It is very important to know how to spot a bursary scam. Here are the warning signs to watch out for:
1. You are asked for a payment
Legitimate bursaries never require payment. If you are asked to pay a “registration fee”, “processing fee”, “administration fee” or any upfront cost, treat it as an immediate red flag.
2. Generic email addresses
Authentic organisations use official company email domains (for example, @companyname.co.za). If you’re told to submit your application to a Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail address, the bursary is most likely not genuine.
3. Suspicious and incomplete information
Poor spelling, missing contact details, no company website, or vague instructions are all signs that something may be wrong.
4. Something feels off
If anything about the bursary listing seems unusual or too good to be true, trust your instincts.