Quick Answer: Bursary Academic Record Requirements
Academic evidence is the part of a bursary application that most influences whether you are shortlisted, particularly for merit-based and competitive schemes. Funders normally want a complete record rather than a summary of your best results.
What counts as your academic record depends on where you are in your studies: school results for school leavers, university transcripts for current students, and a degree certificate plus transcript for postgraduate applicants. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It does not administer or award bursaries and is not affiliated with any funder.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for anyone assembling academic evidence for a bursary application.
For the full document set, see Documents Needed for Bursary Application.
Eligibility Requirements
Which record applies depends on your stage of study, and funders are specific about this.
Applicant type
- School leavers. Final or most recent school results, showing all subjects rather than selected ones.
- Current university students. A full academic transcript covering all completed modules, including failures where they appear on the record.
- TVET students. Results for completed levels or semesters as issued by the college.
- Postgraduate applicants. Degree certificate together with the full undergraduate transcript.
- Applicants with incomplete years. Records showing the position honestly, with an explanation where circumstances affected results.
Documents You May Need
Funders generally want official records rather than screenshots of a student portal, and may require certification.
Required proof
- Official results or transcript issued by the school, college or university.
- Degree certificate where a qualification has been completed.
- Certified copies where the scheme requires them.
- A statement of results where a formal transcript is not yet available.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Request an official transcript from your institution early, since issuing can take time and may carry a fee.
Check whether the funder wants a full record or only the most recent period, and supply it complete rather than edited.
Have copies certified if required, and check how recent the certification must be.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
Institutions may charge for issuing formal transcripts or certified academic records, and processing takes time. Requirements are set by each funder and can change between cycles.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Submitting a portal screenshot where an official record is required.
- Supplying only the results that look strongest.
- Leaving a failed module unexplained where circumstances affected it.
- Requesting a transcript too close to the closing date.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Confirm what evidence is accepted directly with the organisation administering the bursary, since each funder sets its own rules. The Official Requirements Sources South Africa page links to national bodies. Where information here differs from what the funder publishes, follow the funder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What academic record does a bursary need?
Normally an official, complete record appropriate to your stage of study: school results, a university transcript, or a degree certificate with transcript for postgraduate applicants.
Can I submit a screenshot of my results?
Generally no. Funders normally require an official record issued by the institution, and often a certified copy.
Do I have to include failed modules?
A complete transcript will show them. Editing a record is a serious problem, so include it in full and explain any circumstances where relevant.
How long does a transcript take to obtain?
It varies by institution and can take time, particularly at busy periods. Request it well before the closing date.
Where can I confirm the requirement?
Confirm with the organisation administering the bursary.