Bursaries For Missing Middle Students
In South Africa, the pursuit of higher education is
often seen as a motivating force, a pathway to economic mobility, and a key
driver of social progress. However, amidst the multitude of challenges facing the
country's education system, there exists a group often overlooked and
underserved: the "missing middle."
The term "missing middle" refers to
individuals who do not qualify for government-funded financial aid but also
cannot afford the full cost of tertiary education without significant financial
strain. These individuals typically come from families with incomes too high to
qualify for full financial assistance, yet too low to comfortably afford the
escalating costs of tuition, accommodation, and other expenses associated with
higher education.
The difficulties faced by the missing middle in South
Africa are multifaceted. One of the primary challenges is the limited
availability of bursaries specifically tailored to this group. Unlike those
from lower-income backgrounds who may qualify for government grants or
scholarships, and those from higher-income families who can afford tuition
without assistance, the missing middle often finds themselves caught in a
financial limbo.
The characteristics of the missing middle vary, but
they often include students whose families earn too much to qualify for
government assistance schemes but lack the financial resources to cover the
full cost of tertiary education independently. These students may come from
lower-middle-class backgrounds, single-income households, or families with
multiple dependents.
The implications of this gap in financial support are
profound. Without adequate funding, many talented individuals from the missing
middle are unable to pursue higher education or are forced to take on
significant debt burdens, limiting their opportunities and perpetuating cycles
of inequality.
Despite these challenges, there are bursaries and
financial aid opportunities available for the missing middle in South Africa.
While the options may be more limited compared to those for other income
brackets, they provide crucial support for students striving to access higher
education. Here are some notable bursaries and scholarships aimed at assisting
the missing middle:
·
Ikusasa
Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP)
ISFAP provides financial assistance to students from the missing middle who are pursuing qualifications that are in demand by the South African economy. The programme aims to bridge the gap between government funding and the actual cost of tertiary education for deserving students.
Minimum Requirements:
1.
South
African citizenship
2.
Pursuing
in-demand qualifications
3.
Academic
merit
4. Financial need.
·
FirstRand
Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to exceptional South African students with leadership potential. While it covers tuition, accommodation, and other expenses for undergraduate studies at any South African university, it also considers applicants from the missing middle who demonstrate outstanding academic merit and leadership qualities.
Minimum Requirements:
1.
South
African citizenship
2.
Exceptional
academic performance
3.
Leadership
potential
4. Acceptance to a South African university
·
Cisco
Charitable Foundation Bursary
The Cisco Charitable Foundation offers bursaries to South African students pursuing studies in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) fields. While the bursary primarily targets disadvantaged students, it also extends support to individuals from the missing middle who are passionate about pursuing careers in ICT.
Minimum Requirements:
1.
South
African citizenship
2.
Pursuing
studies in Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
3.
Financial
need
4. Passion for ICT
·
PPS
Foundation Bursary
The PPS Foundation provides bursaries to students in various fields of study, including medicine, engineering, and commerce. While preference is given to students with ties to the professional sector, the foundation also supports deserving individuals from the missing middle who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
Minimum Requirements:
1.
South
African citizenship
2.
Academic
excellence
3.
Pursuing
studies in designated fields (e.g., medicine, engineering, commerce)
4. Financial need
·
Fasset
Bursary Programme
The Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Fasset) offers bursaries to South African students pursuing studies in finance, accounting, and related fields. While the programme targets individuals from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, it also provides opportunities for students from the missing middle to access financial support for their education.
Minimum requirements:
1.
South
African citizenship
2.
Pursuing
studies in finance, accounting, or related fields
3.
Financial
need
4. Preference may be given to individuals from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
·
NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme offers financial support to South African students who are academically deserving and come from households with combined annual incomes of up to a certain threshold. While the scheme primarily targets students from low-income families, it also provides partial funding for those from the missing middle.
Minimum requirements:
1.
Academic
merit
2.
South
African citizenship
3. Household income below a certain threshold
·
The
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
This is a comprehensive scholarship that covers tuition, accommodation, and a living stipend for students pursuing undergraduate degrees at select South African universities. The fellowship seeks to support individuals with entrepreneurial potential, including those from the missing middle.
Minimum requirements:
1.
South
African citizenship
2.
Academic
merit
3.
Leadership
potential
4.
Financial
need
5. Acceptance to a participating university
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