Have you heard about the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) Bursary? Well, you must have, and we know that is why you are here. The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) Bursary is a funding model designed for students from poor and ‘missing’ middle backgrounds. It was established with the aim to provide poor and middle-class South African learners equal opportunities for higher education. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Hence, let us take a look into the ISFAP Bursary in detail. In this article, we will explore the ISFAP, which offers financial support for students to pursue their tertiary education dreams. We will also provide a detailed guide to the online application process and essential requirements. So, keep reading for more!
Table of Contents
- What is the ISFAP Bursary?
- ISFAP Bursary 2024 Closing Date
- What are the Essential ISFAP Bursary Requirements?
- Steps Included in the ISFAP Bursary Online Application Process
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ISFAP Bursary?
Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) Bursary is a financial support programme designed to support South African students from low-income backgrounds. In other words, it was established to help poor and ‘missing’ middle-income university learners who pursue specific fields of study, providing them with financial aid to afford university fees. It covers the educational expenses and offers benefits, including:
- Full university Fees
- Living allowance
- Tuition fees for academic development & extended programmes
- Accommodation
- Food
- Learning materials like calculators and textbooks
- Psycho-social support
- Social support
- Life skills training
- Mentorship opportunities
ISFAP Bursary receives funds from non-profit organisations, government institutions, private individuals, professional companies, and local and international donors. Its main goal is to help students achieve their goals and obtain their qualifications. Besides, it aims to enhance economic growth and develop an equal society by giving individuals opportunities to excel in fields including accounting, medicine, engineering and arts. Not to mention! ISFAP aims to do the following:
- Reduce learning dropout rates.
- Give learners better employment opportunities.
- Build a skilful and talented workforce.
Find out the key benefits of bursaries in South Africa.
ISFAP Bursary 2024 Closing Date
The postgraduate and undergraduate application period for the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) Bursary typically opens every June and closes every October of a year. For 2024, you can start applying for an ISFAP to pursue your undergraduate or postgraduate education from June 3rd. However, the candidates must submit their applications without any delay since this bursary provider will not consider late applications.
The students can apply for ISFAP bursary funding for their studies at the following institutions:
- Central University of Technology
- Nelson Mandela University
- University of Venda
- Stellenbosch University
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Pretoria
- Walter Sisulu University
- University of Cape Town
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Johannesburg
What are the Essential ISFAP Bursary Requirements?
If you want to be eligible for the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) Bursary, you must meet certain requirements. Here, we have provided the key requirements one must fulfil to secure the ISFAP funding. They are as follows:
Proof of Income to Demonstrate Financial Need:
Since the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) bursary is applicable to poor and middle-class students, the applicants must prove that they come from a financially disadvantaged background. Therefore, they must meet the criteria given below:
- Household income shouldn’t be more than R600 000 per year.
- Didn’t receive any other funding for study from any other organisation or bursary provider.
- Highly in need of funding for education since the student has no other financial means.
Academic Records to Showcase Achievements:
The candidates must demonstrate specific academic performance, including minimum grade average points. That means the applicants must have a good academic record. Moreover, the applicant must be enroled or intend to enrol in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at a recognised university in South Africa. Here are some of the requirements the learners must meet to get the ISFAP bursary:
- Matric certificate or Matric latest results
- Must start their first degree in 2024
- Got accepted to a university to study a specific programme specified in the ISFAP guidelines
Identity Documents to Prove Citizenship:
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) bursary is applicable to learners from South Africa. Therefore, they must be:
- Citizens of South Africa, or
- Permanent residents of South Africa
Specific Field of Study:
Since the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) bursary is awarded to students from specific fields of study, the applicants must ensure that they are eligible before applying. The ISFAP bursary is targeted at fields like engineering, arts, medicine, science and accounting.
Steps Included in the ISFAP Bursary Online Application Process
Here are the steps you can follow to submit your application for the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) bursary:
Gather all the Necessary Documents:
The first and most important step you must take, even before starting your application process, is to collect all the required documents. The essential documents include:
- Certified copy of ID document
- Copies of your academic transcripts and other records
- Proof of household income
- Proof of acceptance to the university
- Course quotation from the university
- Motivational letter
Visit the ISFAP Bursary Website:
The next step is to visit the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) bursary’s website. If you don’t have an account on their website, you can create one by providing your personal details. By doing this, you will get access to their online application form.
Complete the Online Application Form:
In this step, you must be careful and attentive since you are filling out the application form. You must give accurate and correct details as the selection committee selects you after reviewing this application form. You must provide the following details:
- Personal details
- Academic achievements
- Details about your course of study.
- Information regarding your financial situation.
Upload Supporting Documents:
After filling out your application form, you can upload all the essential documents as required by the ISFAP bursary guidelines.
Complete the Consent Form:
To get funding from the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) bursary, you will need to download and complete the consent form. After that, you must certify it by the Commissioner of Oaths.
Follow Up and Track the Status:
After submitting the application, you will get an email confirmation notification from the ISFAP selection committee. Therefore, regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss out on your opportunity.
Conclusion
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) bursary is a valuable opportunity for financially disadvantaged South African students to pursue higher education. By following the essential steps outlined for the application process and meeting the key requirements, the students can optimise their chances of securing financial support from the ISFAP bursary. Besides, our article has mentioned all the practical insights that applicants can employ during their application. However, they must always make sure to apply early without any inaccuracy in the information they provide.
Regenesys offers course quotations for aspiring students seeking bursaries in South Africa. Contact our career counsellors for detailed insights and guidance on applying for bursaries today!
Frequently Asked Questions: ISFAP BURSARY 2024
Q1) Will ISFAP replace the National Student Financial Aid Scheme?
No, ISFAP will never replace the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The NSFAS will continue to provide financial assistance for students from poor backgrounds, whereas the ISFAP will serve students who cannot meet the NSFAS requirements.
Q2)Where does ISFAP get funds from?
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) bursary gets its funds from non-profit organisations, government institutions, private individuals, professional companies, and local and international donors.
Q3)When is the closing date for the ISFAP Bursary application for 2024?
The month of October is typically the deadline for ISFAP application. The students can check the website of the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) bursary for more details.
Q4)What expenses does the ISFAP cover?
ISFAP covers educational expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, meals, study material, and a cash allowance. In addition, students receive additional benefits like life skills training, social support, medical support, and more.
Q5)Can I apply for the ISFAP if I’m already receiving funding from another source?
No, you cannot apply for the ISFAP if you have already received funding from another source. In other words, you are not allowed to receive funding from other sources if you are applying for ISFAP. Besides, you must demonstrate your financial situation to the selection committee to pursue education.
