South African graduates seeking financial support for their postgraduate studies should consider the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme Bursary.

This prestigious bursary program offers comprehensive financial support to deserving students enrolled at select universities in South Africa.

About the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme Bursary Bursary

The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme Bursary aims to assist academically deserving students from disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing postgraduate studies.

The program targets students from specific income brackets who are enrolled in designated postgraduate programs at partnering universities.

The bursary offers a comprehensive support package that covers the following:

  1. Tuition fees: The ISFAP Bursary covers the full cost of tuition fees for the approved postgraduate qualification.
  2. Accommodation: The bursary provides funding for student accommodation, ensuring financial security for housing costs.
  3. Monthly allowance: Students receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, such as food and transportation.
  4. Student support: ISFAP goes beyond financial aid by offering valuable student support services, such as academic and social support, life skills training, and, in some cases, medical support.

Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme Bursary Application Form

The ISFAP Postgraduate Bursary application process is entirely online. Applications are submitted through the dedicated ISFAP online portal.

Before commencing your application, carefully review the “Important Information” section on the application portal.

Here’s a summary of the application process:

  1. Check your eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the “ISFAP Postgraduate Bursary Requirements” section below.
  2. Gather supporting documents: Prepare all the necessary documents listed on the application portal. These typically include certified copies of your ID, proof of income for yourself and your family, academic transcripts, and a letter of acceptance from your chosen university.
  3. Complete the online application form: Accurately fill out the online application form, ensuring all information is correct and complete.
  4. Upload supporting documents: Upload all the required documents to the application portal before the deadline.
  5. Submit your application: Once you have reviewed your application and uploaded all documents, submit it online.

Please note that incomplete applications without supporting documents will not be considered.

Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme Bursary Requirements

To be eligible for the ISFAP Postgraduate Bursary, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. South African Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen.
  2. Income Bracket: Your family’s annual income must fall within the range specified by ISFAP (currently, R0 – R600 000.00 per annum).
  3. University and Program: You must be enrolled in a qualifying postgraduate program at one of the ISFAP partnering universities (NMU, WITS, WSU, UP, UJ, SU, UCT, and UKZN).
  4. First Postgraduate Degree: The bursary is only available for students pursuing their first postgraduate degree.
  5. Academic Achievement: You must demonstrate a strong academic record to be considered.

These are the general requirements. However, specific requirements may vary based on the chosen university and program.

You will have to check the details on the ISFAP website for any additional program-specific requirements.

Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme Bursary Closing Date

The application period for the ISFAP Postgraduate Bursary closed on January 7, 2024 after an extension was granted.

It’s good to submit your application long before the deadline to ensure it is considered.

For the most up-to-date information on the application period, deadlines, and available programs, always refer to the official ISFAP website.

While the application process is online, you can reach the ISFAP team for any inquiries through phone call on 010 880 0400 or via email: [email protected].