Quick Answer: Bursary Proof of Income Requirements
Where a bursary is means tested, you will be asked to evidence household income. Unlike national student aid, there is no single standard: each funder decides whose income counts, what evidence it accepts and what period that evidence must cover.
That makes it important to read each scheme requirements rather than reusing an assumption from another application. The evidence types themselves, however, are broadly consistent. 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 to means-tested bursary schemes.
Not every bursary assesses income. Merit-based schemes may not ask for it at all. For the national scheme equivalent, see NSFAS Proof of Income Requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Match the evidence to how each household member earns, and check whose income the scheme actually assesses, since this varies more between bursaries than people expect.
Applicant type
- Formal employment. Payslips or an employer letter confirming earnings.
- Self-employment or business income. Financial statements or an accountant letter, depending on what the funder accepts.
- Informal or irregular income. Normally an affidavit describing the income, where no formal record exists.
- Social grants. Proof of the grant.
- No income. An affidavit confirming unemployment, rather than leaving the section blank.
- Pension income. Evidence of the pension payment.
Documents You May Need
Check the period the funder requires and whether certification is needed before you gather anything.
Required proof
- Payslips covering the period the funder specifies.
- An employer letter on letterhead where payslips are unavailable.
- Business financial evidence for self-employed household members.
- Proof of grant receipt where applicable.
- An affidavit where income is informal, irregular or absent.
- Identity documents for the household members whose income is assessed.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Read the scheme requirements to establish whose income is assessed and what evidence is accepted, since this differs by funder.
Gather evidence for each relevant person separately, matched to their income type.
Check the period covered and any certification requirement before submitting.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
There should be no charge to apply or submit evidence. Certification and commissioning of affidavits are normally free at a police station. Required periods and accepted evidence are set by each funder and can change between cycles.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Assuming a funder assesses income the same way national student aid does.
- Supplying evidence for one parent where both are assessed.
- Using payslips outside the period the funder requires.
- Leaving an unemployed household member undocumented instead of supplying an affidavit.
- Submitting bank statements where earnings evidence is specified.
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 counts as proof of income for a bursary?
It depends on the income type and on what the funder accepts. Payslips or an employer letter for employment, business evidence for self-employment, proof of grant receipt, or an affidavit where income is informal or absent.
Whose income do bursaries assess?
This varies by scheme. Many assess parent or guardian income, some assess the household more broadly, and merit-based schemes may not assess income at all.
How recent must income evidence be?
Funders set their own required period. Check before gathering documents rather than assuming a standard.
What if a parent has no income?
An affidavit confirming the position is normally required. See Bursary Affidavit Requirements.
Where can I confirm what is accepted?
Confirm with the organisation administering the bursary.