Looking for a guide on How to Write a Letter of Application for a Bursary? Read this article to know more
Bursaries are a unique type of financial aid created to assist students who cannot pay their tuition and fees in full. It resembles a scholarship in certain ways, but usually includes a work agreement that serves as a means of payback. You must learn how to write a bursary application letter if you intend to apply for this kind of assistance in the future. The explanation is provided in the guide below.
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What Is a Bursary?
A bursary is a financial grant given to students to help with their tuition costs. In most circumstances, the bursary has a time limit in which the recipient must work for the institution that awarded it. As an illustration, a bursary that pays out money for a year can compel the recipient to labor for another year either while earning their degree or after it.
Bursaries are typically provided by schools or universities; however, they can also be provided by unaffiliated groups. Each bursary issuer has a different bursary structure, and they can be customized to match particular circumstances.
Is a Bursary a Scholarship?
No and yes. Bursaries are comparable to scholarships in that they do not require financial repayment. However, because most bursaries impose a job obligation on recipients, the volunteer hours could be viewed as “repayment.” The bursary then resembles a loan rather than a scholarship. But these are all technicalities. You can pursue bursaries to assist you in paying for college as long as you are aware that they are realistic financial aid choices.
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Bursary vs. Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs and bursary programs are comparable and frequently used interchangeably. In a work-study program, students perform work-related duties for a business or institution in exchange for financial help. The student can work to cover the semester’s costs while continuing to attend class without incident. Depending on the specifics of the contract, with a bursary, the job may be finished either after graduation or after the aid has been disbursed. However, not all bursaries are work-study programs.
The bursary applicant’s introduction is conveyed in the application letter. This is a time for you to discuss your need for financial aid and how it will benefit you academically and professionally. Consider this to be a brief summary of your qualifications, objectives, and recent successes—a cover letter for a CV. A well-written bursary application letter could help your application stand out from the crowd.
How to Write a Bursary Application Letter
- In the top left corner of the application letter, write the address of the organization issuing the bursary. Along with your name and contact details, you may also mention the application date.
- The salutation “Dear Sir or Madam,” “To whom it may concern” or “Dear [Name of specific applicant reader, if known]” are acceptable salutations.
- Briefly describe the application’s purpose in the first paragraph. This should just be two to three words long, and the thesis statement should be clear: “I am applying for the XX bursary program to help fund my pursuit of YYY degree in year” (or something similar).
- The following sentence should describe your educational background, including your current degree, individual accomplishments, and ambitions for further education, such as a doctoral degree. Given that the bursary issuers would receive many comparable applications, this section should likewise be kept to a maximum of three phrases. Finish the point, then continue.
- The third paragraph should outline your future job goals and how they relate to your schooling and degree. This section, which reflects your individual objectives, may be longer than the previous one. Describe how the scholarship will help you pay for your degree and how you intend to use the money. You can add a sentence or two describing the events that brought to your financial need, such as a difficult time in your family, but try not to dwell too much on them. Plans for future success should take precedence over stories of previous adversity.
- Use as little words as possible to say as much as you can. Numerous applications will be skimmed by the review committee, so you need to do everything in your power to get their attention right away.
- Do not use auxiliary verbs like extremely, very, or just. Replace them with focused modifiers that succinctly and clearly express your ideas.
- Personalize the letter rather than making it generic. This is so because it’s simple to forget generic letters. Include any plans you have to work for a particular organization or to remedy an issue you have observed or encountered. Prove to the bursary committee that their financing will be a part of something far bigger.
- Attempt to sound professional without being stuffy. Despite the fact that this is a serious process, it should also be seen as a letter-based interview. Write it as though you were addressing a boss or professor.
- Consider carefully why you require the bursary and why you merit the money. You will communicate your intentions to the review board more effectively if you have confidence in yourself.
- Add a brief note at the end of your bursary application letter thanking the reader for their time and consideration. After your name, put “Sincerely” at the end of the letter.
Example Bursary Application Letter
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the [Name of the Bursary/Scholarship] offered by your esteemed organization. As a dedicated and enthusiastic student pursuing my [mention degree or program] at [Your University/Institution], I firmly believe that this bursary would significantly assist me in achieving my academic and career goals.
My decision to pursue a degree in [your field of study] is driven by my passion for [mention what motivates you in the field, e.g., helping others, contributing to society]. Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently maintained a strong academic record, with a focus on [mention relevant academic achievements]. This bursary would alleviate financial strain and enable me to channel my energy into my studies.
Beyond my academic commitments, I am an active member of [mention any relevant extracurricular activities or organizations]. These experiences have honed my leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, preparing me to excel in my future profession. Additionally, I engage in volunteer work within my community, where I have learned the importance of giving back and being socially responsible.
My financial situation has presented challenges in fully funding my education, which motivates my application for this bursary. I am determined to succeed academically and professionally, and this bursary would greatly contribute to my progress by allowing me to dedicate more time and energy to my studies.
I genuinely appreciate the work your organization does in supporting students’ education, and I am excited about the potential opportunity to be a recipient of this bursary. Rest assured, if granted this bursary, I will utilize the financial assistance judiciously to advance my education and contribute to society positively.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager for the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Now that you know how to write a Letter of Application for a Bursary,
As an essay writer, personal statement writer or Scholarship writing services in Nigeria, US, UK, Europe, Asia, we can help you with the best essay and sop that will make your application stand out from the rest – which almost guarantees admission.
Call//whatsapp/message +234 701 754 2853 or info@liveandwingit.com for inquiries.
