ISACA Scholarship South Africa 2026

About the Provider

ISACA is an international professional association focused on information technology governance, IT audit, cybersecurity and digital trust. Originally founded in the United States by professionals who identified the need for a centralised source of information and guidance on auditing controls in computer systems, ISACA has grown into a global organisation with chapters in over 180 countries and more than 170,000 members worldwide.

ISACA is best known for its professional certifications — CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control), and CDPSE (Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer) — which are among the most respected credentials in the IT governance and cybersecurity profession globally.

Through the ISACA Foundation, the organisation invests in the next generation of technology professionals by funding scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Since the scholarship programme began in 2022, ISACA has awarded over US$1 million to 500 students globally, creating pathways into IT audit and cybersecurity careers for young people who might otherwise lack access to these high-demand professions. The South Africa chapter participates actively in this global programme, offering scholarships to local students each year.

About the Program

The ISACA Chapter Scholarship programme awards funding to South African students studying technology-related qualifications at undergraduate and postgraduate level. For the 2026 academic year, six scholarships are available in South Africa — four for undergraduate students and two for postgraduate students — each valued at US$1,000 (paid directly to the recipient in July 2026).

This is part of ISACA's global expansion of the programme, which in 2026 offers over 170 scholarships supported by ISACA chapters and corporate partners across more than 20 countries. The programme specifically targets students from underrepresented backgrounds in technology, with a focus on building diversity in IT audit, cybersecurity and digital trust professions.

Beyond the financial award, each scholarship recipient receives an ISACA Career Building Bundle that provides substantial professional development value. This includes one year of ISACA student membership with access to career events and webinars, one ISACA certification course (ITCA or CET), registration for an ISACA Virtual Conference featuring industry experts, access to ISACA's Mentorship Program connecting students with certified digital trust professionals, and resources to start an ISACA Student Group at their university.

Bursary Benefits

• US$1,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient in July 2026
• 1 year ISACA student membership with access to career pathway events and webinars
• 1 ISACA certification course (ITCA or CET) — an industry-recognised credential for your CV
• ISACA Virtual Conference registration with access to renowned industry expert speakers
• ISACA Mentorship Program connecting you with certified digital trust professionals
• Resources to start an ISACA Student Group at your university or college
• Access to additional ISACA Foundation resources for career development
• Global professional network connecting you to IT audit and cybersecurity professionals worldwide

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: Must be 18 years or older
• Field of study: Must be studying towards an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or any other technology-related qualification
• Institution: Must be studying at an institute of higher education in South Africa (TVET College, University, or University of Technology)
• ISACA account: Must sign up for a free ISACA account
• Post-award commitment: Must agree to attend at least 1 ISACA chapter event within 3 months of receiving the award
• Follow-up commitment: Must agree to communicate with the ISACA Foundation twice a year for 2 years regarding academic and career progress after the scholarship

Required Documents

• ID document or passport
• Full academic record (transcript)
• Proof of tertiary institution enrolment in South Africa

How to Apply

1. Create a free ISACA account on the ISACA secure platform if you are a new applicant.
2. Log in to the scholarship application portal.
3. Complete the online application form in full.
4. Gather your supporting documents — ID/passport, full academic record, and proof of enrolment.
5. Upload all documents to the online application.
6. Submit before the deadline of 5 May 2026 (11:59 PM US Central Time).

Tips for Success

• Create your ISACA account early. You need a free account before you can access the application portal.
• Highlight your interest in IT audit or cybersecurity. ISACA's mission is building the next generation of digital trust professionals.
• Mention any relevant extracurriculars. Coding clubs, hackathons, CTF competitions, or tech societies.
• Ensure your enrolment proof is current. Must confirm registration for the current academic year.
• Understand the post-award commitments. You must attend an ISACA chapter event and report on your progress.
• The Career Building Bundle is worth more than the cash. Membership, certification course, conference, mentorship — significant career development value.
• Check the timezone. Deadline is US Central Time, which is early morning the next day in South Africa.

Career Prospects

ISACA scholarship recipients are positioned for careers in IT audit, cybersecurity, information security governance and digital trust — fields experiencing severe talent shortages globally and in South Africa. Typical career paths include IT auditor, information security analyst, cybersecurity consultant, risk and compliance officer, penetration tester, and digital forensics specialist. With ISACA certifications (CISA, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE), professionals command premium salaries. South Africa's financial services sector, government departments, telecoms and large corporates all require these professionals, and demand far exceeds supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the scholarship worth?

US$1,000 per recipient, paid directly to the student in July 2026.

How many scholarships are available?

Six in South Africa — four undergraduate, two postgraduate.

What fields qualify?

Computer Science, Information Systems, and any technology-related qualification.

Can TVET students apply?

Yes — TVET Colleges, Universities and Universities of Technology all qualify.

What is the Career Building Bundle?

Student membership, certification course, virtual conference, mentorship, and student group resources.

When do applications close?

5 May 2026 at 11:59 PM US Central Time.

Applications Closing

Applications closed on 5 May 2026 (11:59 PM US Central Time). Check back for the next cycle.

About the Organization

Contact page: https://engage.isaca.org/southafricachapter/contactus