General Requirements To Get a Bursary in South Africa
Tuition fees, living expenses, textbooks, reading materials, and other academic resources, the list is endless.
Every university student knows how expensive it is to fund their education, and it is even worse for students who come from struggling families.
If you are a tertiary student who needs help with your fees and living expenses, applying for a bursary is a good call.
This article will explain bursaries better to you and help you figure out which bursaries you may qualify for.
How do bursaries work in South Africa?
Bursaries are financial aids provided to students to cover a portion of their tertiary education expenses.
Bursaries are not like loans, the providers do not expect you to pay them back. This makes them a truly valuable resource for students facing financial constraints.
Bursaries can cover various costs, including tuition fees, accommodation, books and materials, and even living expenses.
How a bursary works depends on the provider and their organizational rules.
Some bursaries offer a fixed annual amount, while others may provide support based on your academic performance or financial need.
General Requirements To Get a Bursary in South Africa
While specific requirements vary between bursaries, some criteria that generally applies to all of them are:
1. South African Citizenship or Permanent Residency: This is a common requirement for most bursaries.
2. Academic Merit: Bursaries often reward high academic achievers. Some may require minimum average percentages in Matric or university results, or strong performance in specific subjects relevant to the field of study.
3. Financial Need: Proof of financial hardship is usually required. This may involve submitting parents’ income statements, proof of unemployment, or other documentation proving your need.
4. Field of Study: Many bursaries focus on specific fields, such as engineering, medicine, business, or STEM subjects. Some may even prioritize students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing those fields.
5. Age: While age restrictions are uncommon, some bursaries may target specific age groups, like high school graduates or postgraduate students.
6. Some bursaries may have other requirements, such as community service involvement, essays, interviews, or belonging to a specific demographic group.
How much do bursaries pay in South Africa?
The amount a bursary pays varies greatly depending on the provider, field of study, and the level of education (undergraduate, postgraduate).
Some bursaries may only cover tuition fees, while others may offer full financial support covering all study-related expenses and even living costs.
Here’s a general range of bursary amounts in South Africa:
- Partial coverage: R10,000 – R30,000 per year
- Full tuition coverage: R40,000 – R80,000 per year
- Comprehensive coverage: R80,000 – R120,000 per year or more
It’s important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual amount you receive will depend on the bursary you apply for.