Who funds and administers the ISPA Inspires bursary?

It is funded and self-administered by the Internet Service Providers' Association of South Africa (ISPA), a non-profit Internet Industry Representative Body founded in 1996. Applications are made through the ISPA Inspires online portal, and queries can be sent to queries@ispa.org.za.

What does the ISPA Inspires sponsorship cover?

The sponsorship covers tuition/study fees plus a laptop and books or study materials. The exact financial value is not publicly specified.

Who is eligible to apply?

You must be a South African citizen aged 35 or younger, studying or intending to study an undergraduate ICT-related qualification at a recognised South African tertiary institution, not be receiving any other bursary, and intend to pursue a career in the ISP sector. Preference goes to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

When does the ISPA Inspires bursary close?

It runs on an annual cycle. Applications were closed at the time of verification and reopen on 1 September 2026, closing 30 September 2026 at 18:00 for the 2027 academic year (the prior 2026 cycle closed 30 September 2025). Check ispa.org.za/inspires/ for the latest dates.

Computer Science & IT

ISPA Inspires Educational Sponsorship

Internet Service Providers' Association of South Africa (ISPA) (self-administered via the ISPA Inspires online application portal)

The ISPA Inspires Educational Sponsorship is a bursary from the Internet Service Providers' Association of South Africa for young South Africans studying towards an undergraduate ICT-related qualification. It covers tuition fees plus a laptop and books, and is aimed at students who intend to build a career in the Internet Service Provider (ISP) sector. Launched in 2020 and self-administered via the ISPA Inspires online portal, it gives preference to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Amount: Financial value not publicly specified. The sponsorship covers tuition/study fees plus a laptop and books/study materials.
Deadline: Closed 30 September 2026
Renewable: Yes

2027 applications closed

Visit official site

Eligible Fields of Study

Internet Service Providers' Association of South Africa (ISPA) (self-administered via the ISPA Inspires online application portal) supports students in the following disciplines

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Computer Science

Information Systems

Information Technology

Computer/Network Engineering (ICT-related undergraduate study only)

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen
✓ Aged 35 or younger (recognised as youth under the National Youth Policy)
✓ Studying or intending to study towards an undergraduate ICT-related qualification (postgraduate study is not funded)
✓ Enrolled or enrolling at a recognised South African tertiary institution (university, TVET/FET college or other higher education institution)
✓ Must not be in receipt of any other bursary funding
✓ Must intend to pursue a career in the Internet Service Provider (ISP) sector
✓ Preference given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds

What's Included

✓ Coverage of tuition/study fees
✓ Laptop
✓ Books/study materials

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Internet Service Providers' Association of South Africa (ISPA) (self-administered via the ISPA Inspires online application portal) bursary application

1
Wait for the annual application window to open (1 September 2026 for the 2027 academic year)
2
Register an account on the ISPA Inspires online application portal at ispa.org.za/inspires/
3
Log in and complete the online application form
4
Upload your academic records, CV, motivation and references
5
Submit your application before the closing date (30 September 2026 at 18:00)
6
Respond to any follow-up or interview requests from ISPA if shortlisted

Required Documents

📄 Certified copy of South African ID
📄 Latest academic records (Matric results and/or tertiary transcripts)
📄 Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised South African tertiary institution
📄 Up-to-date CV
📄 Motivation letter outlining your interest in an ICT career in the ISP sector
📄 Contactable references

Frequently Asked Questions

Who funds and administers the ISPA Inspires bursary?: It is funded and self-administered by the Internet Service Providers' Association of South Africa (ISPA), a non-profit Internet Industry Representative Body founded in 1996. Applications are made through the ISPA Inspires online portal, and queries can be sent to [email protected].
What does the ISPA Inspires sponsorship cover?: The sponsorship covers tuition/study fees plus a laptop and books or study materials. The exact financial value is not publicly specified.
Who is eligible to apply?: You must be a South African citizen aged 35 or younger, studying or intending to study an undergraduate ICT-related qualification at a recognised South African tertiary institution, not be receiving any other bursary, and intend to pursue a career in the ISP sector. Preference goes to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
When does the ISPA Inspires bursary close?: It runs on an annual cycle. Applications were closed at the time of verification and reopen on 1 September 2026, closing 30 September 2026 at 18:00 for the 2027 academic year (the prior 2026 cycle closed 30 September 2025). Check ispa.org.za/inspires/ for the latest dates.

2027 applications have closed

The 2027 application window closed on 30 September 2026.

Check Internet Service Providers' Association of South Africa (ISPA) (self-administered via the ISPA Inspires online application portal)'s official site for the next application window.

Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.

Check Internet Service Providers' Association of South Africa (ISPA) (self-administered via the ISPA Inspires online application portal)'s official site

Need help? Contact Internet Service Providers' Association of South Africa (ISPA) (self-administered via the ISPA Inspires online application portal):

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 010 500 1200 / 087 550 1200

Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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