Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying for Bursaries (and How to Avoid Them)

For many South African students, bursaries are the gateway to accessing quality tertiary education. Whether you're applying to NSFAS, a university merit bursary, or private sponsorship, the stakes are high, and unfortunately, so are the chances of getting it wrong.

Every year, thousands of promising applications are rejected due to avoidable mistakes. If you're planning to apply for funding, this guide will help you avoid the most common bursary pitfalls and maximise your chances of success.

💥 Mistake 1: Missing the Application Deadline

One of the most common bursary mistakes is simply applying too late. Whether it's NSFAS, ISFAP, or a university-administered fund, deadlines are strict and rarely extended. Many students also assume that applying after registration is still acceptable—it often isn’t.

🟢 Tip: Track funding deadlines using a tool like BridgeOne’s calendar feature, which allows you to set custom alerts for bursary cut-offs.

💥 Mistake 2: Submitting Incomplete Applications

A missing ID document, an unsigned form, or an unverified academic record can lead to instant disqualification. Funding offices often receive thousands of applications and do not have time to follow up on missing details.

🟢 Tip: Before submitting, double-check your application against a checklist. Always include certified copies of your ID, proof of income, latest academic results, and any supporting documents requested.

💥 Mistake 3: Not Tailoring Your Motivation Letter

Many students copy generic motivation letters off the internet or write vague, one-paragraph responses. Bursary providers want to fund students who are passionate, committed, and aligned with their values.

🟢 Tip: Write a strong, personalised motivation letter that speaks to your background, academic goals, career ambitions, and why the bursary would change your life.

💥 Mistake 4: Applying for the Wrong Bursary

Some students apply for bursaries without checking the eligibility criteria, such as household income brackets, fields of study, or university affiliation. This leads to automatic rejections.

🟢 Tip: Read the fine print. Make sure your application matches the bursary’s specific requirements. BridgeOne can help you match to suitable bursaries based on your profile.

💥 Mistake 5: Using Unreliable or Outdated Contact Information

Submitting an application with a wrong email address, missing phone number, or using someone else’s contact details is a common reason for funding rejection.

🟢 Tip: Always use an active, personal email address and phone number. Make sure you check your email inbox (and spam folder) regularly after submitting your application.

💥 Mistake 6: Not Following Instructions

If the bursary says “attach proof of registration” or “upload documents in PDF format”, failing to follow that instruction may mean your application is never even reviewed.

🟢 Tip: Treat every instruction like an exam question. If you’re unsure, contact the bursary provider for clarity before submitting.

💥 Mistake 7: Not Keeping Copies of Your Application

Some students can’t prove they applied when there's an error or delay in processing. Without a record, it’s difficult to follow up.

🟢 Tip: Keep a digital and physical copy of every application you submit, including the reference number, submission date, and a screenshot of the confirmation message.

💥 Mistake 8: Forgetting to Reapply Annually

Many bursaries require you to reapply or update your information every academic year, even if you’re a returning recipient.

🟢 Tip: Use a platform like BridgeOne to set academic and funding reminders at the start of each academic year.

🎓 Final Thoughts

Applying for a bursary in South Africa can be highly competitive, but avoiding basic mistakes can set you apart. Take your time, read carefully, and always double-check your documents.

With tools like BridgeOne, you can keep track of your funding applications, set reminders, and get support in preparing the strongest application possible. Student success starts with smart planning, and we’re here to help every step of the way