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How is Mafriq different from a bank or NSFAS?

Where banks see risk, we see potential. Funding is transparent, fair, and income-linked, designed to support your future rather than weigh it down. Unlike NSFAS, Mafriq works with you through every stage: from studies to graduation to employment.

How much will I actually have to repay, and when?

You repay only once you start earning above the income threshold (typically R6,000/month). Payments rise and fall with your earnings. There are no hidden fees or compounding costs. A fixed percentage of your income is shared until you reach the repayment cap, and then you're done.

What if I can't finish or find work?

If you fall behind or struggle to find a job, Mafriq steps in, not away. We work with partners to help you complete your studies and secure employment, because your success determines ours.

What does Mafriq fund?

Mafriq funds tuition, housing, living costs, textbooks and essentials. During your studies, we also provide community, mentorship, counselling, tutoring, and professional skills training support.

Who is eligible to apply?

South African students enrolled at accredited institutions who have been rejected or partially funded by NSFAS. We assess your potential and your programme's employment outcomes, not your parents' income or financial history.

Is there a minimum income threshold before I start repaying?

Yes. Repayments only begin once your monthly income exceeds a set threshold (typically around R6,000/month). Below that, payments are paused; this is not treated as a missed payment.

What happens if I lose my job after graduation?

Your payments pause automatically when your income drops below the threshold. This is built into the ISA structure, not a special request. You resume payments naturally when you find work again.

Yes! You can make voluntary extra payments at any time to reach your repayment cap sooner. Contact your Mafriq success manager to arrange this.

How is the ISA percentage determined?

Your ISA percentage is based on your programme's expected graduate employment outcomes and average starting salary. It's agreed upfront and does not change during the contract.

What is the repayment cap?

The cap is a multiple of your funded amount (e.g. 1.5x). Once your total payments reach this amount, you owe nothing more, regardless of how long it took or how much you earn.

Will my financial history be affected?

Mafriq ISAs are structured differently from bank funding and are not reported as a repayment obligation in the same way. We encourage students to maintain good financial habits, and our financial literacy programme helps you understand money.

How long does approval take?

Most applications are reviewed within 5–10 business days. You'll be notified at every step through your student portal.

Do I need a guarantor or collateral?

No. Mafriq does not require guarantors, collateral, or parental co-signatories. Your application is based solely on your potential and programme outcomes.

What support do I get beyond funding?

Mafriq is a wrap-around service: tutoring, mentorship, career counselling, CV development, interview coaching, mental health support, financial literacy, access to a job board, and a thriving peer community.

What programmes and institutions are supported?

We work with a growing network of accredited South African institutions. Priority is given to programmes with strong employment outcomes. Check our portal to see if your institution is listed.

2026 funding is now full. Join the waitlist for 2027/2028.

Join Waitlist →

Income Share Agreements for South African students

Study and flourish now.
Thrive and pay later.

Mafriq helps ambitious South African students access higher education through flexible, income-linked funding. We look at you and your potential, not your parents, not your background.

*2026 applications are now full

Join the Waitlist →See the Journey

Your metamorphosis

Potential

Before university, full of unrealised possibility

Growth

During studies, learning, building, becoming

Transformation

Final year, forming who you're meant to be

Freedom

Career, flying free on your own terms

Income-based repayment

No compounding costs

Employment support

Mental health support

Financial literacy

The Mafriq Journey

We walk with you, every step of the way

From Grade 10 to a thriving career, Mafriq is your long-term partner in education and success.

Coming Soon

Before

Pre-University

Grade 10 – Matric

We identify potential early. From Grade 10, we onboard you and commit to funding your studies after matric, so you can focus on passing, not stressing about fees.

Early assessment & profiling
Goal setting & career guidance
Mentorship introduction
Institution & programme matching

Applying

Application & Onboarding

Year 1 of Study

Once accepted into your institution, you formalise your ISA with Mafriq. Funding is disbursed directly to your institution and living account.

ISA agreement signed
Funding disbursed to institution
Student portal activated
Success manager assigned

During

During Your Studies

Years 1–4

We fund your tuition, accommodation, and living costs, and surround you with the support you need to actually succeed.

Tuition, housing & living costs
Tutoring & academic support
Mental health & counselling
Career readiness workshops

Graduating

Graduation & Placement

Final Year +

As you near graduation, Mafriq activates its employer network to match you with real opportunities.

CV & LinkedIn optimisation
Interview coaching
Employer introductions
Job placement support

Career

Your Career Begins

Employment

You land a job and start your career. Repayments begin once your income exceeds the threshold: small, income-proportional, and always fair.

