How To Write A Motivational Letter For Bursary

Tertiary education is an expensive task, and the majority of South African students require financial assistance to pursue their studies. Often, the only way to fund your further education is to receive a bursary from a respectable organization.

What is a Bursary and Who is Eligible?

A bursary is a form of financial aid that is made available to students who are unable to pay for their education on their own. In South Africa, tertiary education institutes, colleges, universities, and several other organizations and businesses offer bursary grants. They can assist with paying for living expenditures, educational costs, and occasionally school tuition.

Bursaries typically have terms and conditions attached to them. After your graduation, you’ll often be required to work for the company or group that awarded you the bursary for a predetermined amount of time.

To apply for the bursary programme, you are required to fill out an application form. Many organizations may additionally need a cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the position. Writing a motivational letter to the organization granting the bursary is crucial since it has a significant impact on your chances of being awarded the bursary. Although it must be of the highest quality, you shouldn’t let the prospect of writing a letter deter you from submitting your bursary application. Keep in mind that there is never a perfect applicant, and your chances are substantially increased just by applying!

Tips On Writing An Effective Motivational Letter For Bursary

Always bear in mind that the organization will receive a lot of letters from students who are applying for the bursary. You want them to pay attention to and take the spot off. Remember these guidelines:

• Your letter must seem authentic, and it needs to have a conversational, captivating tone. You have to talk about your accomplishments and sell yourself at the same time.
• Give a full and honest account of your financial status, the reasons behind your need for the bursary, and your aspirations and goals.
• The way your letter is written and presented has to be extremely meticulous.  Proofread, proofread, proofread—even one misspelling or typo counts!  Use particular modifiers in place of filler words like “just,” “really,” and “very.” Don’t use long, convoluted sentences; instead, be specific.
• Maintain a formal, professional, and courteous tone without coming across as stiff. Avert slang, familiarity, and excessive “chattiness.” Keep an eye out for any spelling errors.
• Make sure you include all the information asked for, such as your academic records, contact information, personal information, and all documents that are required.
• In your motivation letter, discuss any prior experience you may have had. Just as with a job application, they want to see that the candidate at least has the abilities necessary for the challenge at hand.
• Reassure the organization of your dedication, your professional aspirations, and your determination to fulfill all their demands and expectations.

How To Structure A Bursary Motivational Letter

Although a letter of motivation will vary greatly depending on each student’s unique situation, the following general format works well:

1. The date, your name, and your contact details should be placed in the upper left corner of the application letter. Provide your student number if you are currently enrolled in the course.
2. The name and address of the organization providing the bursary should come next.
3. Next, include a subject line specifying the bursary for which you’re applying.
4. The greeting, may consist of any of the following: Sirs, Dear Sir, Dear Madam, To Whom It May Concern, Dear Mr., Mrs., or Dr., and if you know who will be reading it, the name of that person.
5. The application’s purpose should be stated succinctly and clearly in the first paragraph, for example, “I am applying for the — bursary you offer to help me fund my — degree/certificate/qualification in —.”
6. The following paragraph should provide your educational background: -Academic accomplishments and results.                                                 -If you’re currently enrolled in schooling, tell us about your degree and year.
7. Talk about your personal and career aspirations in the third paragraph, as well as how the bursary will help you finance your education.
8. Just briefly explain your need for the bursary; don’t go into too much detail.
9. Lastly, convey your appreciation and thanks for the chance, as well as your resolve to put in a lot of effort.
10. Please sign the letter with your name and “Yours sincerely.”