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Open · Closes 30 Sep 2026

Internet Service Providers' Association

ISPA Bursary

Closes

30 September 2026

Value

Tertiary tuition funding

Level

Undergraduate

For

SA citizens aged 35 or younger

Sector

ICT & Tech

Type

Bursary

About this bursary

The ISPA Inspires bursary is an educational sponsorship scheme managed by the Internet Service Providers' Association. It provides financial support to undergraduate students studying Information and Communications Technology (ICT) disciplines at public universities, TVET colleges, or other accredited tertiary institutions in South Africa.

The initiative aims to build digital skills and nurture future professionals for South Africa's growing Internet Service Provider sector. It grew out of ISPA's long-running teacher training programme, shifting focus directly to tertiary tech education.

Funding is restricted to undergraduate studies, so postgraduate programmes are not covered. Applicants cannot hold active funding from another bursary scheme simultaneously, and preference is granted to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Courses of study covered

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Computer Science
Information Technology
Software Engineering
Network Engineering
Cybersecurity

What the bursary covers

Undergraduate tuition fee support for approved ICT programmes
Financial assistance at recognised public universities and TVET colleges
Access to development opportunities in the internet service sector

Who can apply

You qualify if

  • You must be a South African citizen.
  • You must be 35 years old or younger.
  • You must be studying or intending to study an undergraduate qualification in an ICT-related field.
  • You must study at a recognised South African university, TVET college, technical college, or accredited institution.
  • You must not be receiving funding from any other bursary scheme.
  • You must plan to pursue a career within the Internet Service Provider sector.
  • Preference is given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

You do not qualify if

  • Postgraduate students seeking funding for honors, master's, or doctoral degrees.
  • Applicants who are not South African citizens.
  • Students over the age of 35.
  • Students currently receiving funding from another bursary scheme.

Documents you need to submit

  • Certified copy of your full academic record including most recent results
  • Details of your educational background listing schools, institutions, and qualifications completed
  • Name of tertiary institution and proposed ICT qualification
  • Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary
  • Contactable references including names, contact details, and relationship to you

Certified copies must be included with your online application.

How to apply

  1. 1
    Go to the official ISPA Inspires bursary portal.
  2. 2
    Register a new applicant account on the portal.
  3. 3
    Log into your newly created account.
  4. 4
    Complete all required application fields, stating how you heard about the bursary.
  5. 5
    Upload clear copies of all requested supporting documents.
  6. 6
    Submit your application before the deadline at 18:00 on 30 September 2026.

You can save your progress and log back in, but final submission must occur before the deadline.

How you are selected

1
The bursary committee reviews applications based on academic performance and suitability for the ICT sector.
2
Only successful applicants will be contacted by ISPA.
3
If you receive no communication regarding your submission, consider your application unsuccessful.

Forms, downloads and links

Last verified: September 2026   ·   Category: Computer Science It   ·   Reviewed by grantZA Editorial
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