Bursary Interview Questions and Answers To Expect
Mastering bursary interview questions and answers is the first step to a successful career. Passing your bursary interview depends on a number of factors. Your ability to respond to questions you are asked during the interview secures you funding for your studies. These questions are not difficult but the may be asked in a way to trick you. The intention is to test your ability to reflect on your decisions and your actions. You must be able to reflect correctly and avoid misrepresenting information.
If it very common that one question is repeated a number of time during the interview. What the panel often does is to return the question in various stages of the interview. It is very easy for the panel to see if you are not providing correct responses. This guide is designed to help you master bursary interview questions and answer.
This guide also contains sample answers to each question that is likely to be asked by the interview panel.
What to Expect In A Bursary Interview Questions and Answers Session
A bursary interview is typically a set of questions put together to formulate a picture about the candidate. The questions are designed to assess your character, financial need, academic performance and your future goals. The panel is meeting you for the first time in person which comes after they have examined your application.
You get a call to come for the bursary interview because the panel is impressed by your application. Your bursary motivational letter must have been very catchy. Now, they want to know you better or get clarify about something they may have picked up during your application assessment. We are going to discuss different sections or parts of the interview to help you start preparing much earlier.
The panel will ask you questions about your background, motivations, career plans, and why you need financial assistance.
Common Bursary Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell Us About Yourself
No interview does not have this question. You must understand that the panel is offering you a flexible opportunity to discuss your background, achievements, and personal qualities. Your answer must be very precise and focused and relevant to your academic journey and ambitions.
Sample Answer
“I am currently a second-year student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cape Town. My passion for engineering started during high school, where I excelled in science and mathematics. I am motivated to use my skills to develop sustainable solutions in the energy sector. This bursary will afford me the opportunity continue with my studies without financial stress.”
2. Why Did You Apply for This Bursary?
Here the bursary panel wants to understand your financial situation and assess the level of need. They want to know how the bursary will help you to focus or improve your performance. Will it increase your chances to complete your studies with exceptional results?
Sample Answer:
“I am lucky to be the first person in my family to university. Financing my studies has always been challenging. My household income is low and this poses a risk to me completing my engineering studies. Being awarded this bursary would enable me to focus on my studies fully and achieve my career goals without putting extra financial strain on my family.”
3. What Are Your Career Goals?
This question is included to test your ambition and how it aligns with the field of studies supported by the bursary.
Sample Answer:
“I have always dreamt of working as a civil engineer specializing in sustainable infrastructure development. I want to contribute in projects that benefit underprivileged communities. My main interest is in projects solving water and energy shortages. This bursary would be instrumental in helping me develop the skills necessary to achieve this goal.”
4. Why Did You Choose Engineering Studies?
Here, you need to convey convincing interest and commitment to the engineering field that you have chosen. Remember we are using this field as an example of how the question might be phrased
Sample Answer:
“I have always been passionate about protection and preservation of our environment and that is why I chose Environmental Science. Geography has always been my top high school subject when it comes to performance and that ignited my interest in environment related studies. I want to make a difference through this qualification. I believe my studies enable me to help address the environmental challenges South Africa faces.”
5. How Will You Use Your Qualification To Contribute To The Company?
The panel is trying dig out of you some assurance that their investment in your studies will lead to some form of return.
Sample Answer:
“If my bursary application is successful, I would be eager to contribute by volunteering in any outreach projects that the company is running. My desire is to contribute meaningfully to change. I believe that aligning my future goals with the values of your organization would be the perfect way to achieve this.”
12 Common Bursary Interview Questions and Answers PDF
Below is a PDF version of bursary interview questions together with answers that you can download for your perusal as you prepare. It helps to practise and ask a friend to help you by asking you questions and you provide answers.
DOWNLOAD BURSARY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PDF
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