Here are some tips on everything you need to know about bursaries.
You’ve heard that bursaries can help you with your tertiary studies, but how can they do this and at what cost to you?
The terms ‘bursary’ and ‘scholarship’ are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing! Bursaries are awarded to students based on their background and personal circumstances, and they are non-competitive – unlike scholarships. Most bursaries are awarded by universities if a student meets the requirements, and the student is not always required to apply for them.
Bursaries vs. other funding
How does a bursary compare to other funding options?
Have a look at our comparison table below:
| Â | Awarded based on: | Payment towards: | Repayment? | Competitive |
| Bursaries | Meeting sponsor requirements | ·      Tuition ·      Textbooks ·      Living expenses | Sometimes a form of repayment is required | No |
| Scholarships | Outstanding academic achievement or other sponsor requirements | ·      Tuition ·      Textbooks ·      Living expenses | No | Yes |
| Student Loans | Financial surety | You choose how to spend it | Yes | No |
| Financial Aid | Financial need | ·      Tuition ·      Textbooks ·      Living expenses | Yes | Yes |
| Grants | Strict subject-related requirements (often only at postgraduate level) | ·      Tuition ·      Specific research opportunities ·Conventions/conferences | No | Yes |
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Bursary Terms and Conditions
While a bursary provides an amazing opportunity to fund your education, there are often specific terms that you may need to consider when you are applying for a bursary.
Coverage:
- Often, a bursary will stipulate how you are supposed to spend the funds awarded to you.
- The amount of coverage isn’t always as much as a scholarship, it may only be enough to cover part of your tuition.
Work-back:
- Some sponsors require that you work for them in return for the funding that they provide in your bursary. For example, if you receive a full bursary for 3 years, they may require that you work for them for 3 years after you have graduated.
Bursary Applicaton Requirements
When you apply to your chosen university for a bursary, they will often also use this application as a bursary application. This means that, if you qualify for a university offered bursary, it will automatically be deducted from your fees when you register at your university.
- Requirements for these bursaries often include financial need and academic merit.
Bursaries offered by companies that are external to your university will need to be specifically applied for. Often you can find the application forms on the company website or on popular bursary and scholarship websites.
- Requirements for these bursaries are specifically stipulated by the company, who can assign very specific qualifying factors.
- Be sure to research these bursaries very well to avoid being caught out by any terms and conditions.
How to bursary:
Where can I find a bursary opportunity?
- Look at your university’s funding page
- Search all major bursary and scholarship portals
- Google specific bursaries that you are looking for (i.e. Bursary for BCom Marketing degree)
How do I apply for a bursary?
- Carefully read the information page/brochure for the bursary
- Check whether you meet the requirements for the bursary
- Check the closing dates for the bursary
- Gather all the required documents for the bursary
- Apply directly to the sponsoring company – before the deadline
To get you started:
To help you get started, here’s a list of some of the biggest bursary providing sites in South Africa:
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