Income-linked repayments start
Employer verification
Monthly payslip submission
Career progression support

Free

Repayment Complete

Cap Reached

Once you hit your repayment cap, you're completely free. No more payments, ever. Your journey with Mafriq becomes a story of success.

Cap reached: payments stop
Certificate of completion
Alumni network access
Pay it forward opportunities

Read FAQs

ELIGIBILITY

Who does Mafriq support?

We exist specifically for the students who fall through the cracks of South Africa's funding system: those with potential but without access.

NSFAS-Rejected Students

Rejected or partially funded by NSFAS? You're exactly who Mafriq is built for. We see what NSFAS misses.

High-Potential Individuals

Your grades aren't perfect but your drive is real. We use a human potential assessment, not just marks, to evaluate you.

Students from Underserved Areas

Rural, township, or peri-urban backgrounds. Geography shouldn't determine your access to education or opportunity.

First-Generation Students

First in your family to attend university? We provide the mentorship, support, and network that most students take for granted.

Students at Accredited Institutions

We work with public and private universities and TVET colleges with strong employment track records.

Those Who Need More Than Money

Financial funding is just the start. If you need mental health support, tutoring, community, or career help, we've got it.

Not sure if you qualify?

Start your application. It takes 10 minutes and there's no commitment. We'll let you know where you stand.

More Than Funding

The wrap-around support you deserve

Mafriq is not just a funder. We're your partner. Our wrap-around services address every barrier between where you are and where you could be.

Mental Health Support

Access to counsellors and wellbeing resources throughout your studies.

Academic Tutoring

Subject tutors and study groups to keep you on track academically.

Peer Community

Connect with fellow Mafriq scholars, share experiences, and grow together.

Career Readiness

CV workshops, interview prep, and job board access from Year 1.

Digital & AI Skills

Future-proof your career with AI tools, digital literacy, and tech training.

Financial Literacy

Budgeting, credit, tax, and savings education built into your journey.

Dedicated Success Manager

A real human in your corner, available for check-ins and guidance.

Check-In Programme

Regular structured check-ins to catch challenges early and keep you moving forward.

All of this is included in your ISA.

No extra fees. No separate subscriptions. Support is built into the Mafriq model.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUNDING

What is an Income Share Agreement?

An ISA is a smarter, fairer way to fund your education. Instead of taking on a fixed repayment, you agree to share a small percentage of your future income, only once you're earning.

Mafriq ISA

How you repayA fixed % of your income, rising and falling with your earnings

Monthly paymentVaries with income; lower earnings mean lower payments

If you lose your jobPayments pause automatically, not treated as missed or defaulted

CapOnce you reach the repayment cap, you're free. No more payments ever.

CostsNo compounding costs. No hidden fees. Transparent from day one.

Traditional Bank Funding

How you repayFixed instalments regardless of income; repayments start immediately

Monthly paymentGenerally fixed; can strain cash flow if income is low

If you lose your jobMissed payments add fees, hurt your financial history, and risk default

CapCosts compound; you may repay far more than you were funded

CostsCompounding costs, admin fees, and penalties can stack up significantly

See the Numbers

ISA Repayment Calculator

Adjust the sliders to see how your monthly payments would work at different income levels.

Repayment Calculator

See what your monthly ISA payment would look like at different income levels.

Monthly Gross Income

R15,000/month

Funding Amount (per year)

R80,000/year

Years of Study

3 years · Total R240,000

ISA Percentage

15% of income above threshold

Repayment Cap

1.8× total funded amount

Monthly Payment

R1,350

Total Funded (3 yrs)

R240,000

Estimated Duration

11.8 yrs

142 months at this income

This is an illustrative estimate. Actual terms are set per agreement. Income threshold is R6,000/month. Repayment cap is R432,000 (1.8× total funded).

* Estimated duration assumes 10% annual gross salary growth.

OUR DESIGN PRINCIPLES

We design for student best outcomes

Income-Based Repayment

Pay only when you earn. Payments scale with your income, never more than you can afford.

Employment Guarantee

We ensure employment post-graduation through active partnerships with top employers.

No Hidden Costs

Transparent funding. No compound interest. No admin surprises. Just your future.

Community & Support

Mentorship, tutoring, career counselling and a network of fellow Mafriq scholars.

You must have questions. We did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Send us an email

Are you an institution or employer?

Partner with Mafriq to support the next generation of South African graduates.

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Your potential is our mission.

Get moving! Your future is calling you.

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Study and flourish now.Thrive and pay later.