Securing a bursary can transform your study journey. This guide gives South African students a practical, step-by-step blueprint for building an application that stands out—complete with templates, sample paragraphs, document checklists, and expert tips you can use today.
Why some bursary applications win (and others don’t)
Winning applications combine three elements:
- Fit — the applicant clearly meets or explains how they meet the funder’s objectives.
- Evidence — academic results, references and budgets that back claims.
- Storytelling — a concise, compelling personal statement that links need, potential and impact.
Apply this framework whether you target institutional funds, corporate schemes, NSFAS-related opportunities, or SETA learnerships.
Before you start: essential prep (quick checklist)
- Read the bursary’s purpose and eligibility criteria twice.
- Gather certified ID, academic transcripts, proof of household income, and contact details for referees.
- Draft a one-page budget showing tuition, books, accommodation and transport.
- Prepare a CV focused on achievements, community work and leadership.
For full comparisons of bursaries vs loans and the wider funding landscape, see: Bursary vs Loan: Choosing the Best Financial Aid for South African Students. For NSFAS-specific guidance, consult: Career Guidance South Africa: How NSFAS Works and Who Qualifies — Step-by-Step Application.
Step-by-step application structure (use this order)
- Cover page or email subject line — concise: “Bursary Application: [Your Name] — [Qualification & Year]”
- Completed application form (if provided)
- Personal statement (1 page) — use template below
- Academic transcript or latest results
- Certified copy of ID and proof of residence
- Proof of household income (payslips / SASSA / affidavit)
- Curriculum vitae (1 page) — sample table below
- Referee details and optional short reference letter
- Budget and study plan (1 page)
- Any required additional documents (medical, disability, portfolio)
For a complete funding timeline and deadlines you should track, check: Funding Checklist and Deadline Calendar for South African University Applicants.
Personal statement template + worked example
Use a simple structure: Situation → Challenge → Action → Result → Future impact (SCARF).
Personal statement template (approx. 350–450 words)
- Opening (1–2 short paragraphs): Introduce yourself, current qualification/year and precise bursary you are applying for.
- Need & context: Briefly state financial situation or barrier (e.g., household income, care responsibilities).
- Merit & potential: Highlight academic achievements, relevant skills, leadership or community work.
- Plan & benefit: Explain how the bursary enables your studies and how you will give back or contribute to the sponsor’s goals.
- Closing: Thank funder, include contact details and availability for interview.
Sample opening paragraph (example)
- “My name is Thandi Mokoena, a first-year BSc (Computer Science) student at UJ. I am applying for the ABC Technology Bursary to support my tuition and laptop costs. I ranked among the top 3 students in my cohort (mathematics and coding club leader) and aim to specialise in software development for education technologies.”
CV template (1 page) — use bullet points and metrics
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Contact | Full name, phone, email, current address |
| Education | Institution, qualification, year, key modules or GPA |
| Work / Volunteer | Role, organisation, dates, 2–3 bullets with outcomes (use metrics) |
| Awards & Achievements | Scholarships, top 10% class, competitions |
| Skills | Technical and soft skills (e.g., Python, Excel, public speaking) |
| Referees | Name, role, email, phone (ask permission first) |
Example bullet: “Computer Club President (2023) — led 20-member team, organised 4 coding workshops with 150 student attendees.”
Budget & study plan (sample table)
| Item | Annual cost (ZAR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 36,000 | University fees (example) |
| Accommodation | 24,000 | Shared residence |
| Books & materials | 4,000 | Includes laptop contribution |
| Transport | 6,000 | Term-time travel |
| Living expenses | 12,000 | Food, phone, incidental |
| Total | 82,000 | State clearly what bursary will cover |
Be honest and conservative. Funders may request proof or breakdowns later.
Reference letter template (for referees)
- Salutation and referee’s position
- Relationship to applicant and length of time known
- 2–3 specific strengths with examples (academic ability, reliability, leadership)
- Closing endorsement (clear statement of recommendation)
- Contact details and signature
Sample line: “I strongly recommend Nomusa for the XYZ Bursary — she consistently delivered top assignments and organised peer-tutoring sessions that improved classmates’ pass rates.”
Tailoring advice: Institutional vs Corporate vs NSFAS vs SETA
- Institutional bursaries: emphasise academic merit and campus engagement; check faculty-level criteria and deadlines. See Top Institutional and Corporate Bursaries in South Africa: Deadlines, Requirements and Tips.
- Corporate bursaries: align your statement with the company’s values, community projects or skills pipeline; include career intentions that match the corporate sector. See Corporate Bursary Schemes in South Africa: How to Find and Apply for Employer-Funded Grants.
- NSFAS: NSFAS is means-tested and has specific supporting documents—be meticulous with income proof and appeals processes. Refer to Career Guidance South Africa: How NSFAS Works and Who Qualifies — Step-by-Step Application and NSFAS Appeals and Problems: What South African Students Need to Know.
- SETA and learnerships: demonstrate alignment to skills development and workplace readiness; include any short courses or practical experience. Useful read: SETAs Funding and Learnership Support: How to Access Skills Development Grants in South Africa.
Common mistakes (avoid these)
- Submitting incomplete documentation.
- Generic statements that don’t reference the funder.
- Exaggerating achievements — verifiable proof will be requested.
- Poor formatting or unclear contact details.
After submission: tracking & follow-up
- Save proof of submission (email, receipt).
- Note the decision date and set a calendar reminder to follow up two weeks after the decision window closes.
- If unsuccessful, request feedback and apply improvements. For appeals and next steps with NSFAS, see: NSFAS Appeals and Problems: What South African Students Need to Know.
Quick resources & next steps
- Use scholarship databases to find matches: Top 10 Scholarship Databases and Eligibility Checkers for South African Students — Career Guidance South Africa.
- For broader funding options and tax incentives, read: Complete Guide to Funding Your Studies in South Africa: Loans, Scholarships and Tax Incentives.
- Explore corporate & institutional lists: Top Institutional and Corporate Bursaries in South Africa: Deadlines, Requirements and Tips.
Final checklist before you hit send
- Application form complete and signed
- Personal statement proofread (no longer than 1 page)
- CV and referees included
- All supporting documents certified where required
- Budget and study plan attached
- Submission confirmation saved
Putting time into structure, evidence and a clear narrative gives you the best chance of success. Start with the templates above, tailor every application, and track deadlines carefully. For ongoing support and a funding calendar you can use, review: Funding Checklist and Deadline Calendar for South African University Applicants.
Good luck — and remember: persistence plus a polished application equals opportunities.