25 April 2025
Sandton, South Africa – On this Freedom Day, the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) reaffirms its commitment to empowering South Africa’s youth through access to higher education, particularly in fields that are critical to the nation’s economic growth. As we celebrate the strides made towards equality and opportunity, as well as the sacrifices made for our democracy, ISFAP recognizes the vital role that a university degree plays in securing employment in occupations that are in high demand.
“Freedom Day is a reminder of the importance of a university qualification, as well as of the opportunities that a good education can provide,” said Werner Abrahams, CEO of ISFAP. “We believe that every student, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to pursue their dreams and to contribute to the economy. Our focus on funding and supporting students in high-demand fields is not just about education; it’s about creating a future where our youth can lead and innovate, while building towards a truly equal society.”
In an ever-evolving job market, like the South African context, obtaining qualifications in occupations in high-demand (OHDs) is of great importance. According to ISFAP, graduates with degrees in Engineering, Health Sciences, and Accounting are among the most sought after by employers. ISFAP remarked that it is pleased to support students in these areas, as the organisation remains committed to offering holistic support that ensures that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their careers.
Recent findings from ISFAP’s 2024 Alumni Employment Survey reveal that 67% of its graduates are currently employed, with a significant portion securing positions in high-demand fields shortly after graduation. Notably, 48% of employed graduates found jobs within the first month of completing their studies, underscoring the effectiveness of ISFAP’s support in aligning education with market needs, as well as highlighting the value of having an education in a field that is in demand.
“While we know that we still have a long way to go as a country, towards building greater equality in our society, we are pleased that we are seeing positive results in the lives of those students who need it most ,” Abrahams added. “This is because our commitment to wrap-around support goes beyond the financial aid that we offer in that we also provide comprehensive resources, including psycho-social support, life skills training, and mentorship, to ensure that all students have the tools they need to succeed.”
ISFAP’s holistic approach includes:
● Full Tuition Fees Coverage: Ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to education.
● Accommodation and Meal Allowances: Providing students with safe living conditions and nutrition to support their studies.
● Laptops for First-Year Students: Equipping students with the necessary technology to succeed in their academic pursuits.
● Psycho-Social Support and Counselling: Offering mental health resources and counselling services to support emotional well-being.
● Life Skills and Financial Literacy Training: Preparing students for life beyond academia by equipping them with essential skills for personal and professional success.
Since its establishment in 2017, ISFAP has allocated more than R2 billion to funding students from poor and missing middle backgrounds, with a substantial amount dedicated to psycho-social assistance. This investment has resulted in an impressive 85% throughput rate among ISFAP students, highlighting the success of the organization’s holistic support approach.
As South Africa commemorates Freedom Day, ISFAP invites businesses and potential partners to join in the mission of cultivating the skills our economy needs. “Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders and professionals who will drive South Africa’s growth and development” Abrahams concluded.
Ends
Media enquiries:
Anneke Burns
ISFAP Publicist
Email: media@isfap.org.za
Phone: +27 71 423 0079
About ISFAP:
The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme Foundation NPC (ISFAP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding and supporting the higher education of South Africa’s missing middle students. Established in 2017, ISFAP partners with various universities and private sector entities to ensure that students in need can access and succeed in higher education, contributing to the nation’s economic development.
For more information about ISFAP, please visit www.isfap.org.za
