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ISFAP Invests R1bn in Women in Pursuing Qualifications in High Demand

This Women’s Day, the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme Foundation NPC (ISFAP) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of female students in the fields of Medicine and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), as well as other occupations in high demand. ISFAP’s commitment to empowering young women from poor and middle-income backgrounds has significantly contributed to elevating their status and opportunities in these critical sectors.

Since its inception in 2017, ISFAP has dedicated itself to bridging the financial gap for students whose family incomes are too high to qualify for NSFAS funding, but too low to afford tertiary education independently. This “missing middle” group has benefited greatly from ISFAP’s comprehensive support, which includes covering tuition fees, accommodation, books, laptops, stipends, and psychosocial support.

To date, ISFAP has invested approximately R1-billion in funding female students. This substantial financial commitment has opened doors for countless young women, enabling them to pursue their dreams and contribute to the nation’s skills development and economic growth. By providing these opportunities, ISFAP is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable society where women can thrive and lead.

ISFAP funds higher education in fields critical to South Africa’s economic development, including Actuarial Science, Engineering, Medicine and Nursing, Computer and Data Science, Chartered Accountancy, and other Occupations in High Demand (OHDs), as defined by the Human Resources Development Council (HRDC).

To date, ISFAP has supported 1 685 female students, roughly half of the total number of students supported since inception. 526 female students have graduated from their studies, while there are 668 female students currently enrolled in the respective fields. Many of whom are not only entering traditionally male-dominated sectors but are also excelling in them. This trend is a testament to the potential of young women to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s development when given the right support. We’ve seen 139 female Accounting graduates, 125 female Doctors who obtained their MBChB degrees, as well as 63 female graduates in Engineering.

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By empowering women, ISFAP is fostering a new generation of female leaders and innovators. These women are set to play crucial roles in addressing some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, from healthcare to technological advancement. Their contributions are essential for driving progress and ensuring that the benefits of development are widely shared.

Sifanele Biyela, a Chartered Accountant and Corporate Partnership and Operations Manager at ISFAP, shared her thoughts on this significant milestone: “We are incredibly proud of the strides made by our female students. Their success is a clear indication of what can be achieved when young women are given the support they need to succeed. We remain committed to fostering an environment where women can continue to excel and lead in these critical areas.”

On this Women’s Day, ISFAP calls on all stakeholders, including private sector partners, government entities, and educational institutions, to continue supporting initiatives that promote gender equality in education and beyond. By working together, we can ensure that more young women have the opportunity to achieve their full potential and contribute to South Africa’s future. ISFAP also encourages those who are interested in pursuing tertiary qualifications to apply for funding, as applications for the 2025 academic year are still open.

For more information about ISFAP and its programmes, please visit (http://www.isfap.org.za).

Interested applicants can apply at https://applyonline.isfap.org.za

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