ISFAP, the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme, funds students whose household income is above the NSFAS threshold but too low to afford university, a group commonly described as the missing middle. It funds specified scarce-skill fields rather than any degree.
ISFAP is distinctive in providing wraparound support alongside funding, including mentoring, tutoring and psychosocial support. Recipients are expected to participate in that support programme, not only to receive the money.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
ISFAP applications are generally assessed on the following.
- South African citizenship
- Household income falling in the band ISFAP targets, above the NSFAS threshold
- Acceptance or application to a supported qualification at a partner institution
- Study in one of the scarce-skill fields the programme funds
- Strong academic results
- Willingness to participate in the wraparound support programme
Income and Affordability Requirements
The income band is the defining criterion. ISFAP exists specifically for households that earn too much to qualify for NSFAS but cannot fund university study, and the band is set and revised by the programme.
Because this scheme publishes its criteria per intake and revises them, this page does not restate specific income thresholds, closing dates or award values. Confirm those directly with the funder, since an out-of-date figure is worse than none.
Credit and Financial Requirements
Bursaries do not assess your credit record and applying does not affect it. What they assess is academic performance, both to award funding and to continue it.
Funding is conditional on academic progress and on participation in the support programme. Some ISFAP funding has operated on partially repayable terms depending on the funder behind a particular award, so confirm the terms of any offer before accepting.
Documents and Verification Required
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your matric results or latest academic transcript
- Proof of household income, such as payslips or an affidavit where there is no formal income
- Proof of acceptance or application to an approved institution
- A completed application form and any motivation the scheme requires
- Supporting documentation for a disability, where applicable
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
Apply online during the published window, separately from your university application. Funded fields and partner institutions are specified, so check that your intended qualification is supported before applying.
If your household income falls above the NSFAS threshold, ISFAP is one of the few schemes designed for your situation, so it is worth applying even if you have been declined by NSFAS. Bank student loans are the other main route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is ISFAP for?
Students whose household income is above the NSFAS threshold but who cannot afford university, studying in specified scarce-skill fields.
Is ISFAP a loan or a bursary?
It depends on the specific award and the funder behind it. Some ISFAP funding has operated on partially repayable terms, so confirm before accepting.
Does ISFAP fund any degree?
No. It funds specified scarce-skill fields at partner institutions. Check that your qualification is supported before applying.
What is the wraparound support?
Mentoring, tutoring and psychosocial support alongside the funding. Participation is expected rather than optional.
Confirm the current income band, funded fields, partner institutions and award terms with ISFAP directly. See bursary requirements, NSFAS requirements and browse all finance and funding requirements.