The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) offers an extensive bursary (more than just tuition) to economically disadvantaged students, including those belonging to the missing middle category.
ISFAP is a nonprofit organization primarily focused on assisting missing middle students. Consequently, their initial criterion involves evaluating households with an annual income ranging from R350,000 to R600,000.
These families are considered to fall outside the realm of poverty qualifying for NSFAS, yet they are unable to afford tertiary education expenses out of their own pockets. ISFAP bridges this gap by providing funding to first-time university registrants, constituting the subsequent factor of assessment.
ISFAP proceeds to verify whether the applicant is a first-time attendee at a tertiary institution and if they are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. It is important to note that ISFAP does not extend funding to postgraduate courses.
Furthermore, ISFAP considers the field of study chosen by the student. Eligibility for funding hinges on whether the applicant has applied for a program currently supported by ISFAP, at an institution with which ISFAP has a partnership.
Academic achievements of the applicants are also evaluated, with a specific focus on their matriculation results and overall average, as per the information received from the Department. A minimum achievement of 65% is required for consideration.
Subsequently, the students are ranked based on their performance, and funding is allocated in descending order.
What Does ISFAP Cover?
The ISFAP bursary encompasses various aspects of support beyond tuition fees. It includes coverage for accommodation, food expenses, essential learning materials such as calculators and textbooks, a living allowance, and pocket money. Moreover, ISFAP offers non-academic student support through a dedicated project manager who is available to provide assistance.
This support extends to tutorial assistance, life support, administrative support, life skills training, and the availability of staff mentors.
ISFAP’s approach, known as wrap-around support, demonstrates their commitment to providing comprehensive assistance that goes beyond financial aid and extends to various aspects of a student’s well-being and development.
What’s The Total ISFAP Bursaries Available Per Year?
ISFAP doesn’t have a cut off for how many bursaries they offer every year. An official explained that it depends on the funding available.
The commitments they get from their funders for the year is what drives the amount of students they are able to offer bursaries to. As for the actual amount, ISFAP does not reveal that figure.
This does however mean that not all students who apply and qualify will receive funding.
Who Funds ISFAP?
ISFAP operates as a non-governmental organization and, as mentioned, it is not reliant on government funding. Instead, they rely on private donations and funding from SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities).
ISFAP proactively approaches private entities, requesting funding on behalf of students in need.
ISFAP Requirements and Eligibility
To be eligible for an ISFAP bursary, the following criteria must be met:
- Household Income: Your household income should fall within the range of R0 to R600,000.
- Academic Criteria and Registration: Each institution may have specific academic criteria and registration requirements, which can include:
- National Benchmarking Test: Some institutions may require applicants to take a National Benchmarking Test, which assesses academic and behavioral capabilities.
- Matric Results: Your matriculation results will be considered as part of the evaluation process.
- Funder Constraints: Constraints imposed by individual funders, aligned with their objectives, may also be taken into account when assessing applications.
- Course Registration: You must be registered for courses at universities that are within the areas of study supported by ISFAP’s funding initiatives.
How To Apply for ISFAP Bursary
- Visit the ISFAP application website.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Upload the required supporting documents, which include:
- Certified copy of the applicant’s ID.
- Certified copy of the applicant’s latest academic results (Grade 11 or Matric).
- Certified proof of income.
- Download the Consent Form (Applicant and Household Contributors) and complete it.
- Get the Consent Form certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.
- To download the ISFAP consent form, click here.
Is ISFAP Expanding to More Universities?
In the short term, ISFAP does not have any immediate plans to expand its presence into other institutions. However, the organization maintains an optimistic outlook regarding its objective and aims to garner additional support and funding to facilitate future expansion into other universities and higher education institutions.
