doctors, nurses and related fields.
  • Financial need shown through ISFAP means testing, which includes verification of household income and credit and affordability checks on the parent(s), spouse or guardian with their consent.
  • Maintain academic performance standards and commit to completing the studies.
  • Full university fees.
  • Accommodation.
  • Books.
  • Meal stipend and a cash allowance.
  • Academic support, managed social support, life-skills training, mentoring and medical support.
  • A dedicated programme manager and access to an online student platform.
  1. Submit the online application with your academic records and personal information on the ISFAP application portal.
  2. Have a parent, spouse, legal guardian or household contributor sign the consent form for the means test, with the oath before a Commissioner of Oaths.
  3. Undergo means testing.
  4. Applications are reviewed on academic merit, financial need and career goals.
  5. Successful candidates receive funding and support. The loan or bursary agreement must be signed within 30 days after registration, otherwise ISFAP may withdraw the award and the student becomes liable for fees.

Contact: [email protected], 010 880 0400, WhatsApp 072 617 8072.

Official page | Application portal

Official links

Documents you will need

  • Academic records.
  • Applicant's ID number and student number.
  • Signed funding application consent form from parent(s), spouse, guardian or household contributor, including consent to verify household income and bank information for the means test.
  • Oath or affirmation completed before a Commissioner of Oaths.

How selection works

Applications are assessed on academic merit, financial need (through the means test) and career goals. Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. False information leads to disqualification or withdrawal of an approved award, and unsuccessful applicants remain responsible for their fees.

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