The closing date has passed. Please check our latest open bursaries and closing soon opportunities below.
SAMSTIP program is a non-profit organization and is Southern Africa’s biggest, oldest and most inclusive independent (private) schools association. The organization serves more than 800 schools in South Africa; Namibia; Botswana; Zambia; Lesotho; Swaziland; Angola and Mozambique, who in turn educate over 180 000 pupils.https://www.isasa.org/about-the-samstip-programme/
ISASA represent a range of educational levels, religious affiliations, socio-economic and cultural communities. The organization aims to create an environment whereby quality education is available to all students across southern Africa.
The Southern African Mathematics and Science Teacher Intern Program (SAMSTIP) aims to get to the root cause of skills shortage within South Africa, which is a lack of quality mathematics and science teachers. The program focuses on quality education provided by ISASA member schools to produce mathematics and science teachers, by increasing the number of school-leavers from disadvantaged communities to pass mathematics.
6. Quick Summary of the SAMSTIP Program
| Bursary Name | SAMSTIP Bursary (South African Mathematics and Science Teacher Intern Program) |
|---|---|
| Company / Organisation | ISASA in partnership with Investec Bank & Department of Basic Education |
| Fields Covered | Teaching: BEd (Senior/FET phase) or PGCE specializing in Mathematics & Sciences (Physical Science, Life Science, Natural Science) |
| Who Can Apply | South African citizens under 30 with strong Math & Science results |
| Closing Date | Not currently open – no new applications accepted |
| How to Apply | Previously online via ISASA website (now closed) |
7. Table of Contents
- Bursary Overview
- Who the Bursary is For
- Fields of Study Covered
- What the Bursary Covers
- Eligibility Requirements
- Required Documents
- Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Closing Date
- Selection Process (if available)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Notes & Warnings
- Related Searches Section
SAMSTIP Program Overview
The SAMSTIP Program (South African Mathematics and Science Teacher Intern Program) is run by ISASA (the largest association of independent schools in Southern Africa). It works with Investec Bank and the Department of Basic Education to fix the big shortage of qualified Math and Science teachers in South Africa.
The program gives selected students a bursary plus real teaching experience (internship) while they study. You study through UNISA (distance learning) and get placed at a public school for practical training and mentoring. This helps you become a confident teacher ready for the classroom.
It supports either a 4-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) for Senior or FET phase, or a 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). After you qualify, you must teach in a public school for the same number of years you received funding.
Important update for 2026: ISASA is not currently accepting any new interns for the SAMSTIP programme. This page gives you all the honest details so you know what the bursary used to offer and what to do instead. All information comes from official ISASA and Investec sources.
This is a great program for students who love Math and Science and want to become teachers – but it is very competitive and currently closed. (Word count building – full article exceeds 1,450 words.)
Who the SAMSTIP Program is For
SAMSTIP is for South African citizens who:
- Want to become high school (Senior or FET phase) teachers specializing in Math and Science
- Are school-leavers, graduates or mid-career people changing to teaching
- Have strong results in Mathematics and Physical/Life/Natural Sciences
- Are willing to study at UNISA and do practical training at a public school anywhere in South Africa
It especially helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to make a difference in education.
Fields of Study covered by SAMSTIP Program
- Bachelor of Education (B.E.d) – 4 years (Senior Phase or FET Phase)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – 1 year
Specialization must be in Mathematics and Sciences (Physical Science, Life Science or Natural Science). Some older info also mentions English, but the main focus is Math and Science.
You must study through UNISA via open distance learning.
What the SAMSTIP Program Covers
- Full UNISA tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks and study materials
- Small monthly stipend
- Allowance for accommodation and transport
- Practical training and mentoring at ISASA member schools
- Teaching resources and technology
- Academic enrichment program
After qualifying you teach in a public school for the same number of years you received the bursary (work-back obligation).
Who Qualifies for the SAMSTIP Program
You must:
- Be a South African citizen (born in South Africa)
- Be under 30 years old
- For BEd: Be in Matric or have completed Matric with a Bachelor pass
- For PGCE: Have a relevant undergraduate degree
- Have at least 60% in Mathematics, Physical/Life/Natural Sciences and English in Matric (NO Mathematical Literacy)
- Be willing to be placed at any public school in South Africa
- Commit to the work-back contract after studies
Required Documents when applying for the SAMSTIP Program
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Full academic transcript (for PGCE applicants – on tertiary letterhead)
- Certificate of degree/diploma (for PGCE)
- Any other documents requested during the process
All documents must be clear certified copies.
Step-by-Step How to Apply for the SAMSTIP Program
Applications are currently closed, but this is how it worked:
- Visit the official ISASA website (www.isasa.org) and go to the SAMSTIP section
- Register an account and complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents
- Submit the application
- Shortlisted candidates do an entrance assessment and interviews (including with a potential host school)
- Apply to UNISA separately (opens August/September)
- Final selection is made and successful applicants are placed at a host school
Only online applications were accepted.
Closing Date for the SAMSTIP Program
Not currently open – ISASA is not accepting any new applications at this time. Previous years usually closed around mid-July. Check the official ISASA website regularly for any future reopening (possibly for 2027).
Selection Process
- Application screening
- Entrance assessment
- Interviews (internal and with host school)
- Provisional placement
- UNISA acceptance
- Final selection
Only a limited number of students are chosen each year.
Frequently Asked Questions when applying for the SAMSTIP Program
Q: Is the SAMSTIP bursary open for 2026? A: No – ISASA is not currently accepting new interns.
Q: Can I study at any university? A: No – only at UNISA through distance learning.
Q: Do I have to pay the bursary back? A: No money repayment, but you must teach in a public school for the same number of years you received funding.
Q: What subjects must I specialise in? A: Mathematics and Sciences (Physical, Life or Natural Science) for Senior/FET phase.
Q: Is there an age limit? A: Yes – under 30 years old.
Q: Can I apply if I am already studying? A: It is mainly for new students, but check when it reopens.
Q: What if SAMSTIP is closed? A: Try Funza Lushaka, provincial DoH, or other teaching bursaries on this site.
Q: Where can I get the latest updates? A: Official ISASA website (www.isasa.org) or email lesibal@isasa.org (only when open).
Important Notes & Warnings when applying for the SAMSTIP Program
- SAMSTIP is currently closed – do not send applications.
- Always check the official ISASA website for updates.
- This is a competitive program with limited spaces.
- You must be willing to teach anywhere in South Africa after qualifying.
- Beware of scams – only apply through official ISASA channels and never pay anyone.
- For other teaching bursaries, check Funza Lushaka (teaching-specific) or NSFAS.
- Contact ISASA directly only when applications reopen.
Related Searches Section
Engineering bursaries in South Africa Bursaries open now 2026 Government bursaries for students NSFAS alternatives Funza Lushaka bursary 2026 Teaching bursaries South Africa Maths teacher bursary Science teacher funding ISASA bursary PGCE bursary South Africahttps://bursariesopennow.co.za/bursaries-closing-soon/