How To Apply For A Bursary

5 minute read

Bursaries can help students who might face more barriers to accessing tertiary education. Since bursaries are awarded to students based on their circumstances and academic achievements, as well as the unique requirements of the bursary itself, they can be quite competitive. Most bursaries require you to apply for them, so it’s important to be prepared. In this post, we are covering the basics of how to apply for a bursary, including a full list of all available bursaries in South Africa and the United Kingdom in 2023!

Scholarships, bursaries and grants

Scholarships, bursaries and grants are three terms that refer to sums of money that you receive to complete your university studies. In all three instances, this money does not need to be paid back. The corporation offering the bursary may want you to reimburse them by agreeing to a job contract with them in exchange for supporting your studies. The terms are often used interchangeably and the main differences are determined by how you qualify for the sum of money and which organisation is offering it.

Scholarships refer to the sum of money awarded to students to recognise high achievement. This might be academic or excelling in one of your interests, like sports or music.

Bursaries are usually given to students based on personal circumstances. This may be situations like coming from a disadvantaged background, living in a low income household or residing in a particular area.

Grants often have the same kind of criteria as bursaries, but are usually offered by charities or trusts instead of universities or organisations.

Who can apply for a bursary?

Bursaries, scholarships and grants come in many varieties. This means that there are options for people from different locations, with all sorts of backgrounds and interests.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of things you may be awarded a bursary for:

Performing well in your exams.
Excelling at an extracurricular talent, like music or sports.
Being the first person in your family to attend university.
Residing in a particular area.
Being in financial need.
Being passionate about working in a specific industry.
Coming from a disadvantaged background.
Living with a disability.
Studying a certain subject.

What’s important to know is that your interests, hobbies and financial needs form the basis for determining whether or not you are eligible for a bursary. Do your research and see which bursaries you qualify for!

How much money can you get from a bursary?

This really depends on the bursary, scholarship or grant. Some bursaries will fully or partially cover your tuition fees, some will contribute money towards living costs, and some will cover anything needed for a specific purpose, such as arranging specialist equipment.

Where to find bursaries

There are several websites with up-to-date lists of available bursaries in 2023:

Bursaries South Africa - click here

All Bursaries South Africa - click here

Save The Student (United Kingdom) - click here

A Scholarship (United Kingdom) - click here

Tips for applying for a bursary

Check the deadline - Any bursary that requires applications and submissions will also include strict deadlines. Make note of all due dates before you apply and, while this may seem obvious, don’t apply after the closing date.

Find out when you’ll know the verdict - Take a look at the university’s or organisation’s website to familiarise yourself with the eligibility criteria, application process and when you can expect to hear if you have been successful.

Look out for opportunities - There will be many special offers at university open days, so pay attention and apply for anything you are eligible for.

Don’t limit yourself - You are allowed to apply for more than one bursary at a time, so spread your net far and wide.

Take your time - The team making the decisions will be most impressed by a bursary application that is detailed and carefully put together. Don’t rush this process! Factor in a couple of extra days to account for any delays.

Choose good references - Many bursary applications require character references from people who know you well. Choose people who are familiar with you personally, are knowledgeable about your academic abilities, and can properly represent you while highlighting your strengths.

Gather all the supporting documentation - There will be a list of documents you need to submit along with your application, such as identity documents, proof of residence, and a certified copy of your school leaving certificates and academic awards. Create a list of all the documents you need and double-check this before you apply.

Check for updates regularly - Keep an eye out for an email, phone call or text message with feedback on your bursary application. You might be shortlisted and offered an interview before the committee makes their selection. So it’s important to check that you have supplied the correct email address and phone number.

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