History
Founded in 1923
The Bible Institute of South Africa opened on 9th April 1923 at Mowbray in the Cape in order to provide the church in South Africa with academic training of a high quality. Beginning with only two students enrolled, BISA has now trained and equipped hundreds of men and women for ministry.
BISA was founded by evangelical ministers, who were concerned with a drift towards liberal theology in theological education, which was only available in the universities in South Africa.​
The move to Kalk Bay
Immediately prior to World War II the Institute moved to Kalk Bay, where from small beginnings it has developed into the present extensive campus whose buildings bear the names of our great patrons, Marsh, Douglas, Daintree and Kingon.
Centenary celebrations
In 2023 the Bible Institute celebrated one hundred years of theological education. Throughout its history BISA has been interdenominational and has welcomed many international students. BISA has trained evangelical ministers for leadership in many denominations or independent churches and has prepared many to serve in the mission field with well-known agencies.
Alumni
The Bible Institute of South Africa has trained over 2000 men and women for ministry and for missions since 1923. Many of them, as far back as the 1950’s have kept in touch with us and have told their stories.
To locate a past student or find out where many of these students have been placed in service you can visit the Past Students Website.
"I find BI to be a community of humble, loving and caring students, together with their lecturers. I come back to BI whenever I can - God is at work there in practical ways".
​
Katleho Meslane
Katleho graduated in 2010,
He is the Rector of St Thomas’ REACH SA church in Heideveld, Cape Town.