Grads24 is one of leading bursaries websites, designed to provide detailed information about funding opportunities in South Africa. The intention is to help students who are looking for financial support to complete their qualifications. Its layout allows students to easy find bursaries by categories, that are aligned to different study fields.
This article is going to discuss steps that bursary applicants must follow when submitting their funding requests. It is a bursary application guide aimed at increasing your chances of your application success. All South African bursaries have become very competitive, it is crucial that your application stands out.
Key Steps On How To Apply for Bursaries In South Africa
Applying for a bursary can be very stressful, especially with strict requirements and deadlines. This guide simplifies the process, helping South African students successfully apply for bursaries in 2024 and beyond.”Our step-by-step bursary application guide suggests different stages that you must understand and follow when you apply for any bursary.
Step 1: Research Bursary Opportunities
There are different approaches you can use to identify a bursary suitable for your needs. In most cases, your qualification of choice is the first thing that should guide you. Your research must focus on finding a list of bursaries under your fields of study.
For an example, a student doing a B.Sc in Chemical Engineering must first look for engineering bursaries. This is one of leading bursaries category in South Africa. Bursaries platforms often group all bursaries under engineering in one group or category. It includes bursaries for chemical, electrical, mining, mechanical engineering, and more.
There are many platforms like Grads24, with a mission to help South African students who are looking for funding. Other than these online platforms, students already at University can visit notice boards for bursaries notices. Some universities have an office dedicated to student funding which can also be very helpful.
Step 2: Compile Required Documentation
Organisations offering bursaries in South Africa do so through their human resources offices. There are instances where the bursary office gets created when applications open. It acts as a dedicated HR office that handles all applications. It is the same office that establishes a list of requirements for eligibility purposes. The bursary application process is designed to gather all necessary information about each bursary applicant.
Documents are required by the HR office assess your bursary application. They act as official certification of details that you provide and this is why they must be certified. Below is the list of common documents that are often required to accompany your application:
- Certified copy of ID,
- Proof of residence,
- Academic transcripts or latest results,
- Motivational letter,
- Reference letters,
- Parent/guardian proof of income
The list may vary from bursary to bursary. Other bursaries need documents like curriculum vitae, payslips or even parents’ or guardians’ bank statement. Make sure that all documents that you submit are certified and are not older than 3 months.
Step 3: Write A Motivational Letter
A bursary application with an impressive motivational always stands a better chance of winning. This is because it provides you with the opportunity to sell yourself to the bursary provider. It must have sections that make it easier for the person reading it to create a picture about the applicant.
Next are some of the sections that must be included in your motivational letter:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and discuss your career goals.
- Middle section: Explain why you believe that you deserve the bursary (e.g., financial need, academic excellence, passion for your field).
- Conclusion: Reiterate your commitment and gratitude.
At Grads24, we have published an example of a bursary motivational letter (.PDF) that you can download to help you prepare.
Step 4: Complete Your Bursary Application Form
Once you have gathered all required document, you must now complete the application form. This is a very important part of the bursary application process. The bursary provider will not be able to profile you without a correctly completed form.
Having helped many students with bursary applications, we have seen common mistakes people make when completing a bursary form. Below are some of the mistakes you must avoid:
- Missing information – submitting an application with missing information will definitely disqualify you. This is because all sections included in the form carry information that is used to create your file. Without it, your application will not be considered.
- Late submission – most bursaries publish the closing date for applications. If you miss this date, your application will not be considered.
- Incorrect Details – providing wrong information is considered as misleading. No bursary provider will take you serious if your application form contains wrong or unverified information.
- Omitting Required Documents – all documents listed by the bursary provider as required must be included in your application. Do not leave out any of them.
- Submitting Uncertified Documents – to avoid forgery, all documents you submit must be certified. Certifying your documents means that they have been verified by a commissioner of oath.
Step 5 – Submit Your Application
The final step when you apply for a bursary is to submit your complete application. This must happen before the closing date of the bursary in question. No bursary provider will consider your application if it comes in late. In some organisations, the office assigned for receiving applications closes down. Grads24 always emphasizes that students must always check the deadline and refrain from waiting until it is late.
Conclusion
All bursary applicants aim for a positive response from bursary providers, which can be life changing. The application process can be very tiring and competitive. Your application must stand out if you want to be a winner. This is why we put together this step-by-step bursary application guide to help you win.
Some bursary provider will invite you for a one-on-one interview session. This normally happens when you have been pre-selected for the bursary. It is important that you come prepared.