Meet the eligibility criteria

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 56 views

Securing a Brighter Future: Four Ways High School Learners Can Increase Their Chances of Obtaining a Bursary for Tertiary Education

As high school learners approach the end of their academic journey, many are faced with the daunting task of securing funding for their tertiary education. Bursaries can be a lifeline for students from low-income backgrounds, providing them with the financial support they need to pursue their dreams. However, the competition for bursaries can be fierce, and students must be proactive in order to increase their chances of success. In this article, we will explore four ways in which high school learners can ensure they are more likely to obtain a bursary for tertiary education.

1. Maintain a High Academic Performance

Maintaining a high academic performance is one of the most critical factors in securing a bursary for tertiary education. Academic excellence is often a key requirement for bursary applications, and students who excel in their studies are more likely to be considered for funding. To maintain a high academic performance, students should:

Set clear goals for themselves, both academically and personally
Develop a study routine that allows them to stay on top of their schoolwork
Seek help from teachers and classmates when needed
Stay organized and manage their time effectively

By maintaining a high academic performance, students demonstrate their commitment to their education and their potential for success in tertiary studies. This, in turn, makes them more attractive to bursary providers who are looking for students who are likely to make the most of their funding.

2. Participate in Extracurricular Activities

Participating in extracurricular activities is another way in which high school learners can increase their chances of securing a bursary for tertiary education. Extracurricular activities provide students with the opportunity to develop new skills, build their confidence, and demonstrate their commitment to their community. Some examples of extracurricular activities that students may consider include:

Sports teams: Joining a school sports team can help students develop their physical skills, build their teamwork and communication skills, and demonstrate their commitment to their health and well-being.
Clubs and societies: Joining a school club or society can help students develop their interests and passions, build their leadership skills, and demonstrate their commitment to their community.
Volunteer work: Volunteering for a local charity or community organization can help students develop their empathy and compassion, build their leadership skills, and demonstrate their commitment to their community.

By participating in extracurricular activities, students can demonstrate their well-roundedness and their potential for success in tertiary studies. This, in turn, makes them more attractive to bursary providers who are looking for students who are likely to make the most of their funding.

3. Seek Out and Apply for Available Bursaries

Seeking out and applying for available bursaries is a crucial step in securing funding for tertiary education. Bursaries are a type of financial aid that is provided by organizations, governments, and individuals to support students who are pursuing their tertiary education. To increase their chances of securing a bursary, students should:

Research available bursaries and their eligibility criteria
Meet the eligibility criteria for each bursary
Submit a strong application that highlights their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities
Follow up with the bursary provider to ensure that their application is being processed

By seeking out and applying for available bursaries, students can increase their chances of securing funding for their tertiary education. This, in turn, can help them to achieve their academic and personal goals.

4. Build a Strong Personal Profile

Building a strong personal profile is another way in which high school learners can increase their chances of securing a bursary for tertiary education. A strong personal profile is one that highlights a student's academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. To build a strong personal profile, students should:

Develop a personal statement that highlights their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities
Create a strong resume that highlights their skills and experiences
Build a strong online presence by creating a professional social media profile and a personal website or blog
Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, and peers to help them improve their personal profile

By building a strong personal profile, students can demonstrate their potential for success in tertiary studies and make themselves more attractive to bursary providers.

Conclusion

Securing a bursary for tertiary education can be a challenging and competitive process, but by maintaining a high academic performance, participating in extracurricular activities, seeking out and applying for available bursaries, and building a strong personal profile, high school learners can increase their chances of success. By following these four strategies, students can demonstrate their commitment to their education and their potential for success in tertiary studies, making them more attractive to bursary providers who are looking for students who are likely to make the most of their funding.
Frequently Asked Questions: Securing a Bursary for Tertiary Education

As high school learners approach the end of their academic journey, many are faced with the daunting task of securing funding for their tertiary education. Bursaries can be a lifeline for students from low-income backgrounds, providing them with the financial support they need to pursue their dreams. However, the competition for bursaries can be fierce, and students must be proactive in order to increase their chances of success. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about securing a bursary for tertiary education.

Q: What is a bursary, and how does it differ from a scholarship?

A: A bursary is a type of financial aid that is provided by organizations, governments, and individuals to support students who are pursuing their tertiary education. A bursary is typically awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, while a scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence or other specific criteria.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for a bursary?

A: The eligibility criteria for a bursary can vary depending on the provider and the specific bursary. However, common eligibility criteria include:

Academic performance: Students must meet the minimum academic requirements for the bursary.
Financial need: Students must demonstrate financial need in order to be eligible for the bursary.
Citizenship: Students must be citizens of the country in which they are applying for the bursary.
Age: Students must be of a certain age in order to be eligible for the bursary.

Q: How do I apply for a bursary?

A: To apply for a bursary, students should:

Research available bursaries and their eligibility criteria
Meet the eligibility criteria for each bursary
Submit a strong application that highlights their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities
Follow up with the bursary provider to ensure that their application is being processed

Q: What are the benefits of a bursary?

A: The benefits of a bursary include:

Financial support: Bursaries provide students with the financial support they need to pursue their tertiary education.
Reduced debt: Bursaries can help students reduce their debt by providing them with a source of funding that does not need to be repaid.
Increased opportunities: Bursaries can provide students with increased opportunities for education and career advancement.

Q: How do I increase my chances of securing a bursary?

A: To increase your chances of securing a bursary, students should:

Maintain a high academic performance
Participate in extracurricular activities
Seek out and apply for available bursaries
Build a strong personal profile

Q: What are the most common types of bursaries?

A: The most common types of bursaries include:

Merit-based bursaries: These bursaries are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence or other specific criteria.
Need-based bursaries: These bursaries are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
Government bursaries: These bursaries are provided by governments to support students who are pursuing their tertiary education.

Q: How do I stay organized and manage my time effectively while applying for a bursary?

A: To stay organized and manage your time effectively while applying for a bursary, students should:

Create a timeline for their application process
Prioritize their tasks and focus on the most important ones first
Use a planner or calendar to keep track of deadlines and appointments
Seek help from teachers, mentors, or peers if needed

Q: What are the most common mistakes students make when applying for a bursary?

A: The most common mistakes students make when applying for a bursary include:

Not meeting the eligibility criteria
Not submitting a strong application
Not following up with the bursary provider
Not seeking help when needed

By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits of a bursary, students can increase their chances of securing funding for their tertiary education. Additionally, by staying organized and managing their time effectively, students can avoid common mistakes and ensure a successful application process.