The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) invites South African students to apply for the ISFAP Bursary 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 October 2026
The ISFAP bursary is aimed at helping students from the “missing middle” access higher education funding for approved undergraduate qualifications in fields linked to occupations in high demand.
What is the ISFAP Bursary?
The ISFAP Bursary Programme 2027 is designed for South African students who need financial support to study at selected public universities and approved programmes. ISFAP focuses on students from households that earn too much to qualify for NSFAS, but still cannot afford university costs. This group is commonly known as the missing middle.
What the ISFAP Bursary Covers
The bursary may cover major study-related costs, including:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Books
- Travel where applicable
- Living allowance or stipend
- Academic and social support through partner institutions
This makes ISFAP one of the most important bursaries for students who need broad financial support to complete their studies.
Who Can Apply for ISFAP 2027?
To qualify for the ISFAP Bursary 2027, applicants must generally meet these requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be currently in Matric or have already completed Matric
- Be accepted to study at an approved public institution for an approved qualification in 2027
- Be entering the first year of undergraduate study
- Come from a household with an income of not more than R600 000 per year
- Show financial need
ISFAP funding is specifically intended for students in the missing middle category and for studies in priority or scarce-skills areas.
Universities and Courses Covered
For the 2027 academic year, the bursary is aimed at approved qualifications offered at selected South African public universities. Based on the programme details, these include institutions such as:
- University of Pretoria
- University of Venda
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
- University of the Free State
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- North West University
- University of the Western Cape
- University of Limpopo
- Vaal University of Technology
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- Rhodes University
- University of Fort Hare
- Durban University of Technology
- University of Zululand
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- University of Mpumalanga
- Sol Plaatje University
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Stellenbosch University
- Nelson Mandela University
- University of Johannesburg
- Central University of Technology
The approved programmes are mainly in areas such as:
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Science
- Agriculture
- Commerce
- Information Technology
- Education
- Law
- Social Sciences
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants usually need to upload clear certified copies of the following:
- South African ID document
- Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results if still in Matric
- Matric certificate if already completed Matric
- Completed ISFAP Funding Application Consent Form
- Proof of household income
- ID documents of parents, guardians, and other household contributors
All documents must be properly certified.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for ISFAP Bursary South Africa 2027.
Applicants must first register an account, then log in and complete the online application form. The application system requires supporting documents to be uploaded before submission.
Application Link: applyonline.isfap.org.za
Important Notes
ISFAP does not replace NSFAS. It supports students who are financially needy but fall into the missing middle category. ISFAP funds studies in high-demand occupations and raises support from public and private partners to do so.
If you plan to apply, make sure all documents are clear, recently certified, and submitted before the deadline.