Reasons why learners may struggle to apply for bursaries

Earning a bursary in South Africa can help you realize your academic dreams. It totally reduces your financial burden and allows you to focus on excelling in your studies.

But let’s face it, the journey to securing that bursary isn’t always a smooth one. In fact, many learners struggle just to get their applications submitted.

So, why is it so hard to secure a bursary? And what are the common obstacles that prevent learners from finishing the application process?

This article will teach you all you need to know about bursary challenges and how to overcome them.

Why is it hard to get bursaries?

Bursaries are highly competitive. With many talented learners applying for a limited number of funding opportunities, the odds of you winning can be very poor.

But don’t let that discourage you. Understanding the competition is the first step to overcoming it.

Also, the eligibility criteria can be quite specific. Bursaries often target some specific fields of study, academic achievements, or financial backgrounds.

This means that even if you’re a fantastic student, you might not fit the specific requirements of every bursary you come across.

Finally, the application process itself can be difficult. Filling out lengthy forms, gathering documents, and writing essays can be overwhelming.

It’s no surprise that many learners get worn out by the amount of paperwork and miss their deadlines or even quit.

Why learners struggle to apply for bursaries

Now, let’s find out the factors that can make applying for bursaries a struggle for some learners. Here are some common ones:

• Lack of awareness: Many students simply aren’t aware of the many bursary opportunities available. They might depend only on word-of-mouth or school announcements instead of doing their own research.
• Procrastination: We’ve all been there, the deadline drawing closer while the application remains untouched. Bursary applications often require a lot of effort and time, and sometimes, this causes us to put off until the last minute.
• Self-doubt: Sometimes, you might think you’re not “good enough” for a prestigious bursary, this can cause you to shy away from even applying. Remember, you deserve to go after your dreams, and confidence is key.
• Limited resources: Access to computers, internet, and printing facilities can be a major challenge for some students. Without these resources, completing and submitting online applications becomes impossible.
• Lack of support: Searching for bursaries can be confusing, especially for students who might not have family or friends with experience in the process. Having a guide or mentor can provide great support and direction.

How to ensure that you are more likely to obtain a bursary

So, how do you turn the tables and increase your chances of winning your bursary? Here are some tips you may find helpful:

• Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Research bursaries well in advance, set deadlines for yourself, and plan out your application process.
• Cast a wide net: Don’t limit yourself to only a few bursaries. Research and apply to as many as you qualify for to increase your chances of success.
• Read the fine print: Carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and meet all the deadlines.
• Seek help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from teachers, career counselors, or bursary organizations. They can provide guidance and support throughout the process.
• Polish your application: Proofread your essays and ensure everything is clear, concise, and error-free.
• Stay motivated: Remember why you’re applying for a bursary. Keep your goals in mind and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.

If you understand the challenges involved and adopt these strategies I’ve provided, you can make the bursary application process so much easier for yourself.

Remember that every successful bursary recipient was once a simple learner facing similar troubles as you. All you need to do is calm down and take the process one step at a time.