ISFAP

About ISFAP

ISFAP stands for the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme. "Ikusasa" means "future" in isiZulu. The programme was set up around 2017 as a funding model for poor and "missing middle" students. These are young people whose households earn too much for NSFAS but too little to pay university fees. The office is in Illovo, Johannesburg.

ISFAP is not an ordinary company bursary. It brings money together from government, business, donors and other partners. According to its own reporting, it has funded more than 10,000 students and works with over 50 partner organisations.

How ISFAP supports students

ISFAP funds study towards occupations that South Africa needs most. Its list of high-demand fields includes accounting, actuarial science, data science, engineering, information technology, medicine and nursing. The idea is that funded graduates will find work easily and help the economy grow.

The support goes well beyond fees. A funded student can receive tuition, accommodation, books and a food or cash allowance. In addition, ISFAP offers academic tutoring, mentoring and psychosocial support. Students also get access to programme managers and an online platform that tracks progress. This wraparound help aims to reduce dropout and to keep students on track to graduate.

Funding is paid through partner universities. For that reason, you usually apply to the university first and then ISFAP works with the institution on the selection. Postgraduate funding has also been advertised under the programme, so check the postgraduate listing if you are studying beyond a first degree.

In practice, this means ISFAP can help students who would otherwise fall between two systems. NSFAS assists households with the lowest incomes, while wealthier families can pay privately. ISFAP aims at the gap between the two. Support also includes life-skills training, first-year mentoring and medical or psychosocial help, which ease the move from school to campus. Many first-generation students find these extras as valuable as the money itself.

What to know before applying

Household income is a key rule. Published criteria have said the family income should fall below about R600,000 a year, but the exact limits change, so confirm them on the ISFAP website. You also need a good matric result and an offer to study one of the funded qualifications at a partner institution.

Applications are usually made through the ISFAP student portal, and the university may ask for extra documents. Closing dates differ each year, and late applications are normally not considered. Therefore, begin your paperwork early. Gather certified copies of your ID, your results and proof of family income.

ISFAP does not charge application fees. Be careful with anyone who promises a guaranteed place for a payment. If you are unsure, contact the programme through its official website.