Will The ISFAP Bursary Replace NSFAS? No, ISFAP will not replace NSFAS as ISFAP will cater for students outside of NSFAS’ realm. The NSFAS will continue to provide funding to poor students (defined as students from households whose annual income is between R0 – R350 000).
What Is ISFAP?
ISFAP refers to the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme which is a bursary scheme that is targeted towards the missing middle.
When you fall under the missing middle label, it means that you’re considered too rich to qualify for funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) but too poor to afford to pay for your fees yourself.
This is where ISFAP can help.
ISFAP is a support and funding model for financially needy students who fall under the “poor” and “missing middle” category of students.
A missing middle student’s household income will fall between R0 and R600 000 per annum. The applicant will also need to be a South African citizen.
In 2016, Dr Blade Nzimande the Minister of Higher Education and Training appointed Mr Sizwe Nxasana to lead a Ministerial Task Team to explore various funding options for students who need financial assistance to study at tertiary institutions.
The report that came from this process proposed a model that brings the Public and Private sectors together.
A pilot programme was designed to test aspects of this model. In 2018 the pilot ended with ISFAP being registered as a Public Benefit Organisation.
Students who fall under the “poor” and “missing middle” category qualify for ISFAP. “Poor” and “missing middle” students are based on the student’s household income.
Students who fall under the “poor” category have a household income of R0 to R350 000 per annum and “missing middle” students have a household income of R350 000 to R600 000 per annum.
You may think ISFAP sounds similar to NSFAS and may replace NSFAS, however, ISFAP will not replace NSFAS. NSFAS will continue to fund students with a household income of R350 000 or less.
ISFAP was started to fund students who are outside the NSFAS realm.
You will qualify for the funding depending on the following:
- Household income
- Academic Criteria and Registration
- National benchmark test
- Matric results
- Funder constraints
How are the students selected? What are the qualifying criteria?
- A household means test is done for all applying students
- Academic criteria and registration, which vary per institution but will include:
- A National Benchmarking Test for some institutions (academic and behavioral strength)
- Matric results
- Funder constraints (that meet individual funder objectives) which will be applied to students applying
What is the cost of funding per student?
The cost of funding varies per institution as ISFAP funds full cost of study. The average full cost of study per student is R166 668.00 (value based on funding of over 1700 students across multiple universities and courses)
What does the full cost of study mean/entail?
The full of cost of study is broken down into the following:
- Tuition fees;
- Accommodation;
- Food;
- Learning materials (calculator, textbooks, learning material);
- Living allowance / pocket money;
- Non-academic student support (project manager; tutorial support; life support; admin support; life skills training; staff mentors).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will ISFAP replace NSFAS in the future?
No, ISFAP is designed to complement NSFAS, not replace it.
Can I apply for both NSFAS and ISFAP?
Yes, but you cannot receive funding from both simultaneously.
Who qualifies for ISFAP?
Students in the “missing middle” income bracket.
What is the income threshold for NSFAS?
It typically supports students from lower-income households (thresholds may change).
Does ISFAP cover all courses?
No, it focuses on selected fields like STEM and commerce.
Is ISFAP government-funded?
Partially—it is a partnership between government and private sector.
How many students does ISFAP support?
Far fewer compared to NSFAS.
What does NSFAS cover?
Tuition, accommodation, food, transport, and study materials.
Does ISFAP offer additional support?
Yes, including mentorship and academic support.
Can ISFAP funding be revoked?
Yes, if you fail to meet academic or program requirements.
Is NSFAS a loan or bursary?
It is mostly a bursary for qualifying students.
What happens if I don’t qualify for NSFAS?
You can explore ISFAP or other bursaries.
Do private universities accept NSFAS?
Generally no, it applies to public institutions.
Can ISFAP expand in the future?
Yes, depending on funding and partnerships.
Is ISFAP competitive?
Yes, due to limited spaces.
Do both programs pay allowances?
Yes, but structures may differ.
When should I apply?
As early as possible during application periods.
Can I switch from NSFAS to ISFAP?
In some cases, yes, depending on eligibility.
Are international students eligible?
No, both programs mainly support South African citizens.
Where can I apply for ISFAP?
Through official ISFAP application channels.
