Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) for 2026

 

 

As South Africa pushes toward a more equitable and prosperous future, the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) continues to play a pivotal role. For 2026 intake, ISFAP remains South Africa’s leading public–private bursary initiative, dedicated to supporting talented young minds from poor and “missing middle” backgrounds by covering the full cost of university education—and going far beyond tuition.

Who Qualifies for 2026 Funding

ISFAP targets South African citizens from households earning between R0 – R600,000, segmented into:

• “Poor”: R0–R350,000
• “Missing middle”: R350,000–R600,000

Candidates must have been accepted into one of the 26 public universities partnered with ISFAP—including UCT, Wits, UP, Mandela University, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UJ, and others. They must also aim to study fields aligned with South Africa’s critical skills demands.

What’s Covered in Your ISFAP Package?

ISFAP’s comprehensive bursary package supports academic and holistic development:

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation, meals, books, travel, and stipend
• Academic support (tutorials, mentoring, study skills)
• Social, psychosocial, life-skills training and medical support
• A dedicated student project manager and progress-tracking platform

Estimated average value per student is around R166,668 annually

 

 

Why ISFAP Matters in 2026

ISFAP was born in 2016 out of a Ministerial Task Team recommendation to fill funding gaps left by NSFAS — especially for the “missing middle” cohort earning too much to qualify for NSFAS but still unable to self-fund tertiary studies. With private sector and government partnering, ISFAP ensures:

• Access: Over 3,600 students funded, 1,472 graduates to date
• Alignment with national priorities: Supports degrees in engineering, health sciences, actuarial sciences, commerce, technology, and more—critical skills for South Africa’s growth
• Closing the equity gap: Targets missing-middle households earn R350,000–600,000 who remain poorly served

How to Apply:

 

UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATIONS – APPLY HERE

 

POSTGRADUATE APPLICATIONS – APPLY HERE

 

 

How ISFAP Transforms Lives

Take, for example, first-year scholars supported by ISFAP—they benefit from:

• Life-skills workshops (time management, budgeting)
• Peer mentoring and academic tutorials
• Access to counselling and medical services
• Project managers to help overcome barriers

This holistic approach not only removes financial barriers but also cultivates well-rounded, motivated graduates ready to contribute to South Africa’s workforce and society.

Our Conclusion:

For deserving young South Africans from modest backgrounds, ISFAP’s 2026 bursary opens doors to world-class tertiary education and socio-economic mobility. By covering all financial needs and cultivating academic resilience, ISFAP is more than just a bursary—it’s a springboard to future leadership and national advancement.

CLOSING DATE: NOT SPECIFIED

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE