How to Write a Winning Motivation Letter for a Bursary Application: A Sample Template is Included
How to Write a Winning Motivation Letter for a Bursary Application
In South Africa, the cost of higher education can be a significant barrier to achieving your dreams. Whether you are eyeing a NSFAS grant, a corporate bursary from companies like Investec or Sasol, or a private foundation award, the competition is fierce.
While your academic results get you through the door, your motivation letter is what convinces the panel to let you in. It’s your chance to tell your story beyond the grades.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to craft a letter that stands out in the South African context.
1. Understand the “Why” Before You Write
Bursary providers aren’t just looking for “smart” students; they are looking for investments. They want to know that their money will result in a graduate who contributes to the South African economy and their specific industry.
Before writing, ask yourself:
- What is this organization’s mission? (e.g., Do they focus on community upliftment or technical innovation?)
- How do my career goals align with their business?
- What unique challenges have I overcome?
2. The Winning Structure
A professional motivation letter should be one page long (about 400–600 words) and follow a logical flow:
The Header & Salutation
Use a formal business letter format. Address the letter to a specific person if possible (e.g., “Dear Mr. Khumalo” or “To the Bursary Selection Committee”). Avoid “To whom it may concern” if you can find a name.
The Hook (Introduction)
State clearly which bursary you are applying for and why you are passionate about your chosen field.
- Example: “As a Grade 12 learner at Silverton High, I have witnessed the impact of sustainable engineering on township infrastructure. This has fueled my ambition to pursue a BSc in Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town.”
The “Evidence” (Body Paragraphs)
Don’t just say you are hard-working; prove it.
- Academic Merit: Mention specific achievements or subjects you excel in.
- Financial Need: In South Africa, this is crucial. Be honest but professional about your household’s financial situation without sounding “pitiful.” Focus on the gap between your potential and your resources.
- Leadership & Community: Mention volunteer work, sports captaincy, or church involvement. This shows you are a well-rounded citizen.
The “Future” (Conclusion)
Explain how you will give back. Will you work in rural areas? Will you mentor others? Show them the “Return on Investment.”
3. Localization: Tips for South African Students
To make your letter resonate with local panels, keep these “Mzansi-specific” tips in mind:
| Do | Don’t |
| Mention “The Gap”: Explain how this bursary bridges the gap for a first-generation student. | Exaggerate: Be truthful about your circumstances; panels often do background checks. |
| Align with Scarce Skills: Reference how your degree fills a “Scarce Skill” as identified by the Department of Higher Education. | Use Slang: Keep the tone formal. Avoid “sharp,” “bra,” or “hectic.” |
| Proofread: South African English follows UK spelling (e.g., “Organise” not “Organize”). | Copy-Paste: Don’t use a generic template. Panels can spot a “copy-paste” job from a mile away. |
4. Checklist for a Polished Final Draft
Before you hit “send” or “upload,” run through this checklist:
- Is it personalized? Did I mention the company/organization by name?
- Is the grammar correct? Use tools like Grammarly or ask a teacher to review it.
- Is it concise? Did I remove “fluff” and get straight to the point?
- Are my contact details correct? Ensure your phone number and email address are professional and active.
Sample Template of a winning motivation letter
This template focuses on the “Scarce Skills” narrative, which is highly effective for corporate and government bursaries in South Africa.
Bursary Motivation Letter Template
[Your Full Name] [Your Address] [Your City, Postal Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Professional Email Address]
[Date]
[The Bursary Manager’s Name (if known)] [Name of the Organization/Company] [Organization Address]
RE: Application for the [Name of the Bursary] – [Your Full Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms. Surname or Selection Committee],
I am writing to formally express my interest in the [Name of Bursary] for the 2026 academic year. As an aspiring [Name of Degree, e.g., Chartered Accountant / Mechanical Engineer], I have followed [Company Name]’s contributions to [Industry/South African Economy] with great admiration, and I am eager to align my academic journey with your organization’s vision.
Currently, I am a [Grade 12 Learner / First Year Student] at [Name of School/University], maintaining a [Your Average %] average. My passion for [Your Field] stems from [Briefly mention a personal “why” – e.g., a specific project, a community need, or a childhood dream]. In a country where [mention a local challenge related to your field, e.g., infrastructure development or financial literacy] is a priority, I am determined to use my skills to contribute to the National Development Plan.
Despite my academic success, my pursuit of higher education faces a significant financial hurdle. My household income is [mention your situation briefly, e.g., dependent on a single income / limited by recent retrenchments], which makes the full cost of tuition, accommodation, and textbooks inaccessible without external support. Receiving this bursary would not only alleviate this financial burden but would allow me to focus entirely on my studies and maintain the high academic standard I have set for myself.
Beyond academics, I believe in well-rounded excellence. I have been involved in [mention one leadership role or volunteer activity, e.g., the school prefect body or a local soup kitchen], which has taught me the importance of resilience and service—values I know [Company Name] holds in high regard.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its reputation for [mention something specific about the company, e.g., its mentorship program or its commitment to renewable energy]. I am not just looking for financial aid; I am looking for a professional home where I can grow and eventually add value to your team during my work-back period.
Thank you for your time and for considering my application. I have attached my latest academic transcripts and supporting documents for your review. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my aspirations with you in an interview.
Yours faithfully,
(Signature)
[Your Printed Full Name]
Pro-Tips for Using This Template:
- The “Work-Back” Clause: Many South African bursaries (like those from mining or banking sectors) require you to work for them after graduating. The paragraph about a “professional home” shows you are ready and willing to do this.
- The “Why Them”: Don’t skip the part about why you like that specific company. It shows you did your research and didn’t just “copy-paste” to ten different places.
- PDF is King: Always save and send your final letter as a PDF. This ensures the formatting stays neat regardless of what device the recruiter uses to open it.
Final Thoughts
A winning motivation letter is a blend of ambition, humility, and clear direction. You aren’t asking for a “handout” you are offering a partnership. Show them that by funding your education, they are funding a brighter future for South Africa.
