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
- 30 September 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
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.
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