University Funding for South Africa’s Missing Middle
About the ISFAP Bursary
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) provides bursary funding to South African students who need financial assistance to study at university.
The bursary is mainly aimed at students who fall within the “missing middle” category — students who do not qualify for NSFAS funding but still cannot afford university costs.
Fields of Study Supported
ISFAP mainly supports studies in high-demand fields such as:
- Engineering
- Science
- Commerce
- Information Technology
- Education
- Health Sciences
Supported fields may vary depending on funding partnerships and participating universities.
What the Bursary Covers
ISFAP is considered one of the more comprehensive bursary programmes available in South Africa.
Funding may include:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals and living allowance
- Books and study materials
- Academic support and mentoring
Some students may also receive access to:
- Tutoring programmes
- Wellness support
- Student development services
- University adjustment assistance
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Funding
ISFAP primarily funds undergraduate students, especially first-year university entrants.
Postgraduate funding opportunities may sometimes be available, depending on:
- Available funding
- Partner institutions
- Specific fields of study
Postgraduate applicants are encouraged to confirm whether their qualification is supported before applying.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must generally meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must come from a household earning approximately R600 000 or less per year
- Must plan to study at a public university
- May not qualify for NSFAS funding
- Must demonstrate academic potential
The bursary is specifically targeted at students who fall within the “missing middle” income category.
Required Documents
Applicants may be required to submit the following supporting documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID document
- Certified copies of parent or guardian ID documents
- Matric certificate or latest school results
- Full academic transcript (if currently studying)
- Proof of university acceptance or registration
- Proof of household income or latest payslips
- Affidavit if parent or guardian is unemployed
- Proof of SASSA grant or pension where applicable
- Signed ISFAP consent form
- Proof of residence if requested
- CV and motivational letter for postgraduate applicants
Applications with incomplete documents may not be considered.
How to Apply
Applications for the ISFAP Bursary 2027 must be completed online through the official ISFAP application platform.
Applicants should ensure all information and supporting documents are submitted correctly before the application closing date.
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