Understanding bursary requirements in South Africa improves your chances of getting funding for your studies. Studying in South Africa can be a costly exercise so bursaries are a solution for many students. Many embark on tertiary education journey to change their lives and their families living condition. A bursary is basically a kind of scholarship by which students are provided money for meeting their educational expenses.
Scholarships can also be funded by companies, governmental and non-governmental organisations, or universities. Some of the questions addressed in this guide include the eligibility of applicants for bursary awards, bursary remuneration, multiple bursary awards, types of bursary, university bursary schemes and general bursary advice.
We hope that this guide will help all students wishing to apply for bursaries to understand bursary requirements in South Africa as their starting point. We also included a list of frequently asked question at the end of this article.
[ez-toc]Components of Bursary Requirements in South Africa?
In South Africa, bursaries are available for many students to apply but the requirement that applicants fulfill vary from one sponsoring organization to another. Here are the typical requirements:
Academic Merit: Most bursaries has certain standard that the students should meet, and the foremost criteria is high grade performance with an extra special focus on courses relevant to that particular field of study.
Financial Need: Some bursaries like those funded from government organizations may include National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) target students with poor background or low income earners. Other photo identification includes bank statement or proof of income.
Field of Study: The bursaries always come with specific disciplines of study, particularly in disciplines of shortage, these include engineering, health sciences, law, account, and education.
Demographics: Maybe there are some targeted bursaries that may target black students, women, or those students from the rural areas.
South African Citizenship: Nearly all bursaries are available only to South African citizens or persons who hold a permanent residence permit. ID may have to be produced and some students may be forced to show they are citizens or even residents of the United States.
Enrollment at a Recognized Institution: You should be studying or wanting to study in a acknowledged South African university, college or Technical, Further and Higher Education and Training (TFHET) institution.
How Much Can Bursaries pay in South Africa?
The funds differ in size depending on the organization offering bursary and the type of bursary available. The financial coverage can be categorized into three types:
Partial Coverage
Normally, partial bursaries only cater for part of your study costs, like fees, or books. Sometimes it will be necessary to look for extra financing, for instance, for a shelter, food or means of transportation.
Fixed Amount
However, certain bursaries give you a cash allowance which you are free to use for your study needs. It may not be enough to meet all of your fees, but it does minimize the expenses or cost you need to incur. For instance, a bursary could be R10,000 per year and these could mean tuition costs or anything else.
Complete Coverage
Fully funded bursaries pays for all aspects of your education such as fees, accommodation, books, food, and transport. These are often very competitive and could be accompanied by strings – the student has to maintain certain academic level or get a job with the bursary provider after.
Can I Have Two Bursaries At The Same Time?
Yes, of course you can have more than one bursary because some bursaries may offer partial or fixed bursary amounts. However, some bursaries have some terms that exclude you from being able to get several awards or they allow the bursary award but lower the amount of the bursary. Students must always check the rules and regulation that may prohibit learners from holding one or more bursaries.
With NSFAS it is even easier because it actually act as a loan.
Do Universities Offer Bursaries?
Indeed, quite a number of South African universities provide their students with bursaries. University bursaries are offered depending on academic performance, the ability to pay fees or talents in areas such as sports or music. Here’s a breakdown of university bursary options:
Merit-based Bursaries: These are given to outstanding performer students; sometimes they are granted based on matric results or university GPA.
Need-based Bursaries: These bursaries are targeted at students with financial difficulties, and often the learner must encircle the proof of financial position.
Sports and Extracurricular Bursaries: In some cases, universities maybe provide bursaries to students on the basis of their performance of sports or leadership positions in their respective districts or societies.
General Bursary Selection Criteria
While bursary requirements in South Africa can have different eligibility criteria, common factors that bursary providers consider include:
Academic Performance: Almost all bursaries have essential entry requirements in regard to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) performance or the performance of the learners while in tertiary institutions.
