Quick Guide: Preparing for a Bursary Interview

By | August 10, 2024
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Bursaries are an excellent opportunity for students to finance their studies. Although they are competitive and applications do not guarantee an interview, there are still many steps applicants can take to ensure they plan ahead and prepare for a potential interview.

To set the ball rolling, to apply for a specific bursary program, applicants are advised to always do research into the bursary programme they are applying for. They should understand the requirements for the bursary programme and keep a copy of everything they submit as a reference.

Application questions for bursary programmes give candidates a great understanding of what they potentially could be asked on the day as well as allow them to review any answers they may need to give the provider in the interview.

Furthermore, applicants are advised to do research about the bursary provider. The applicant can do this by visiting the providers’ website and reading their ‘About Us’ section. This will allow the applicant to gain a key understanding of the providers’ priorities, goals, mission, vision, as well as what they are looking for in a successful candidate.
 

Below are some of the most common questions that are asked in a bursary interview. The applicant can use these questions to prepare for their interview so that their answers are ones that best describe them and show their strongest attributes. The applicant should consider factors such as what the adequate response will be to answer a question in depth. Applicants should ensure that their answers are not vague, and should give responses that are solid and confident.

Although preparation is a necessity, the applicant should also ensure that their answers are not too robotic or rehearsed. An interview is not only an opportunity to showcase your skills and professionalism, but also show your spontaneity and natural responses to questions. The applicant can achieve the ‘sweet spot’ between rehearsing and spontaneousness by practising with a friend.

The applicant should also prepare and get an understanding of questions they may want to ask the provider – this will allow the applicant to get a better understanding of the programme, as well as gain some additional information.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS DURING A BURSARY INTERVIEW

  • Tell us about yourself.
  • What personal achievement makes you the proudest?
  • What is your greatest strength?
  • What is your greatest weakness?
  • What kind of activities do you partake in and enjoy?
  • How would others (friends, teachers, etc.) describe you?
  • Why did you choose your particular course?
  • Why do you want to study at your selected institution?
  • What is a mistake you have made, how did you overcome it and what did you learn from it?
  • What are your life goals?
  • Where do you see yourself in the future (5 to 10 years from now)?
  • How do you plan to make use of the bursary award?
  • Why do you deserve to be selected for the bursary?
  • What can you do for our organisation (what contribution can you make)?
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QUESTIONS THE CANDIDATE SHOULD ASK DURING THE BURSARY INTERVIEW

  • What does your organisation aim to achieve by offering this bursary?
  • What are some additional programmes that your organisation support to reach its goals?
  • How can I get involved in these additional programmes?
  • What are the characteristics you are looking for in the perfect candidate?
  • Does the bursary provide any other academic resources?
  • Does your organisation sponsor programmes that allow applicants to connect with alumni or offer potential job placements?
  • Does the organisation provide resources or opportunities once the applicant has graduated?

Ensure that you do the research on the organisation or institution before the interview as some of these answers could be available on their company website
 

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

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TIPS FOR THE FACE-TO-FACE BURSARY INTERVIEW

  • Be punctual
  • Give a firm hand-shake and smile
  • Keep calm
  • Be yourself (be honest)
  • Maintain eye contact at all times
  • Breathe and allow yourself time to speak
  • Avoid words such as “like” and “um”
  • Listen and think before your speak
  • Be clear and concise with your responses
  • Stay on topic (avoid rambling)
  • Enunciate your words clearly (avoid mumbling)
  • Act in conduct as if you ARE the candidate they are looking for
  • End the meeting on a high
  • Shake hands with everyone, look them in the eye, and thank them
  • Let them know that you are available for a follow-up interview and questions
  • Be proud of yourself and your hard work

Related Resources

🎓 Bursary Applications South Africa Latest bursary opportunities and application guides
🛡️ PSIRA Registration Guide Step-by-step PSIRA registration and renewal process
💰 SARS Tax Guide Tax filing, eFiling, and SARS-related assistance

 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

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This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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