"From the very beginning, our mission has been to bridge the financial gap for students who are often overlooked," says Werner Abrahams, CEO of ISFAP. "We are thrilled to see the tangible outcomes of our efforts. Every Rand spent is an investment in the future of our country."

The ISFAP says that it was established to bridge the financial gap for students whose family incomes are too high to qualify for NSFAS funding, but too low to afford tertiary education independently. The ISFAP mainly aims to support missing middle students who come from households where the income ranges between R350 000 and R600 000 per annum. The programme also accommodates unfunded students with a household income of between R0 and R600 000 per annum.

Funding is focused towards students who are pursuing qualifications in higher education in fields that are identified as critical to South Africa's economic development, adds the programme. 

According to the ISFAP, these include:

  • Accounting
  • Actuarial Science
  • Engineering
  • Medicine 
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science, and
  • other Occupations in High Demand (OHDs), as defined by the Human Resources Development Council (HRDC).

The top three qualifications funded through the ISFAP include MBChB (Medicine), Engineering and Accounting with the most supported students as per demand, says the programme. Engineering has had the highest number of funded students, with 1 108 students, representing more than a third of the overall funded students.

Wrap-Around Support

In offering funding to students in need, the ISFAP says that it has also remained committed to providing comprehensive wrap-around support that ensures that students receive the psycho-social and academic support that is essential for their success. The programme includes extensive support services such as:

  • full tuition fees coverage
  • accommodation and meal allowances
  • laptops for first-year students
  • psycho-social support and counselling, and 
  • life skills and financial literacy training. 

"ISFAP is dedicated to supporting deserving students in obtaining tertiary qualifications that meet the demand in our economy. Our efforts are not simply focused on providing funding, we offer wrap-around psychosocial support that helps ensure that our students make it across the finish line," Abrahams says.

"We don't just provide financial aid; we walk the journey with our students," Abrahams adds. "From mental health support to life skills training, our goal is to ensure they have everything they need to succeed."

Graduate Success

Throughout the 2017 and 2024 academic years, the ISFAP says that it has supported 1 263 graduates. 

The ISFAP says that it is also pleased to announce that it has received over 70 000 applications from across the country, for the 2025 academic year.

"Seeing our students graduate and move into successful careers is incredibly rewarding. It's a testament to the holistic support we provide, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead," concludes Abrahams. 

For more information, visit www.isfap.org.za. You can also follow the ISFAP on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of Facebook