‘What I like the most about a ISFAP bursary is that they do not only pay the tuition, accommodation and allowance but they also offer a great level of support, both academically and psychosocially. We are given tutors and are provided with mentors. There was a time in 2020 after COVID had just began when ISFAP called me and other ISFAP funded students to know if we are doing well and how could they help us in making sure that we progress through our studies. That act really motivated me to do well in my studies and to not give up because of the COVID situation…
‘The ISFAP allowance is motivating indeed: it will make you want to study harder and perform better as you do not want to lose the bursary. In addition to that, I have found the data allowance very useful: I never got behind with my schoolwork because of a lack of data.’
— Thabang Kgatla, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Informatics, University of Johannesburg
Funders who support tertiary education demand that their investment is used effectively, and accounted for professionally. They also mandate results: they want to know that their money is applied purposefully and make a noticeable difference. At the same time, talented and motivated students with a lack of funding need support to set them on the road as critical skills providers. One of the critical skills areas is that of information technology and data science. Indeed, information technology and data science experts form a robust part of the backbone of any modern economy.
