In South Africa, the demand for skilled professionals in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is growing at an unprecedented rate. However, the availability of qualified individuals in the field remains limited. To address this issue and help develop the next generation of ICT professionals, the Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) has launched an exciting bursary programme.
The IITPSA Bursary aims to provide financial assistance to talented, top-performing students, ensuring that they have the opportunity to complete their education and pursue rewarding careers in the rapidly expanding IT industry. This initiative plays a key role in strengthening the local ICT sector and contributing to the growth of South Africa’s economy.
Overview of the IITPSA Bursary Programme
The IITPSA Bursary Programme is designed to support full-time students who are pursuing a degree in one of several key ICT disciplines. This bursary not only assists students in their academic journey but also helps to secure their future in the tech industry, which is one of the fastest-growing sectors in South Africa. By providing financial support, the bursary aims to eliminate the barriers to education that many students face, ensuring they can focus on their studies without the burden of financial strain.
Bursary Details
The IITPSA bursary covers a three-year degree programme in specific fields of study that are critical to the development of the ICT sector. The eligible degrees for the bursary are as follows:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Applied Computing.
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Information Systems or Informatics.
The bursary package is comprehensive and covers:
- Full tuition fees, including registration and exam fees.
- University-administered accommodation to ensure students have a place to stay while studying.
- Textbooks required for the courses.
This financial support is available from the first year of study, with the possibility of renewal for the second and third years. Renewal is contingent upon the student’s academic performance, with the requirement that students maintain a satisfactory grade and do not need to repeat any subjects or modules.
Selection Criteria
To be considered for the IITPSA Bursary, applicants must meet specific selection criteria. These criteria ensure that the bursary is awarded to students who show both academic promise and a genuine interest in pursuing a career in ICT. The minimum selection criteria are:
- Academic Excellence: Applicants must have achieved an average of 65% or higher in their most recent exams. This ensures that only high-achieving students are selected for this prestigious programme.
- Full-Time Undergraduate Studies: Applicants must be registered as full-time students at a recognized public university in South Africa.
- Eligibility for Admission: Applicants must meet the entry requirements for their chosen field of study, which includes the fields of commerce, science, engineering, mathematics, and technology.
- Assessment Process: All applicants must participate in a formal assessment process, which includes psychometric evaluations and interviews to assess their potential and suitability for the programme.
- Financial Need: While academic excellence is a primary consideration, financial need will also be taken into account when selecting bursary recipients.
- South African Citizenship: Only South African citizens are eligible to apply for the IITPSA Bursary.
Special Preference for Female Candidates
One of the unique aspects of the IITPSA Bursary is its emphasis on gender diversity in the ICT sector. The IITPSA aims to encourage more female students to consider careers in technology by giving special preference to female candidates who excel in the Computer Programming Olympiad. The Olympiad, organized by IITPSA, is one of the oldest and largest competitions of its kind in the world, having run annually since 1984. It serves as a platform for identifying and nurturing programming talent and promoting career opportunities in ICT.
As an incentive, IITPSA will prioritize the female candidate who places highest in the top three rounds of the Computer Programming Olympiad, provided she intends to pursue ICT-related studies at a recognized South African tertiary institution. This initiative seeks to address the gender disparity in the field and empower more women to take up leadership roles in technology.
The Role of the Computer Programming Olympiad
The Computer Programming Olympiad plays a crucial role in the IITPSA’s efforts to develop ICT talent in South Africa. The competition helps identify students with exceptional programming abilities and encourages them to pursue further studies in computer science, information systems, and other ICT-related fields. It also highlights the many career opportunities available in the ICT sector, providing participants with a clear understanding of the potential career paths they can follow.
One of the goals of the Olympiad is to foster a love for computer studies and inspire young people to explore the endless possibilities in the tech industry. IITPSA’s recognition of high achievers in this competition ensures that talented students are given the resources and opportunities to thrive in the ICT industry.
How to Apply
Applying for the IITPSA Bursary is straightforward, but applicants must be mindful of the deadlines and requirements to ensure their applications are considered. The bursary application process is conducted through StudyTrust’s online platform, and applications must be submitted before the 30th of September each year to be considered for funding for the following academic year.
The application season runs from 1 May to 30 September. It is essential for applicants to carefully read the instructions on the Bursary Applications page before starting the application process to ensure that they meet all the requirements.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the StudyTrust Online Platform: Navigate to the IITPSA Bursary page on StudyTrust’s website.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in the online application form with accurate and relevant information.
- Submit Required Documents: Include all the necessary documentation, such as academic transcripts, proof of registration, and any other supporting documents.
- Complete the Assessment Process: Prepare for psychometric evaluations and interviews, which are part of the selection process.
- Submit by the Deadline: Ensure that all applications are submitted before the closing date, 30 September.
Closing Date
The IITPSA Bursary Programme accepts applications from 1 May to 30 September. Students interested in applying for this bursary must ensure that they submit their applications within this window to be considered for financial support in the following academic year.
Check also: Essential Documents for a Successful Bursary Application in 2025: Your Ultimate Checklist!
The IITPSA Bursary Programme is an invaluable opportunity for talented South African students who are passionate about ICT. By providing financial support for tuition, accommodation, and textbooks, this bursary makes it possible for students to pursue a career in one of the most dynamic and high-demand industries in South Africa.
The programme’s focus on academic excellence, financial need, and gender diversity ensures that it helps shape the future of the ICT sector in South Africa, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals who will contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.