IITPSA Bursary Requirements, Application and Closing Dates

The IITPSA Bursary is an important funding opportunity for South African students interested in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. 

This bursary is offered by the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA). 

It is specifically aimed at academically strong students who have a proven financial need and are pursuing full-time, undergraduate studies in IT-related fields.

The IITPSA Bursary Programme is administered by the StudyTrust, which manages the application and selection processes on behalf of the Institute. 

This collaboration ensures a fair and thorough assessment of all applicants. 

The bursary is designed to cover the major costs of tertiary education, making an ICT career accessible to deserving students.

Eligibility requirements for the IITPSA Bursary 

The bursary targets students who demonstrate high academic potential in fields that are critical to the growth of South Africa’s digital economy.

  1. You must be a South African citizen.
  2. You must be studying or registered for full-time undergraduate degree studies.
  3. The degree must be a three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Commerce (BCom).
  4. You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa.
  5. You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% in your most recent examinations.
  6. You must meet the entry requirements for your chosen course of study in science, commerce, engineering, mathematics, or technology.
  7. You must be able to demonstrate financial need.
  8. Preference is given to students who have completed and excelled in The Computer Programming Olympiad (a project of IITPSA).
  9. The highest-ranking female candidate in the Olympiad’s top rounds will be prioritised for bursary support.

IITPSA Bursary Funded Fields of Study

The IITPSA Bursary focuses on core ICT degrees that lead directly to professional careers in the industry.

  • Undergraduate Degree Studies
    • BSc in Computer Science.
    • BSc in Information Systems.
    • BSc in Applied Computing.
    • BCom in Information Systems.
    • BCom in Informatics.

Application process for the IITPSA Bursary 

The application for the IITPSA Bursary is handled exclusively through the StudyTrust online portal. 

It is critical to apply online and ensure all documents are certified and submitted before the deadline.

  1. Access the StudyTrust Portal: Go to the official StudyTrust website, which manages the IITPSA bursary applications.
  2. Complete the Online Form: Fill in the comprehensive online application form accurately, providing all requested personal, academic, and financial details.
  3. Gather Certified Documents: Collect clear, certified copies of all supporting documents. The certification stamp on the documents must not be older than three months.
  4. Submit ID: Provide a certified copy of your South African ID document.
  5. Submit Academic Proof: Upload certified copies of your Grade 11 final results and Matric June results (if currently in Matric). Submit your Matric certificate if you have already completed Matric.
  6. Submit Tertiary Proof (if applicable): Provide your full academic record and the latest available examination results (e.g., June 2025 results).
  7. Provide Income Documents: Submit proof of your parents’ or guardians’ household income. This includes payslips, affidavits, or SASSA letters, depending on their employment status.
  8. Undergo Assessment: Be prepared to partake in a formal assessment process. This may include a psychometric evaluation and a final interview before the selection is made.
  9. Submit Online: Finalise and submit the complete application via the online portal.

Contact Details IITPSA Bursary

For specific inquiries regarding the bursary criteria and the application process, you should contact the StudyTrust Bursary Applications office.

Closing Date for the IITPSA Bursary 

The IITPSA Bursary generally opens for applications in May of the year preceding study.

The official closing date for the IITPSA Bursary application for the 2026 academic year is September 30, 2025. 

All applications and required supporting documents must be submitted online before this date.

FAQs

1. Is the IITPSA Bursary only for first-year students? +

No. While the bursary is open to first-year students, it is also available to students already enrolled in an accredited public university, provided they meet the minimum academic and financial criteria.

2. What specific degrees does the IITPSA Bursary cover? +

It primarily funds undergraduate degrees like a BSc or BCom in fields such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Informatics, and Applied Computing.

3. What does “demonstrate financial need” mean for this application? +

It means your application will be assessed based on your family’s overall financial situation. You must submit all required proof of income documents for your parents or guardians to show that you need financial assistance to study.

4. Is postgraduate funding available through the IITPSA Bursary? +

The IITPSA Bursary Programme focuses primarily on supporting students in a three-year undergraduate degree. Funding for postgraduate studies is not typically offered under this scheme.

5. What is The Computer Programming Olympiad? +

The Computer Programming Olympiad is an IITPSA project that encourages and identifies students with talent in computer programming. Excellence in this Olympiad gives applicants a strong advantage during the bursary selection process.

6. Does the bursary cover studies at private institutions like IIE-Vega? +

No. The IITPSA Bursary strictly requires that applicants must be registered or accepted to study at a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa.

7. What happens if I fail a subject while on the bursary? +

The bursary is awarded annually and is only renewed based on satisfactory academic performance. The bursary will not provide coverage for any repeat subjects or modules, and failure may jeopardise future funding.

8. What does the bursary cover financially? +

The bursary provides comprehensive financial cover. This includes registration fees, tuition fees, exam fees, prescribed textbooks, and university-administered accommodation expenses.

9. Why are certified documents required to be less than three months old? +

Bursary administrators require documents to be recently certified to ensure the information provided is the most current and valid. Submitting older documents may lead to your application being disqualified.

10. Is an interview part of the selection process for the IITPSA Bursary? +

Yes. Candidates will be required to participate in a formal assessment process. This may include both a psychometric evaluation and a final interview before the list of successful candidates is confirmed.

🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist

Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.

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