Many South African students from middle-income families face a tough choice. They earn too much to get NSFAS funding but still cannot pay for university. This group, known as the “missing middle,” often misses out on higher education. The ISFAP Bursary 2027 offers a way forward. It provides financial aid for approved undergraduate studies in high-demand fields.
This guide covers everything you need to know. You will learn what the ISFAP Bursary 2027 is, who qualifies, what it covers, universities and courses, required documents, how to apply, and key notes. The deadline is 31 October 2026, so read on to see if it fits you.
What is the ISFAP Bursary 2027?
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme, or ISFAP, runs the ISFAP Bursary 2027. It targets South African “missing middle” students. These are young people from homes that make too much for NSFAS but not enough for full university costs. The bursary funds first-year undergraduate qualifications at public universities. It focuses on fields linked to jobs in high demand.
Here are the key goals of the programme:
- Help missing middle students enter university.
- Support studies in scarce skills areas.
- Cover major costs to let students focus on learning.
- Partner with public and private groups for funding.
What Does the ISFAP Bursary 2027 Cover?
The ISFAP Bursary 2027 pays for many study costs. This full support helps students finish their degrees without extra worry. It stands out for its wide coverage.
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Books
- Travel where applicable
- Living allowance or stipend
- Academic and social support through partner institutions
Who Can Apply for the ISFAP Bursary 2027?
Certain rules apply for the ISFAP Bursary 2027. It aims at those in the missing middle with financial need. Check these points to see if you qualify.
- South African citizen
- Currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Accepted for first-year undergraduate study in 2027 at an approved public institution for an approved qualification
- Household income of not more than R600 000 per year
- Show financial need, focusing on missing middle and scarce skills areas
Universities and Courses Covered by ISFAP Bursary 2027
The ISFAP Bursary 2027 works at select public universities. It funds approved programmes there. Students can pick from many options.
Approved universities include:
- University of Pretoria
- University of Venda
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
- University of the Free State
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- North West University
- University of the Western Cape
- University of Limpopo
- Vaal University of Technology
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- Rhodes University
- University of Fort Hare
- Durban University of Technology
- University of Zululand
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- University of Mpumalanga
- Sol Plaatje University
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Stellenbosch University
- Nelson Mandela University
- University of Johannesburg
- Central University of Technology
Approved fields cover:
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Science
- Agriculture
- Commerce
- Information Technology
- Education
- Law
- Social Sciences
Required Supporting Documents for ISFAP Bursary 2027 Application
You must upload clear, certified copies of documents for the ISFAP Bursary 2027. Get them certified recently. This helps your application move forward.
- South African ID document
- Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results if still in Matric
- Matric certificate if already completed Matric
- Completed ISFAP Funding Application Consent Form
- Proof of household income
- ID documents of parents, guardians, and other household contributors
How to Apply for the ISFAP Bursary 2027
Follow these steps to apply for the ISFAP Bursary 2027. The process is online and straightforward. Finish before the 31 October 2026 deadline.
- Visit applyonline.isfap.org.za.
- Register an account.
- Log in and complete the online application form.
- Upload all supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Important Notes About the ISFAP Bursary 2027
Keep these points in mind for the ISFAP Bursary 2027. They can affect your success.
- ISFAP does not replace NSFAS.
- It targets the missing middle category.
- Funds studies in high-demand occupations.
- Raises support from public and private partners.
- Make sure all documents are clear and recently certified.