Hey future leaders! Are you part of South Africa’s ‘missing middle’ and dreaming of a university education in a high-demand field? Well, get ready because the ISFAP Bursary 2026 is here to turn those dreams into reality! This incredible bursary program is designed specifically to support students like you, ensuring financial worries don’t stand in the way of your academic journey.
The ISFAP Bursary isn’t just any funding; it’s a comprehensive support system for students who fall into the ‘missing middle’ – those whose families earn too much for NSFAS but can’t afford university fees. For the 2026 academic year, ISFAP is looking to fund talented individuals pursuing specific, high-demand qualifications at their partner universities. This means you could be studying a qualification that South Africa desperately needs, all while ISFAP has your back!
Who Can Apply?
ISFAP is on the lookout for ambitious South African students who meet the following criteria:
- You must be a **South African citizen**.
- You must be currently in **Matric or have already completed Matric**.
- You must have been **accepted to study at one of ISFAP’s partner public tertiary institutions** (such as University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town, Wits, Tshwane University of Technology, UNISA, and others) for the **2026 academic year**. Make sure your qualification is one of the **approved high-demand fields** at these institutions.
- You must be starting your **first year of undergraduate studies** in 2026.
- Your family’s total household income must be **NOT more than R600,000 per annum** (this defines the “missing middle”).
- You must be in **genuine financial need** and require funding for your studies.
ISFAP’s selection process also considers your academic achievement, acceptance into an approved qualification, National Benchmarking Test (NBT) results (for some institutions), Matric results, and the availability of funding based on partner requirements. You’ll find the full list of eligible institutions and qualifications on the official application portal.
What Does It Cover?
This isn’t just partial funding; the ISFAP Bursary offers comprehensive cover to ensure you can focus entirely on your studies. If you’re successful, your bursary will typically cover:
- **Full tuition costs.**
- **Accommodation and travel expenses** (if you don’t have on-campus housing).
- **Study materials** (like textbooks).
- **Meals.**
- A generous **stipend** (living allowance) to help with daily expenses.
Beyond the finances, you’ll also receive fantastic support directly from your university, including academic assistance, social integration, crucial life skills training, and even medical support if you need it. It’s a holistic approach to student success!
How to Apply?
Ready to kickstart your journey with ISFAP? Applying is straightforward:
The application process is online and usually opens around August each year. Make sure you have all your documents ready, including your Matric results (or current academic records if you’re still in Matric), proof of university acceptance for 2026, and financial statements to verify your household income.
To apply, head straight to the official application portal:
**Click Here to Apply for the ISFAP Bursary 2026!**
Remember, deadlines are strict, so don’t leave it until the last minute!
If the ISFAP Bursary sounds like the perfect launchpad for your academic and professional journey, don’t hesitate! This is your chance to get fully funded and make a real impact in South Africa. Apply now and don’t forget to explore more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!
