Can you have NSFAS and apply for ISFAP?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) are both vital resources for South African students seeking financial assistance for tertiary education.

However, there can be confusion about eligibility for each program and whether you can apply for both.

This article will provide a clear explanation of NSFAS and ISFAP, their eligibility criteria, and answer some frequently asked questions to guide you on your financial aid journey.

What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded program that provides financial aid to qualifying South African students for undergraduate studies at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

NSFAS funding covers tuition fees, living expenses, and a book allowance.

How to be Eligible for NSFAS

To be eligible for NSFAS, you must:

  1. South African citizenship or permanent residency.
  2. Financial need assessed through a household income means test.
  3. Studying at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.
  4. Registered for a programme approved by NSFAS.
  5. Meeting the academic requirements for the chosen programme.

How Do I Apply for NSFAS?

You can apply for NSFAS online through the myNSFAS portal. The application process opens in August each year.

Be sure to gather the necessary documents beforehand, such as your ID, proof of income, and your latest academic results.

What is ISFAP?

The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is a non-profit organization that offers comprehensive bursaries to deserving South African students.

Unlike NSFAS, ISFAP funding is donor-driven and caters to a broader range of students, particularly those falling within the “missing middle” income bracket.

How to be Eligible for ISFAP

To be eligible for NSFAS, you must:

  1. South African citizenship.
  2. Household income falls within the ISFAP eligibility range (typically between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum).
  3. Studying at a partnered public university in South Africa.
  4. Registered for a programme approved by ISFAP.
  5. Demonstrating academic merit and financial need.

How Do I Apply for ISFAP?

You can apply for ISFAP online through their website. The application window opens in April each year.

Similar to NSFAS, ensure you have the required documents ready for submission.

Can I Have NSFAS and Apply for ISFAP?

No, you cannot receive funding from both NSFAS and ISFAP simultaneously.

Both programs aim to prevent double funding and maximize their reach to support as many students as possible.

The following should help you decide which program to apply for:

  1. Apply for NSFAS if: Your household income falls below R350,000 per annum.
  2. Apply for ISFAP if: Your household income falls between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum, and you are attending a partnered ISFAP university.

What are the differences between NSFAS and ISFAP?

The main differences between NSFAS and ISFAP are:

  1. Funding Source: NSFAS is government-funded, while ISFAP relies on donations.
  2. Eligibility: NSFAS caters to students with lower household income (below R350,000), while ISFAP focuses on the “missing middle” (between R350,000 and R600,000).
  3. Partnered Institutions: NSFAS supports all public universities and TVET colleges, while ISFAP has partnerships with specific public universities.

How do I find out if my university is partnered with ISFAP?

You can find a list of partnered universities on the ISFAP website.

What other financial aid options are available for students?

In addition to NSFAS and ISFAP, several other financial aid options are available, including:

  1. University-specific bursaries: Many universities offer their own bursary programs for specific academic fields.
  2. Private sector bursaries: Various companies and organizations offer bursaries for students pursuing specific career paths.
  3. National Research Foundation (NRF) bursaries: The NRF offers bursaries for postgraduate studies and research in various fields.

When should I apply for NSFAS and ISFAP?

Applications for NSFAS typically open in August, while ISFAP applications usually open in April.

Check the respective program websites for the most up-to-date application deadlines.

What Happens After I Apply?

Once you submit your application for either program, it will be assessed based on the eligibility criteria.

You will receive communication regarding the outcome of your application.

The processing times can vary, so be patient and check the program’s website for updates.