ISFAP Bursary Requirements: The “Missing Middle” Lifeline

Key Takeaways: The Safety Net

• The Target: ISFAP is designed for the “Missing Middle”—students whose household income is between R350,000 and R600,000 per year. (NSFAS stops at R350k).+1
• The Restriction: Unlike NSFAS, ISFAP does not fund any degree. It only funds Occupations of High Demand (OHD), such as Actuarial Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Chartered Accounting.
• The Universities: You cannot use ISFAP at every university. It is currently limited to roughly 11 partner universities (e.g., UCT, Wits, UP, Stellenbosch).
• The Funding Model: It is not a loan. It is a full bursary funded by private companies (donors) and the government. You do not pay it back.
• The Application: You must apply online. The cycle usually closes on 31 October every year.

There is a nightmare scenario for thousands of South African students:

Your parents are teachers, nurses, or police officers. Their combined income is R400,000 a year.

• NSFAS says: “Sorry, you are too rich.”
• The Bank says: “Sorry, you are too poor for a loan.”
• The University says: “Please pay R80,000 upfront.”

This is called the “Missing Middle.” You are stuck in the gap.

The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) was created to solve this problem. It is a partnership between the government and private sector donors (like banks and mining companies) to fund the future workforce.+1

Here is the definitive guide to seeing if you qualify for the ISFAP lifesaver.

1. The Financial Requirement (The R600k Cap)

This is the primary filter.

• Minimum Income: R0 (They do fund poor students, but NSFAS is usually the first choice for this group).
• Maximum Income: R600,000 per year (Combined household income).

How it is calculated:

They look at the Gross Income (before tax) of both parents/guardians. They will request payslips and 3 months’ bank statements.

• Note: If your household earns R601,000, the system is automated and will likely reject you.

2. The “Critical Skills” Rule (Why You Might Be Rejected)

This is where most students get confused.

ISFAP is a donor-driven fund.

Donors (like SAICA or the Engineering Council) only want to fund specific skills that the economy needs.+1

If you apply for a BA in History or Political Science, ISFAP will likely reject you, even if you are poor.

What they typically fund (Occupations of High Demand):

• Commerce: BCom Accounting (CA stream), Actuarial Science, Financial Management.
• Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Industrial.
• Science: Computer Science, Data Science, Chemistry, Physics.
• Health: Medicine (MBChB), Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Prosthetics.

Tip: Before you apply, check the specific “Funded Courses List” for your chosen university on the ISFAP website. It changes every year based on what donors want.

3. The Participating Universities

You cannot use ISFAP at a TVET College, and you cannot use it at UNISA (generally). It is focused on public residential universities.

The Current Partner List (Subject to change):

1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
3. Stellenbosch University (SU)
4. University of Pretoria (UP)
5. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
6. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
7. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
8. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
9. University of Venda (Univen)
10. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
11. Central University of Technology (CUT)

Note: If you are studying at UWC or North West University, check the ISFAP portal, as new partners are added occasionally.

4. What Does the Bursary Cover?

ISFAP is comprehensive. It is not just tuition fees; it is “Wrap-Around Support.”

• Tuition Fees: 100% paid.
• Accommodation: University res or accredited private accommodation.
• Food & Living Allowance: Monthly stipend (similar to NSFAS rates).
• Learning Materials: Books and laptop allowance.
• Non-Financial Support: This is unique to ISFAP. They provide:
  • Life Skills Training: Budgeting, mental health, time management.
  • Mentorship: You are often paired with a mentor.
  • Social Support: Access to psychologists or social workers if you are struggling.

5. ISFAP vs. NSFAS: What is the Difference?

Feature	NSFAS	ISFAP
Income Limit	R350,000	R600,000
Courses	Almost all undergraduate degrees.	Strictly Critical Skills (STEM/Commerce).
Funding Source	100% Government Tax.	Private Donors + Government.
Universities	All 26 Public Universities + TVETs.	Only ~11 Partner Universities.
Repayment	Bursary (Work-back is loose).	Bursary (No repayment, no work-back).

6. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Go to the Portal

• Visit: applyonline.isfap.org.za
• Do not use a third-party site.

Step 2: Complete the Application

• You will need your ID number and your parents’ ID numbers.
• You must select your university and course.

Step 3: Upload Documents (Certified)

• ID Copy (Applicant & Parents).
• Proof of Household Income (Payslips / SASSA letters / Affidavit for unemployment).
• Consent Form: This is crucial. You must download the ISFAP Consent Form, have your parents sign it (giving permission for credit checks), and upload it back.

Step 4: The Wait

• ISFAP does not fund everyone who qualifies. It depends on how much money donors give that year.
• If you are accepted, you will usually be notified in January/February of the academic year.

Summary: A Vital Alternative

If you plan to study Engineering or Accounting, ISFAP is actually better than NSFAS because the support structures (mentoring) help you pass.

Action Plan:

1. Check Your Course: Go to the ISFAP website and download the “Funded Qualifications” PDF. Ensure your specific degree code is there.
2. Apply for Both: Always apply for NSFAS and ISFAP. If you get both, you can choose (usually ISFAP offers better perks).
3. Watch the Deadline: Applications usually close on 31 October. Do not be late.

Disclaimer: ISFAP relies on donor funding. The list of funded courses and participating universities can change annually based on donor requirements.

This video is relevant because it features Sifanele Biyela, a Regional Project Manager at ISFAP, clearly explaining the nuanced differences between the ISFAP bursary and NSFAS, specifically highlighting the “missing middle” criteria and course restrictions discussed in the article.