Bursary letter · Free South African guide
Writing a bursary motivation letter.
Bursary funders want to know what you will study, why, how it connects to their field, and what you will do with it. Financial need may also matter; explain it honestly and briefly.
- What funders look for
- Structure and example paragraphs
- Honest financial-need wording
- Checklist of supporting documents
What to include
- The course and institution you're applying to or studying at.
- Your results and any achievements.
- Why this field, and how it links to the funder's work.
- Your career goal and any work-back commitment you're willing to accept.
- Brief, honest financial circumstances if relevant.
Example paragraph
"I want to study Civil Engineering because the lack of safe roads in my area affects how learners and workers travel every day. Your bursary's focus on infrastructure matches the career I am working towards."
Scam warning
Real employers and government departments never ask you to pay for a job, an interview, training or a 'registration fee' to be shortlisted. If someone asks for money or your banking PIN, walk away and report it.
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