Applications close once we receive 100 submissions or on the 18th of January 2026 (whichever occurs first)

Bursary Application Form 2026

ILM-SA Bursary Applications

Financial assistance, mentorship, and a supportive community to help you thrive in 2026 and beyond.

Apply How to apply

Read this first

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE APPLYING

We want every applicant to understand the criteria, commitment and expectations attached to ILM-SA bursary funding.

Funding context & fairness

Most of the bursary funding we receive is in the form of zakaah. Zakaah funds must be allocated to specific categories of Muslims. We therefore prioritise Muslim applicants who qualify for zakaah assistance. However, students who are not Muslim and Muslim students who do not qualify for zakaah assistance are welcome to apply.

Application cut-off

Applications close once we receive 100 submissions or on the 18th of January 2026 (whichever occurs first).

BOTTOM LINE: Apply as soon as possible!

Eligibility checklist

You are an undergraduate student (no funding for postgraduate studies).
You are a South African citizen.
You reside in KwaZulu Natal. You may study elsewhere if the programme is inaccessible locally, but KZN residency is required.

Expectations for Accepted Applicants

Volunteer at ILM-SA events throughout the academic year.
Attend mentorship sessions and development programmes arranged by the organisation.
Donate to ILM-SA on a monthly basis once you are employed – the specific amount will depend on your financial situation.

Media & visibility

We regularly publish photographs and videos featuring our bursary students on our marketing platforms. This is done in the most respectful of ways. Apply only if you and your guardians are comfortable with this level of visibility.

Apply elsewhere too

Funding is limited and demand is high. We cannot guarantee support for every applicant, so please continue applying for other bursaries.

Apply

Click “Apply” and complete the form

Carefully work through each question. Double-check your information, and be truthful throughout. You must complete every required field before you can submit.

Watch for your confirmation email

Within minutes you’ll receive a confirmation email from ILM-SA. Read it in full and keep it handy — everything else happens via that thread.

Gather the requested documents

Ensure your scans/photos are clear and legible. Use good light and flat surfaces. Keep files within size limits.

Accepted formats: PDF, Word, JPG
Suggested naming: Lastname_Firstname_DocumentType.pdf

Please upload the following documents with your application:

Identity document (certified)
Proof of residence (bank statement, utility bill, etc.)
Last three months bank statements
Character testimonial from your teacher/lecturer (must include his/her contact details)
Character testimonial from a community/religious figure (must include his/her contact details)
Matric certificate (for applicants who have this in their possession)*
Matric trial examination report (for applicants who don’t yet have their matric certificates)
Academic record from the tertiary institution at which you are studying (if applicable)
Letter of acceptance from relevant institution

* Please email your matric certificate to admin@ilmsa.co.za as soon as you receive it.

Reply with your supporting documents

Reply directly to the confirmation email with all attachments and keep the subject line unchanged. Send one consolidated reply instead of several partial emails.

Await shortlist updates & interviews

If shortlisted, we’ll contact you by Sunday, 18 January 2026 to arrange an interview. No news by then means your application was not successful this time.