The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is a donor-funded bursary programme for South African students in qualifications listed as Occupations of High Demand. To qualify you must be a South African citizen, show financial need through means testing, and meet the academic standard for a place at an ISFAP partner university. Applications are made on the ISFAP online application portal.
“Ikusasa bursary” and “ISFAP bursary” are the same programme. Funding is not guaranteed for every applicant who meets the criteria.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
ISFAP’s student page lists these criteria.
- You are a South African citizen
- You are enrolled at, or planning to enrol at, an accredited South African university
- Your qualification is an Occupation of High Demand (OHD)
- You show financial need through means testing
- You meet the academic performance standard
- You are committed to completing your studies
For undergraduates, the undergraduate portal adds that you need academic achievement and acceptance into the ISFAP partner university of your choice for the relevant degree, and that funding depends on what the funding partners make available. The wording on that page refers to first degrees starting in 2025, so check the portal for the current intake before you apply.
Income and Affordability Requirements
ISFAP assesses financial need through a financial assessment, known as means testing. The official ISFAP pages do not publish a household income threshold, so do not rely on a figure you see on another website. ISFAP itself will tell you whether your household situation fits.
Funding is discretionary. A successful package includes tuition, accommodation, study material, a monthly stipend, meals and student support, including an on-campus ISFAP programme manager. ISFAP says it does not guarantee funding for all applicants.
Credit and Financial Requirements
ISFAP’s pages do not mention a credit check. Funding comes from public and private donors, and applications are added to a database used to match qualifying students to donor and ISFAP criteria. Applying does not affect your credit record.
The official pages do not say whether the funding is repayable or carries a work-back obligation. Ask ISFAP for the terms before you accept an award.
Documents and Verification Required
The undergraduate portal lists these mandatory documents.
- A certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of the IDs of your parents, guardians or household contributors
- A certified copy of your latest academic results (Grade 11 or Matric, not password protected)
- A signed consent form from you and your household contributors, certified by a Commissioner of Oaths
All documents must have been certified within the last three months. Certification must be by an authorised official such as a Commissioner of Oaths, police officer or school principal, with a signature, date and official stamp. Applications without the supporting documents uploaded are not considered.
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
- Check that you meet the eligibility criteria and that your qualification is on the partner university list
- Gather your documents and have them certified
- Complete the online application form on the ISFAP portal and upload your documents as early as possible before the closing date
- Wait for the application review and notification
Undergraduate and postgraduate applications use separate logins. Postgraduate funding covers honours and master’s study, and doctoral study is not funded. The courses and universities ISFAP supports are listed on the portal, so your field of study works as a filter before anything else.
The official pages do not state the closing date for the 2027 intake, so confirm it on the portal. If you need help, ISFAP lists [email protected], 010 880 0400 and WhatsApp 072 617 8072.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ikusasa the same as ISFAP?
Yes. The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme is known as ISFAP, and you apply through the ISFAP online portal.
Who qualifies for the Ikusasa bursary?
South African citizens who show financial need through means testing and study an Occupation of High Demand qualification at an accredited partner university, with the academic results the programme requires.
Does it fund any qualification?
No. ISFAP funds specific qualifications at its partner universities, listed on the portal.
Is there an income threshold?
The official ISFAP pages do not state one. Applicants go through a financial assessment, so ask ISFAP if you are unsure whether your household will qualify.
Can I apply for a PhD?
No. Postgraduate funding covers honours and master’s study, and doctoral study is not funded.
Do I have to repay?
The official pages do not say. Ask ISFAP for the terms of your award before accepting.
Confirm current criteria, dates and terms with ISFAP. See bursary requirements, NSFAS requirements, loan requirements and browse all finance and funding requirements.