Missing Middle Bursary 2025-2026
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) aims to provide financial support to poor and middle-income university students in South Africa, helping them afford their tertiary education. As a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), ISFAP raises funds from various donors, including non-profits, government institutions, development finance institutions, foundations, private sector entities, and individuals. These funds assist students from South Africa’s poor and middle-class backgrounds to pursue undergraduate studies.
About the ISFAP Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
ISFAP is inviting students to apply for its bursary programme for the 2025-2026 academic year. The bursaries are targeted at students from the “missing middle” for studies in “Occupations of High Demand.” Bursaries will be awarded for specific qualifications at partner institutions, including:
University of Pretoria:
- BEng in various engineering disciplines
- BSc in Computer Science, Information and Knowledge Systems
- BCom in various business disciplines
- Bachelor degrees in clinical medical practice, dental surgery, dietetics, medicine, nursing sciences, occupational therapy, oral hygiene, physiotherapy, radiography, sports science, etc.
- BA in various arts and humanities disciplines
- BSc in various science disciplines
University of Venda:
- BSc in various science disciplines including Biochemistry, Microbiology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, etc.
- Bachelor degrees in environmental sciences, urban and regional planning, agricultural sciences, nursing, psychology, commerce, social work, etc.
University of Cape Town:
- BCom in various business and accounting disciplines
- Bachelor degrees in architectural studies, engineering, medicine, audiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, music, arts, social science, etc.
University of Witwatersrand:
- BCom in various business and accounting disciplines
- BSc in engineering, biokinetics, biomedical sciences, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physiotherapy, etc.
- BA in various arts and humanities disciplines
Tshwane University of Technology:
- Bachelor degrees in engineering, health sciences, information technology, agriculture, hospitality, etc.
- Diploma and advanced diploma programmes in various fields
Walter Sisulu University:
- Bachelor degrees in chemistry, fine art, information technology, engineering, accounting, medical sciences, nursing, social work, etc.
- Diplomas in various fields
University of the Free State:
- BSc in various science disciplines
- BCom in various business disciplines
- Bachelor degrees in architecture, medicine, nursing, social work, arts, etc.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology:
- Bachelor degrees in engineering, health sciences, information technology, environmental sciences, etc.
- Diploma and advanced diploma programmes in various fields
North West University:
- Bachelor degrees in engineering, health sciences, agricultural sciences, social sciences, business, etc.
University of Western Cape:
- Bachelor degrees in pharmacy, science, administration, commerce, nursing, social work, community development, etc.
- Advanced diplomas in various fields
University of Limpopo:
- Bachelor degrees in agriculture, environmental sciences, geology, commerce, administration, law, health sciences, arts, social work, etc.
Vaal University of Technology:
- Diplomas and advanced diplomas in engineering, health sciences, information technology, business, etc.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University:
- Bachelor degrees in medicine, radiography, dental surgery, life sciences, nursing, etc.
- Higher certificate and diploma programmes
Rhodes University:
- Bachelor degrees in science, business, arts, social science, etc.
University of Fort Hare:
- Bachelor degrees in agriculture, science, commerce, health sciences, social work, law, etc.
- Diplomas in various fields
Durban University of Technology:
- Bachelor degrees in engineering, applied sciences, health sciences, business, etc.
- Diplomas and advanced diplomas in various fields
University of Zululand:
- Bachelor degrees in agriculture, engineering, nursing, commerce, social work, arts, etc.
- Diplomas in various fields
Mangosuthu University of Technology:
- Diplomas and advanced diplomas in engineering, agriculture, health sciences, information technology, etc.
University of Mpumalanga:
- Bachelor degrees in agriculture, environmental sciences, information technology, arts, commerce, administration, hospitality, etc.
- Diplomas and higher certificates in various fields
Sol Plaatje University:
- Bachelor degrees in science, information technology, business, arts, education, etc.
- Diplomas and higher certificates in various fields
University of South Africa (UNISA):
- Diplomas, advanced diplomas, and bachelor degrees in business, accounting, agriculture, environmental management, consumer science, life sciences, arts, theology, etc.
University of KwaZulu-Natal:
- Bachelor degrees in engineering, agricultural sciences, science, commerce, health sciences, law, arts, social science, etc.
Stellenbosch University:
- Bachelor degrees in arts, social work, nursing, commerce, engineering, science, etc.
- Diplomas and higher certificates in various fields
Nelson Mandela University:
- Bachelor degrees in architecture, engineering, human settlements, information technology, science, arts, social work, etc.
- Extended programmes and diplomas in various fields
University of Johannesburg:
- Bachelor degrees in urban planning, engineering, life and environmental sciences, business, law, health sciences, arts, social work, etc.
- Diplomas in various fields
Central University of Technology:
- Higher certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, and bachelor degrees in construction, engineering, information technology, management, health sciences, arts, education, etc.
Expenses Covered & Selection
The ISFAP bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation and travel (if applicable), books, meals, and a living allowance. Students also receive academic, social, life skills, and medical support through their university.
Selection is based on:
- Household means test
- Academic achievement and acceptance into a partner institution for an approved qualification
- National Benchmarking Test (NBT) for some institutions
- Matric results
- Availability of funding
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Must have been accepted to study at one of the partner institutions for an approved qualification in 2025-2026
- Must be starting the first year of undergraduate studies in 2025-2026
- Must have a family household income of no more than R600 000 per annum
- Must be in financial need and require funding for studies
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online at the ISFAP Bursary Application 2025-2026 portal. Applicants need to register an account before logging in and applying.
Include “Uni24.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the ISFAP bursary.
Required documents (certified within the last 3 months):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Grade 11 final results and Matric latest results (if currently in Matric)
- Matric final results/certificate (if completed Matric)
- ISFAP Funding Application Consent Form (completed by the applicant and household contributors)
- Proof of household income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, proof of any grants or pension if applicable)
- Parents, guardians, and household contributors’ ID documents
Notes
ISFAP is intended for students in the “Missing Middle” (family household income between R350 000 and R600 000 per annum) and does not replace NSFAS. It receives funding from various platforms to support studies in high-demand occupations and fields critical to South Africa’s economic development.
Closing Date
31 October (at midnight).
Contact Information
For any queries, contact ISFAP directly:
- Tel: 010 880 0400
- Email: students@isfap.org.za
For more details, visit the ISFAP website.
