ISFAP Bursary 2025 Closing Date. The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is a vital initiative aimed at assisting financially constrained South African students, especially those falling into the “missing middle” category, to access tertiary education. The ISFAP bursary covers essential academic costs, and the programme is designed to support the economic development of South Africa by funding students pursuing careers in high-demand fields. This article will provide complete information on the ISFAP Bursary 2025, its application process, eligibility criteria, and the financial coverage it offers.
ISFAP Bursary 2025 Closing Date
The deadline for applying to the ISFAP Bursary 2025 is 31 October 2024 at midnight. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Students are encouraged to complete and submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure that all requirements are met.
ISFAP Bursary
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) was established to provide financial assistance to students from poor and middle-income families who struggle to afford tertiary education. The programme primarily targets students with family incomes between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum, who do not qualify for NSFAS but still need financial support to cover the costs of university education.
ISFAP raises funds from a variety of donors, including:
- Non-profit organisations
- Government institutions
- Development finance institutions
- Foundations and private sectors
- Local and international donors
These funds are distributed to deserving students, enabling them to pursue their academic goals without the stress of financial burdens.
What the ISFAP Bursary Covers
The ISFAP Bursary covers a wide range of student expenses, ensuring that the financial burden of university education is lifted off the students and their families. The bursary provides funding for:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and travel costs (if accommodation is not provided by the institution)
- Textbooks and academic resources
- Meals
- A monthly living stipend
In addition to financial support, the bursary offers a comprehensive support system through the university, including:
- Academic support to help students succeed in their studies.
- Social and life skills training to assist students in navigating university life.
- Medical support when necessary to ensure students’ well-being.
Fields of Study Covered by ISFAP
The ISFAP Bursary 2025 focuses on funding students pursuing careers in Occupations of High Demand. These are fields that have been identified as critical to South Africa’s economic growth. Below is a table showcasing some of the universities and the eligible fields of study covered by ISFAP.
| University | Fields of Study |
|---|---|
| University of Pretoria | Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), BCom (Business, Informatics), MBChB (Medicine), BSc (Computer Science) |
| University of Venda | BSc in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Botany, Agricultural Economics, Nursing, Environmental Sciences |
| University of Cape Town | BCom (Financial Accounting, Economics), BSc (Computer Science, Environmental Sciences), MBChB (Medicine) |
| University of Witwatersrand | BCom (Accounting, Finance), Engineering, MBChB, BSc (Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry) |
| Tshwane University | BEng (Chemical, Civil), BSc in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Advanced Diplomas in various Engineering fields |
| University of the Western Cape | BSc (Biodiversity, Biotechnology, Medical Bioscience), BCom (Financial Accounting), Nursing, Social Work |
ISFAP is committed to funding degrees in engineering, health sciences, computer science, and agriculture, which are vital for South Africa’s development.
Eligibility Requirements for the ISFAP Bursary 2025
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria to qualify for the ISFAP Bursary:
- South African Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of South Africa.
- Matriculation: You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
- University Admission: Acceptance into one of the approved public universities for a relevant course of study is required.
- First-Year Undergraduate: You must be starting your first year of undergraduate study in the 2025 academic year.
- Household Income: Your household income must not exceed R600,000 per annum.
- Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate financial need for tertiary funding.
Selection Criteria
Selection for the ISFAP Bursary is based on several factors:
- Household means test to assess financial need.
- Academic performance and acceptance into an approved university for a relevant qualification.
- Some institutions may require a National Benchmarking Test (NBT) to assess academic and behavioral strength.
- Matric results are used to determine academic eligibility.
- Availability of funding, based on donor contributions.
How to Apply for the ISFAP Bursary 2025
Applications for the ISFAP Bursary 2025 are done entirely online. To apply, follow these steps:
- Visit the ISFAP Bursary Portal: Navigate to the official ISFAP website to start your application.
- Register for an Account: Before you can apply, you must create an account on the portal.
- Login and Complete the Application: Once registered, log in and complete the online application form.
- Submit Required Documents: Ensure you submit all required documentation along with your application.
Required Documents:
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results, if still in Matric.
- Matric final results or certificate, if Matric has been completed.
- Proof of household income: Includes payslips, affidavits if unemployed, or proof of social grants or pension.
- Consent form completed by the applicant and household contributors.
Ensure all documents are certified within the last three months.
Important Notes About the ISFAP Bursary
- ISFAP does not replace NSFAS: While NSFAS is geared toward lower-income students, ISFAP caters to the “missing middle”, whose household income ranges between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum.
- ISFAP funding comes from various sectors, including non-profit organisations, government bodies, and private sector donors, both locally and internationally.
- The bursary focuses on fields critical to South Africa’s development, such as engineering, medicine, information technology, and agriculture.
Contact Information for ISFAP Bursary
For any inquiries regarding the ISFAP Bursary 2025, you can contact the organisation directly:
- Phone: 010 880 0400
- Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
The ISFAP Bursary 2025 offers substantial financial support to students who fall within the “missing middle” income bracket, helping them to pursue critical degrees in fields that will contribute to South Africa’s growth. With the deadline fast approaching, students should ensure their applications are submitted by 31 October 2024 to secure their place in this competitive bursary programme.
