How to Prepare for a Bursary Interview in South Africa
Getting invited to a bursary interview is an important step to get you closer to getting your bursary. However, it is important to prepare for this as the interview can play a big role in the bursary provider deciding who will receive the funding.
This interview gives the bursary selection panel more information about who you are, your academics, financial situation and career goals.
This guide will help you know what to expect, how to answer common questions and how to present yourself in a professional manner during your interview.
1. Know the Bursary Provider
Look at their website and research the following:
What they do
What industry they are in
Why they offer bursaries
What qualifications or careers they support
If there are any extra duties required of bursary recipients
If you are applying for a mining bursary, research the company and what careers are available.
Knowing more about the organisation will help you explain why you want to receive their help.
2. Know your Application
Read through your application form and motivation letter.
During the interview you may be asked about the information you provided.
Be prepared to talk about:
Your academic results
What qualification you are applying for
Your career goals
What achievements and activities you have done
Your financial situation
Why you applied for this specific bursary.
Ensure you are being consistent with your responses. If you need to explain something make sure you are truthful.
3. Practice Common Questions
While every organisation will have their own selection process, there are some common questions that are asked.
Below are some examples of questions to practice.
1. Tell us about yourself.
Give them a brief overview of your education, interests and career goals.
My name is Thandi Mokoena. I have just finished grade 12 and I’m interested in studying accounting. I enjoy working with numbers and solving problems. My goal is to finish my qualification and start building my career in the financial industry.
Use your own information.
2. Why did you choose your course?
Explain why you chose your course. This can be your interests, personal experiences or career goals.
Do not say that you chose a course because it was recommended.
3. Why do you need this bursary?
Be truthful about your financial situation. Explain how this money would help you with your education.
You do not need to dramatise your situation.
4. Why should we choose you?
Talk about your passion for education and eagerness to learn. What are your future goals?
Give examples of how passionate you are. Like improving your grades or participating in school activities.
5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
List some strengths related to your studies or personal growth. For example, teamwork, time management or problem solving.
When talking about your weakness, explain how you are improving.
6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Explain what you want to achieve after finishing your qualification.
Maybe talk about finishing your degree, gaining work experience and making an impact in your chosen industry.
4. Practice your Answers
By practicing you will feel more confident.
Ask a family member, teacher or friend to do a mock interview with you.
Try:
Answering the questions
Introducing yourself
Recording yourself
Practicing clear and confident speaking
Not reading from notes.
Don’t try to learn every sentence by heart. Ensure you know your key points and will be able to answer naturally.
5. Gather your Documents
Carefully read through your invitation to the interview. The bursary provider may ask you to bring certain documents.
Depending on the requirements you may need to bring:
Your SA ID
Latest academic results
Matric certificate (if applicable)
Academic transcript (if applicable)
CV (if requested)
Copies of your certificates/achievements
Any extra documents requested by the sponsor.
Organise your documents into a neat folder.
Never assume all bursary providers will ask for the same things.
6. Dress Neatly and Be Punctual
This will help ensure you make a good first impression.
You do not need to wear anything expensive but ensure you are clean and presentable.
If it is an in person interview:
Plan how you will get there. Ensure you know where you will be going. How long will you need to get there? Aim to be there 15-20 minutes early.
If it is an online interview:
Ensure your internet, camera and microphone are working. Find somewhere quiet to do your interview.
7. How to Answer Financial Questions
Some bursary providers will want to know more about your financial situation.
If asked about your family’s financial situation, kindly explain.
You may be asked:
How much money goes into the household
How many people they are providing for
Are your parents/guardians employed?
How much they are spending on education
Other funding they are receiving.
Ensure you are giving accurate information. Don’t dramatise your situation as the sponsor may cross reference your answers with your documents.
8. Ask Questions
At the end of your interview they may ask if you have any questions.
Have one or two relevant questions ready. For example:
Is there any mentorship or career development included in the bursary?
Are students given any work experience or vacation work?
What are the duties required of students who successfully receive the bursary?
When will we be informed of the final outcome?
Ask politely. Don’t ask for information that was already provided in the bursary advertisement.
9. Things to Avoid
Don’t:
Be late for no reason
Don’t research the bursary provider
Be dishonest or dramatise your answers
Badmouth other applicants
Interrupt
Give irrelevant answers
Don’t bring the required documents
Learn your answers
This is a great opportunity to tell them your goals and why you are suitable.
10. After the Interview
Thank them for the opportunity.
Follow any guidelines they gave you. They may tell you when you will be informed of the outcome.
Regularly check your emails and phone in case they contact you regarding the outcome or ask for more information.
If you haven’t heard back within the time frame given you can politely enquire using the official contact details.
If you are not successful don’t get discouraged. Use this as an opportunity to improve your preparation for future bursaries.
Final Thoughts
By researching, being confident and honest you will be able to prepare for your interview.
Know who is providing the funding, look over your application, practice common questions and ensure you have the necessary documents.
You don’t need to give perfect answers. Just ensure you can explain your experiences, academic goals and financial situation.
This is a great opportunity to show who you are as a person. Ensure you prepare well, be professional and have faith that you can achieve your education goals.
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