What Is The Difference Between The ISFAP And NSFAS

What Is The Difference Between The ISFAP And NSFAS – The ISFAP stands for Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme. The ISFAP is a non-profit institution in South Africa that provides financial assistance to students from poor and middle-income families. The NSFAS also stands for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. The NSFAS is a government institution that provides financial support to the poor, the disabled, and students from low-income families. The main objective of both organizations is to help less privileged students further their education in public universities or the TVET by providing financial assistance in the form of scholarships.

What Is The Difference Between The ISFAP And NSFAS

The difference between the ISFAP and the NSFAS is that the ISFAP is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to students from poor or missing income families through scholarships, while the NSFAS is a government organization that provides financial assistance to the poor, the disabled, and students from low income families through bursaries or loans. The difference between these two organizations is that the ISFAP is a non-profit organization that is funded by a diverse range of sources, which include companies, government organizations, development financial institutions, private individuals, and local and international donors, while the NSFAS is fully funded by the government.

Can You Have ISFAP And Apply For NSFAS

The ISFAP which stands for Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme is a non-profit organization that is meant to provide financial aid for students who come from underprivileged backgrounds. This programme makes it easier for students who are willing to pursue higher education to be able to make that dream a passing reality. So to answer the question of whether someone who is signed on the ISFAP can equally apply for NSFAS, we would say yes. Unlike other bursaries that makes it impossible for someone to apply concurrently, this is quite the opposite.

Any applicant can apply for both NSFAS and ISFAP but the condition that comes with it is that one cannot receive funding from both institutions. Applying for both institutions is a common strategy for students who are unsure which institution they will qualify for. If you are approved for both, you will have to choose one. In all of this however, there is a caveat. Applying for something with the hopes of getting into it is one thing another if you are accepted. Once you are accepted into one of the funding, what it means is that you cannot enjoy the benefits that come with the other funding.

For instance, if an applicant applies for the ISFAP funding and gets in, and also applies for the NSFAS and gets in, it means that that applicant can only choose one of the two to fund your educational journey.

Can You Have NSFAS And Apply For ISFAP

Yes, you can have NSFAS and still Apply for ISFAP but you will have to cancel your NSFAS fund if you are accepted by ISFAP. You cannot receive funding from both organizations at the same time. There will be a confirmation by the ISFAP on your funding status with NSFAS during their selection process. There’s no restriction on applying to any of the institutions.

Is ISFAP Better Than NSFAS

A lot of things go into the reason why one is asked a question of this magnitude. If you are asking someone whether one funding is better than the other, they may have to take a moment to gather their thoughts before answering the question.

This question is like comparing oranges and apples in the sense that, although apples and oranges are both fruits, they taste different and have different nutrients. It is the same with NSFAS and ISFAP. They are both meant to fund students who are looking to further their education so a conclusion cannot be made on which one is better because they both serve almost the same purpose.

ISFAP being better than NSFAS or the other way round will all depend on your needs, your household income and the course you’re studying. ISFAP may be better for some students because the scholarship comes with a full tuition and accomodation,monthly meal and transport allowances,academic support ( tutoring, mentoring), psychosocial support (counseling,life coaching), work readiness, a laptop or a device support with the most interesting part which is no repayment( a full bursary). Meanwhile, NSFAS is widely available for most programs and institutions. It covers tuition,accommodation,transport and personal care allowance. If you are considering and want to rethink what is better with respect to the funding, you would have to look at your needs as of the time you are applying for the funding.

What Does ISFAP Cover?

There are a host of things that the ISFAP covers. They include;

The ISFAP covers full tuition fees ,accommodation,meals,transport,study materials, Stipend or living allowance, academic and psychosocial support, and career development.

1. Tuition Fees; the full cost of tuition which is paid directly to the university.

2. Accommodation; Accredited private accommodation or the university residence.

3. Meals; Allowance is given to cover food cost.

4. Transport ; Transport allowance in case you want to live off-campus

5. Study materials; Textbooks,stationery and sometimes laptops or digital devices.

6. Stipend ; Monthly amount to help with personal expenses.

7. Academic and Psychosocial Support; Mental health support, life coaching,tutoring etc.

8. Career Development; Support with work willingness skills.

Who Qualifies For ISFAP Bursary?

If you are considering applying for the ISFAP bursary, there are certain requirements that you need to meet. Here is a list of requirements that needs to be met before qualifying for the bursary. Here they are;

The first thing you need to qualify for is to be a South African citizen. The bursary is only for South Africans. If you are not South African, your chances of getting into the bursary is little to none. If you are not a South African citizen, you need to have a permanent South African citizenship.
The next is that your household annual income should be a certain amount. It should be up to a particular standard.
Another thing is that, you have to make sure that you have completed grade 12 and also you need to have intentions of starting university.
You must be accepted into universities that are partners with ISFAP. if the university is not affiliated with ISFAP, you should know that you will not get the funding.
Financial Need; You must show them that your family cannot afford university without their help.

FAQS

What Is ISFAP?

The ISFAP is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to students from poor or missing income families through scholarships.

What Is NSFAS?

NSFAS is a government organization that provides financial assistance to the poor, the disabled, and students from low income families through bursaries or loans.

What Is The Difference Between NSFAS And The ISFAP?

The difference between these two organizations is that the ISFAP is a non-profit organization that is funded by a diverse range of sources, which include companies, government organizations, development financial institutions, private individuals, and local and international donors, while the NSFAS is fully funded by the government.

Which Is Better – The NSFAS Or The ISFAP?

Meanwhile, NSFAS is widely available for most programs and institutions. It covers tuition,accommodation,transport and personal care allowance