Can you lose your Bursary? Here is how to keep your bursary funding!
When submitting your application for bursary awards, it is best to look for a bursary that is renewable (i.e. one that will ensure you are provided with funding over numerous academic years, until you complete your qualification). Once you secure a bursary, you will find that majority of bursary providers have certain criteria that recipients must maintain to ensure that the continuation of the award.
Therefore, it is advised that if you are looking for bursary funding, you do adequate research before to ensure you find one that best fits your needs. Here are mistakes that many students make, which can cause them to lose their bursary funding (and tips to avoid it)!
1. Maintaining satisfactory academics:
Many bursary providers require recipients to maintain a certain overall academic result, to continue receiving academic funding. These academic rules are there to ensure that the learner is engaging in their academic work and making adequate progress towards their degree. Should a student fail to meet their qualifications however, it could result in termination of the bursary funding.
To avoid this, ensure that you have study systems to help you and make yourself aware of tutoring options available at your institution. You could also set up regular meetings with your academic advisor to ensure that the classes you are involved in will lead you in the right direction, to obtain your qualification.
2. Switching your major and/or institution:
There is absolutely nothing wrong with swapping out your major (course) if you decide to change your career path, or transferring to another institution, if the current one no longer meets your needs. However, this can cause complications with certain bursary providers if one of their requirements is that you to complete a specific major and/or study at a selected institution.
Should you be considering changing your tertiary career, be sure to first check if your change does not go against any requirements/rules set out by your bursary provider. Naturally, if you really want to make a change you should be able to do so, however, keep in mind that you may have to find alternative means to fund your studies if your bursary award is revoked.
3. Misusing your bursary funds:
Some bursary providers are very specific on what a recipient may spend their funds on. Often, funds are allocated to costs that are essential to studies (such as tuition, accommodation, books, meals etc). If you use your bursary funds for expenses other than those stipulated on your bursary agreement, then you are at risk of losing your funding.
Many bursary providers list in the initial bursary advertisement what expenses are covered, however if you are not certain, be sure to contact your bursary provider. Some bursaries are also handled by an institution’s financial aid office which ensures that the students’ bursary funds are allocated to the correct expenses.
4. Having discipline:
Bursary providers want peace of mind, knowing that by funding your studies, they are making a good investment. To ensure that you maintain this good reputation, continue to be a good student and a good member of society, work hard and be responsible (even when someone is NOT watching you).
Discipline does not only mean abstaining from illegal activities (both on campus and in your personal life), but also ensuring you present yourself in a good light both in person and on social media. A good activity to do is to Google yourself. This will allow you to see what items and images appear and allow you clean up of your online presence.
5. Student Status:
Don’t forget to check if your bursary requires you to complete a certain amount of credits/ notional hours to be considered “eligible.”
Be sure to check your schedule to ensure what your institution’s definition of “full time” and “part time” entails, and ensure that you take on enough credit hours each term.
When you accept a bursary award, you are signing a contract that states you will manage your funds effectively and responsibility. Once you are aware of the rules and guidelines of your bursary agreement, you will be able to follow them and graduate without having to break the bank to fund your studies.
Read our other tips and articles here:
Read our top tips on submitting your bursary application for the best chance of success.
Read our tips on how to write a bursary motivational letter here.
Read about how to prepare for a bursary interview here here.
Read about the various ways to get free education in South Africa.
Read about the National Benchmark Test (NBT) for University Entrance.
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This post was last updated in March 2023.
SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.