Quick Answer: Bursary Motivational Letter Requirements
A motivational letter explains why you are applying, why the funder should support you, and what you intend to do with the qualification. Where many applicants meet the academic criteria, it is often what separates them.
It should be specific to you and to that funder. Generic letters read as generic, and funders reading hundreds of applications notice immediately. 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 applicants writing a motivation for a bursary application.
Some schemes provide a form with set questions instead of asking for a free-form letter. Where they do, answer the questions asked rather than pasting in a general letter.
Eligibility Requirements
Most letters are expected to cover the same ground, whatever the scheme.
Applicant type
- Who you are. Your name, what you are studying or intend to study, and where.
- Why this field. A specific reason rather than a general statement of interest.
- Why you need support. Your financial circumstances, stated plainly and consistently with the evidence you have supplied.
- Why this funder. Something that connects your goals to what the scheme exists to support.
- What you will do with it. Your intentions after qualifying, including any willingness to meet service conditions.
- Your record. Achievements or circumstances that give context to your results.
Documents You May Need
The letter accompanies the application rather than standing alone, and should be consistent with everything else you submit.
Required proof
- The letter itself, signed and dated where required.
- Any form the funder provides in place of a free-form letter.
- Supporting evidence for anything factual you assert in it.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Write one strong base letter covering the points above, in your own words.
Adapt it for each funder, changing the section on why this scheme rather than only the name at the top.
Check it against your other documents so nothing contradicts your income evidence or academic record, then have someone else read it for errors.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
There is no cost. Length and format expectations are set by each funder, and some specify a word limit or a form. Check before writing rather than after.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Sending the same letter to every funder with only the name changed.
- Overstating hardship in a way that conflicts with the income evidence submitted.
- Writing at length without answering why this funder should support you.
- Ignoring a specified word limit or a form the funder requires.
- Submitting without proofreading, which is easily avoided and easily noticed.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Confirm criteria, closing dates and required documents directly with the organisation administering the bursary, since each funder sets its own. The Official Requirements Sources South Africa page links to national bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a bursary motivational letter include?
Who you are, what and where you are studying, why that field, why you need support, why this funder, and what you intend to do after qualifying.
How long should it be?
Follow any limit the funder sets. Where none is given, one page covering the points clearly is generally enough.
Should I use the same letter for every application?
No. Use a common base but tailor each one, particularly the part about why that specific funder.
Should I mention financial hardship?
Yes where the scheme is means tested, stated plainly and consistently with your income evidence. Avoid overstating it.
Where can I confirm the requirements?
Confirm with the organisation administering the bursary, since some provide a set form instead.