ISASA Bursary

If you’re an aspiring mathematics or science teacher in South Africa, the ISASA Bursary may be the perfect opportunity to advance your education. This comprehensive guide covers all you need to know about the ISASA Bursary, from eligibility requirements to the application process, to help you make a successful application.

What Is the ISASA Bursary?

The Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) is a non-profit organization that has been active since 1929. It represents the interests of independent schools across Southern Africa, and one of its key initiatives is the ISASA Bursary Programme. This bursary aims to address the shortage of qualified mathematics and science teachers in South Africa by supporting students who wish to become educators in these fields.

Program Focus

The ISASA Bursary offers financial assistance for:

  • A four-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Mathematics or Science at UNISA.
  • A one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for graduates who majored in Mathematics or Science.

Upon completion of their studies, bursary recipients must commit to teaching at public schools in South Africa for a period equivalent to the duration of the bursary funding received.

What Does the ISASA Bursary Cover?

The ISASA Bursary provides comprehensive financial support, including:

  • Tuition fees for the duration of the B.Ed. or PGCE program.
  • Textbooks and study materials.
  • Monthly allowances for accommodation and travel expenses.
  • Mentorship and training: Recipients gain practical experience through school-based training at ISASA member schools, along with mentoring from experienced educators.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the ISASA Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a South African citizen under 30 years of age.
  • Have a Matric certificate with at least 60% in English, Mathematics, and Science.
  • For university graduates, a major in English and either Mathematics or Science is required.
  • Be willing to study through UNISA in an open distance learning format.
  • Applicants interested in a B.Ed. must either be current Matric students or have completed Matric.
  • Applicants interested in a PGCE must have completed an undergraduate qualification with relevant majors.
  • Be prepared to teach at a public school in South Africa after graduation.

Step-by-Step ISASA Bursary Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the ISASA Bursary:

  1. Visit the ISASA website: Go to the ISASA Bursary portal to download the application form.
  2. Download the application form: Carefully read all instructions before filling out the form.
  3. Fill in your details: Provide accurate information about your personal details, academic background, and contact information.
  4. Attach supporting documents: Include certified copies of the required documents (see the list below).
  5. Submit the application: You can send your completed form and documents via email, mail, or hand-deliver them to the ISASA office.

Required Supporting Documents

To complete your ISASA Bursary application, ensure you have the following certified documents:

  • ID card or birth certificate.
  • Proof of address.
  • Complete academic records from Grades 1 to 12.
  • Parent or guardian’s proof of income or an affidavit if unemployed.
  • Statement letter explaining why you should receive the bursary.

Note: Missing or incorrect documentation may result in your application being disqualified.

Do’s and Don’ts for a Successful Application

Do’s

  • Proofread your application for errors.
  • Highlight achievements relevant to the bursary.
  • Submit all supporting documents in the correct format.
  • Apply early to avoid last-minute stress.

Don’ts

  • Don’t miss the deadline: Applications close in the last week of May.
  • Don’t provide false information: This could disqualify your application.
  • Don’t neglect the financial section: Fill it out accurately.

Important Deadlines

The ISASA Bursary closes by the last week of May every year. Ensure you submit your application well in advance to avoid any delays or rejections.

ISASA Bursary Contact Information

For any queries about your application, eligibility, or the bursary process, you can contact ISASA directly:

Please reach out only during the application window to get the most accurate and updated information.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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