Financial Need: Some bursaries are more inclined to the most vulnerable students, usually through documents that reveal their income.
Field of Study: Some bursaries are, however, career type oriented in the sense that the areas of study supported are in some way related to the field in which the provider of the bursary operates or is needed in society, such as medicine, engineering or teaching.
Demographics: When applying for equality diversity stakes some bursaries target students from previously deprived areas or groups.
Service Agreement: Particularly those from private companies, some bursaries will want the student to work for them upon completion of their courses and/or before finishing the course, for a number of years.
Tips for Bursary Application In South Africa
- Do Research Early – When looking for bursaries it is advisable to begin the search before the Bursary application deadlines in order to maximize your chances of being successful.
- Do Ensure You Meet the Eligibility Requirements – Never apply to any bursary that you do not qualify for, the field they offer, or the circumstances of your life currently.
- Do Provide Accurate Information – Every piece of data that you input to the system must be accurate affair. If you lie, you are out and your reputation will stink.
- Do Prepare Necessary Documents – Original and photocopies of documents such as academic transcripts, identification card copies, financial statements etc., must be certified and should be in the carry-bags of the students.
- Do Write a Strong Motivation Letter – Some bursaries should be accompanied by a personal statement. State your purpose of writing, why you qualify for bursary, how the bursary will assist you in your studies/ education, and in your career.
- Do Apply to Multiple Bursaries – It’s also important not to be fixated on only one bursary. This means that you increase your chances of getting the grant by applying in several can improve.
- Do Maintain Good Grades – If you are receiving a bursary, it means that the student has certain conditions that he or she has to meet to remain eligible for further funding.
- Do Follow Application Guidelines – This is to ensure that he or she follows the application procedures as directed to the last detail.
- Do Check for Service Agreements – Other students are awarded bursaries on condition such as after graduating, one has to work for some years. Make sure you are ready to meet those obligations before applying.
- Do Meet Deadlines – Employment offers are usually not given to those who have applied for them very late, so do well to look at the available dates and times.
- Prepare For The Interview – after the bursary panel has gone through your application, they may invite you for an interview. Make sure that you start preparing for the bursary interview questions and answer session soon after you get the invitation.
Bursary Requirements – FAQ
Understanding bursary requirements in South Africa can be very tricky. This is because each bursary provider may have their different from others. Below we have listed very common questions that are asked about bursaries:
- Who can apply for a bursary?
The majority of bursaries available in the South Africa are for South African citizens or residents who have the correct academic performance or financial need, and in certain cases the correct field of study. Some bursaries are also given according to the demographic status of the students. - In South Africa how much do bursaries offer?
Bursaries can cover as little as student’s tuition fee or as much as accommodation and other living expenses related to the course. - Is it possible to have two bursaries at once?
Yes you can be in possession of two bursaries if the two allows for this. However, most of the bursaries may offer you a less amount of cash in case you are offered other sources of funding. - Are bursaries awarded to students at universities?
Art is grateful to inform the world that bursaries are available in universities within the South Africa region depending on the academic performance; financial status, or talents in games, music, drama, and other major social activities. - What can happen if the recipient fails to meet the academic requirement while in the receiving of the bursary?
A bursary award may be withdrawn in case of failure to earn required grades in academic year period. It will also be wise for you to know that you may be asked to pay back the bursary amount in case of failure to honor the grant.
Bursary Requirements In South Africa – Final Thoughts
The scholarship can be described as a major financial help in South Africa for students seeking university education. It is important that individuals have some grasp on the requirements for bursaries, who qualifies for it, the unique types of bursaries that are a partial, fixed, or full amount.
At the time of application ensure that you meet the following qualifications before applying, ensure that you meet the following standards to increase your chances of winning the bursary. If pursued correctly, a bursary can be the financial link between a student and his or her dreams. Like we have mentioned, bursary requirements in South Africa may vary depending on which company or organisation is offering financial assistance.