Quick Answer: Documents Needed for Bursary Application
Most bursary applications draw on the same core set of documents: who you are, how you are performing academically, where you are studying, and what your household earns. Preparing that set once lets you apply to several schemes without starting again each time.
Individual funders add their own requirements on top, so treat the core set as a starting point rather than a complete list for any particular scheme. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It does not administer or award bursaries, does not accept applications, and is not affiliated with any funder.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for students preparing to apply to one or more bursary schemes.
For what schemes look for, see Bursary Requirements South Africa. For a step-by-step run through, see Bursary Application Checklist.
Eligibility Requirements
Which documents apply depends on the type of scheme you are applying to.
Applicant type
- Means-tested schemes. Household income evidence and parent or guardian documents are normally required.
- Merit-based schemes. Academic evidence carries most of the weight, and income evidence may not be requested at all.
- Field-specific schemes. Proof of registration for the qualifying programme matters, and subject results may be scrutinised.
- Employer or foundation schemes. May require additional forms, references or an interview stage.
Documents You May Need
Prepare clean digital copies of everything below, and check whether certification is required and how recent it must be.
Required proof
- South African identity document, and parent or guardian identity documents where income is assessed.
- Most recent academic results, complete rather than a summary.
- Proof of application, admission or registration at your institution.
- Evidence of household income, appropriate to how that income is earned.
- A motivational letter, where the scheme requires one.
- References or a curriculum vitae, where requested.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Assemble the core set once, scanning each document in full and checking legibility.
Read each scheme requirements and add anything scheme-specific rather than assuming your core set is sufficient.
Keep certification current, since certified copies are often only accepted within a limited period after certification.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
There should be no charge to apply. Certification is normally free at a police station or through a commissioner of oaths, though private providers may charge. Requirements are set by each funder and change between cycles.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Submitting a results summary where a full academic record is required.
- Using certified copies that are older than the scheme accepts.
- Sending the same generic motivational letter to every funder.
- Omitting parent documents on a means-tested scheme.
- Uploading unreadable scans or photographs.
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. Where information here differs from what the funder publishes, follow the funder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need for a bursary application?
Commonly your identity document, academic results, proof of registration or admission, and evidence of household income where the scheme is means tested. A motivational letter is often required. Each funder publishes its own list.
Do bursary documents need to be certified?
Certification is commonly required and is often only accepted if recent. Check each scheme requirement before certifying.
Do I need parent documents?
For means-tested schemes, normally yes. Merit-based schemes may not assess household income at all.
Can I reuse documents across applications?
Largely yes for the core set, but check each scheme for additional requirements and keep certification current.
Where can I confirm what a scheme needs?
Confirm with the organisation administering that bursary.