Everything You Need to Know About the ISFAP Bursary in South Africa

Higher education in South Africa presents numerous financial challenges for many students, particularly those from poor and middle-class backgrounds. This is where the ISFAP bursary comes in.

The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) bursary was established to bridge this gap, providing crucial financial support and enhancing the country’s skills profile.

This post explores the ISFAP bursary, its benefits, application process, and eligibility criteria.

What is the ISFAP Bursary?

The ISFAP bursary was created as a sustainable funding model to support the higher education needs of South Africa’s poor and middle-class students.

The program focuses on students pursuing careers in Occupations of High Demand (OHDs), such as Actuaries, Accountants, Data Scientists, Engineers, IT Professionals, Medical Doctors, and Nurses.

These careers are vital for the country’s economic development, as identified by the Human Resources Development Council (HRDC).

So far 2933 Students have been Funded and 1254 have Graduated, thanks to ISFAP.

Check Out: How to Apply for GCRA Bursary.

Benefits of the ISFAP Bursary

ISFAP offers comprehensive support to its beneficiaries, including:

• Full university fees: Covered in full.
• Accommodation: Provided where necessary.
• Books and study materials: Covered.
• Meals stipend: Included.
• Cash allowance: For additional expenses.
• Academic support: Tutorials, academic development, and extended programs.
• Social support: Life skills training, mentoring (especially for the first-year experience), and medical support (including psycho-social support).
• Dedicated program managers: For continuous support.
• Online student platform: To track academic progress.

ISFAP Bursary Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the ISFAP bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Family income: Annual income between R0 – R600,000.
• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.

How to Apply for the ISFAP Bursary

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the ISFAP bursary:

1. University Application: Apply and get accepted to your university of choice.
2. Eligibility Check: Verify if you qualify based on the university and ISFAP-funded degrees/programs.
3. Application Process: Start the application process on the ISFAP website. Submit your applications at ISFAP Online Application
4. Monitor Progress: Regularly check your emails for updates on your application status.
5. Application opens on 3rd June 2024 and closes on 31st October 2024.
6. Expect feedback around the last week of February or early March 2025 once all assessments are finalized.

ISFAP Postgraduate Application Process

ISFAP also offers bursaries for postgraduate students. Here’s the process:

• Eligibility: Applicants aged 21 to 35 years.
• Universities: Apply to one of the 26 public universities in South Africa, such as NMU, WITS, UP, UJ, SU, UCT, UKZN, CPUT, CUT, DUT, MUT, NWU, RU, SMU, SPU, TUT, UFH, UFS, UKZN, UL, UMP, UNISA, UNIVEN, UNIZULU, UWC, VUT.
• Degrees Covered: Actuarial Science, Chartered Accountancy, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Humanities, and Advanced Diploma in Technical and Vocational Teaching.
• Funding Includes Tuition fees, accommodation, meals, cash allowance, transport (if not accessing accommodation and meals), study materials, and an electronic device.

ISFAP Bursary Motivational Letter Requirements

A compelling motivational letter for funding a postgraduate degree should include:

• Educational Background
• Career Goals
• Relevance of the Postgraduate Programme
• Research Experience
• Interests
• Why You Deserve Funding

How to Contact ISFAP Bursary

Ready to reach out? Whether you are looking for information about the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme or would like to start your application; or even if you just want to say “hi”, ISFAP is here to listen.

Use any relevant contact information on this page to get in touch with ISFAP and they will gladly answer any questions you may have.

• Applicants and Student Matters: students@isfap.org.za
• Donors and Partnerships: partners@isfap.org.za
• Media Queries: media@isfap.org.za
• Data Queries: protectpidata@isfap.org.za
• Call Centre: 010 880 0400
• WhatsApp: 072 617 8072

Conclusion

The ISFAP bursary plays a pivotal role in promoting higher education and skill development in South Africa.

By providing financial support and various forms of assistance, ISFAP helps students from poor and middle-income families achieve their academic and professional goals.

This public-private partnership not only enhances individual prospects but also contributes significantly to national development.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the ISFAP bursary, start the application process today.

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