What is a bursary?
The standard definition of a bursary is any funding granted to a person to assist them to study. So basically it is financial aid given to students who are unable to pay the full amount of fees for whatever they are studying. Bursaries are usually given to students by places such as a university, school or business. They are there to provide financial relief to those who, despite having the right stuff are not able to reach their full potential because they don't have the money to pay for their schooling.
What can you get a bursary for?
In a nutshell, bursaries are there to allow you to study. So you can get a bursary for almost anything you want to study (almost!) but the various organisations that provide the bursaries will decide on the level of funding, as well as which job sectors they cover.
Who can get a bursary?
When you apply for a bursary, the university or other type of organisation will have certain requirements that need to be met. These vary from how well you did at school, what you want to study, your background and so forth.
It is important to note the difference between a bursary and a scholarship. While bursaries are given to students based on their financial status (although other factors are taken into consideration), scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement.
Is it difficult to get a bursary?
Unfortunately, you are not Harry and this is not Hogwarts. There are many deserving students and only a limited number of bursaries available. And as your mother always said: money doesn't grow on trees. So it is important to make sure you make a good case as to why you deserve the bursary. Providing them with as many details as possible will help the applications committee make an informed decision. You like you, so you need to make sure they like you too!
Can you lose a bursary?
Bursaries have initial requirements but most have ongoing ones, too. Things like class attendance, how well you do in exams and even how you act and your moral character can affect your bursary. Organisations may review bursaries on a yearly basis to ensure their money is being put to good use (and no, shopping at Louis Vuitton for the perfect pair of pants for your next lecture does not count!).
Being granted a bursary is a gateway to many opportunities and should never be taken lightly. Should you receive one, be sure to do your utmost to always be deserving of it. There are others less fortunate than you.
If you would like to know what bursaries are available now visit the Bursaries Portal here.
