SAIF Bursary Fund 2027: How to Apply

Key facts

Status: Check with the provider
Provider: SAIF
Study level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

No 2027 closing date had been published when we checked, and the last dated listing was for 2021 to 2022.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

Check before you apply. SAIF’s website, saif.co.za, is now listed as a domain for sale, so its bursary email addresses below may no longer work and we could not confirm that the fund is still running. For another zakah-funded option, see the SANZAF zakah bursary.

The South African Islamic Foundation created its bursary fund to help Muslim students pay for university, in any field and at any level.

About the SAIF Bursary Fund

For Muslim students in any field.
Undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Run by the South African Islamic Foundation.

Eligibility requirements

Muslim South African student.
Studying or accepted at a recognised institution.
Financial need.
Good academic results.

How to apply

Email bursary@saif.co.za to request the form and confirm dates.
Prepare your ID, results, proof of registration and household income.
Submit to bursaryapplication@saif.co.za or by post as instructed.

Closing date

No 2027 date had been published when we checked.

Contact details

SAIF: 011 486 3580
Email: bursary@saif.co.za

See also the SANZAF Zakah bursary, the Saaberie Chishty Society bursary and the SAMNET bursary.

FAQs

1. Is the SAIF bursary open for 2027? +

No 2027 closing date had been published when we checked, and the last dated listing was for 2021 to 2022. Email bursary@saif.co.za or call 011 486 3580 to ask about the next round.

2. What is SAIF? +

The South African Islamic Foundation, a Johannesburg-based organisation that supports education and welfare.

3. Who is it for? +

Muslim students studying at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

4. Which fields? +

Any field of study.

5. How do I apply? +

Request the application form by email and submit it with your ID, results, proof of registration and household income.

6. Where is SAIF based? +

Parkview, Johannesburg. Postal address: PO Box 72138, Parkview, 2122.

Update note (checked September 2026): no 2027 closing date had been published when we checked, and the last dated listing was for 2021 to 2022. Contact SAIF using the details below to ask when the next round opens.

There is no online form for this one. Applications are sent by email.

bursaryapplication@saif.co.za

Paper applications go to:

SAIF, PO Box 72138, Parkview, 2122

Student funding in numbers

2025811 011students funded by NSFAS580 000 at universities, 231 000 at TVET colleges, on a budget of R48.7 billion.

20261 026 091students approved for NSFAS funding609 403 first-year applicants qualified and 416 688 continuing students met the progression criteria, out of 893 847 applications.

2027 projectedR53.4bnbudgeted for NSFASThe allocation rises from R48.7 billion in 2025 to R51 billion in 2026 and R53.4 billion in 2027. Student numbers for 2027 are not published yet.

Figures from the Minister of Higher Education’s Budget Vote of 3 July 2025 and the NSFAS statement of 2 January 2026. NSFAS is the largest funder, not the only one – we track the rest.