ISPA Inspires Educational Sponsorship
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.
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
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.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 September 2026
Apply on Internet Service Providers' Association of South Africa (ISPA) (self-administered via the ISPA Inspires online application portal)'s official siteNeed 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.
Other Computer Science & IT bursaries
More funding opportunities in this field
Accenture Education Trust Scholarship
Accenture (SA) Education Trust (administered by Accenture South Africa, Corporate Citizenship)
The Accenture (SA) Education Trust funds financially disadvantaged but academically talented South African students pursuing technology-aligned degrees such as Computer Science, Data Science and Engineering. Established in 2001, the scholarship covers the full cost of study and pairs each recipient with structured mentorship and career guidance throughout their degree. It targets students in their 2nd, 3rd, 4th or Honours year at eight leading South African universities.
View details →Adapt IT Bursary Programme
Adapt IT Holdings (a Volaris Group company; administered via the Fundi Bursary Service Provider (BSP) portal)
The Adapt IT Bursary Programme funds designated Black South African students pursuing ICT and software-focused qualifications at six approved universities, covering registration and tuition fees plus study materials and a possible laptop or resource allowance. Beyond funding, bursars receive career mentorship and internship/work-experience opportunities, with some absorbed into roles at Adapt IT. Applications are submitted online through the Fundi BSP portal and typically close in early February each year.
View details →Amazon Web Services (AWS) Bursary
Amazon Web Services (administered by StudyTrust)
The AWS bursary funds final-year Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Software Engineering students in South Africa, with a paid Amazon internship and training at AWS forming an integral part of the programme.
View details →