For many South African students, finding financial support is one of the most important steps in pursuing higher education. University and TVET college costs continue to rise, making it difficult for many families to afford tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other study-related expenses.
As a result, students often search for funding opportunities and come across two common terms: bursaries and scholarships. While these funding opportunities share a similar goal of helping students pay for their education, they are not exactly the same.
Understanding the difference between a bursary and a scholarship can help you apply for the right opportunities and increase your chances of receiving financial assistance.
Why It Is Important to Understand the Difference
Many students assume that bursaries and scholarships are identical because both provide money for education. However, funding providers use different criteria when selecting successful applicants.
Knowing the distinction can help you:
- Apply for opportunities that suit your circumstances.
- Avoid wasting time on funding programmes for which you do not qualify.
- Improve the quality of your applications.
- Increase your chances of securing financial assistance.
Before applying for any student funding opportunity, it is important to understand what each type of funding is designed to achieve.
What Is a Bursary?
A bursary is a form of financial assistance that is typically awarded to students who require financial support to pursue their studies.
Bursaries are often funded by:
- Government departments
- Municipalities
- State-owned entities
- Private companies
- Universities
- Educational trusts
While academic performance may still be considered, bursaries often place significant emphasis on a student’s financial circumstances.
Many bursary providers aim to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have the financial means to continue their education.
For example, a company may offer bursaries to students studying engineering, accounting, or information technology with the goal of developing future professionals within those fields.
What Is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial award that is usually granted to students who demonstrate exceptional achievement.
Unlike bursaries, scholarships are generally awarded based on merit rather than financial need.
Scholarships may recognise:
- Outstanding academic results
- Leadership abilities
- Sporting achievements
- Community involvement
- Artistic talent
- Research excellence
A student who consistently achieves top marks may qualify for a scholarship even if they do not have financial difficulties.
Scholarships are often offered by universities, foundations, corporations, and international organisations seeking to reward excellence and encourage continued success.
The Difference Between a Bursary and a Scholarship: A Quick Comparison
The easiest way to understand the difference is to compare the two side by side.
| Feature | Bursary | Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Provide financial assistance | Reward excellence and achievement |
| Financial Need | Usually important | Usually not required |
| Academic Performance | Often considered | Usually a key requirement |
| Award Basis | Need, merit, or field of study | Merit and achievement |
| Work-Back Requirement | Sometimes required | Rarely required |
| Competition Level | Moderate to high | Often very high |
| Providers | Government, companies, institutions | Universities, foundations, sponsors |
| Target Applicants | Students needing support | High-performing students |
Do Bursaries Require Academic Performance?
Yes, many bursaries still require applicants to meet minimum academic standards.
A common misconception is that bursaries are awarded solely based on financial need.
In reality, most bursary providers want to invest in students who demonstrate commitment and the ability to succeed academically.
For this reason, applicants are often required to submit:
- School reports
- Matric results
- University transcripts
- Academic records
Strong academic performance can significantly improve your chances of receiving bursary funding.
Do Scholarships Require Financial Need?
In most cases, no.
Scholarships are primarily designed to reward achievement rather than address financial challenges.
A student with excellent grades may receive a scholarship regardless of their family’s income level.
However, some scholarship programmes combine merit and financial need requirements, meaning applicants must demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need.
Always read the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.
Can You Apply for Both Bursaries and Scholarships?
Absolutely.
Students should never limit themselves to only one type of funding opportunity.
In fact, many successful students apply for:
- Multiple bursaries
- Multiple scholarships
- University funding programmes
- Government funding opportunities
Applying for several opportunities can increase your chances of securing financial assistance.
However, some funding providers may restrict students from accepting multiple full funding awards at the same time.
What Costs Are Usually Covered?
The level of funding depends on the specific programme.
Many bursaries and scholarships cover:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation
- Textbooks
- Learning materials
- Meals
- Transport costs
- Living allowances
Some opportunities offer full funding, while others provide partial support.
It is important to understand exactly what expenses are covered before accepting any award.
Which Is Harder to Get?
Scholarships are generally considered more competitive because they often target students with exceptional achievements.
Competition for prestigious scholarships can be extremely high, particularly at leading universities and educational foundations.
Bursaries can also be highly competitive, especially in popular fields such as:
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Accounting
- Information Technology
- Law
Ultimately, both require strong applications and careful preparation.
Tips for Improving Your Chances of Success
Whether you are applying for a bursary or a scholarship, there are several ways to strengthen your application.
1. Apply Early
Many funding opportunities close months before the academic year begins. Applying early helps avoid last-minute problems.
2. Keep Your Documents Ready
Ensure that you have:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Academic records
- Proof of income
- Updated CV
- Motivation letter
3. Maintain Strong Academic Results
Good academic performance remains one of the most important factors considered by funding providers.
4. Follow Instructions Carefully
Many applications are rejected simply because applicants fail to follow instructions or submit incomplete documents.
5. Apply for Multiple Opportunities
The more relevant opportunities you apply for, the greater your chances of receiving funding.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The answer depends on your individual circumstances.
A bursary may be the best option if you require financial assistance to continue your studies and meet the provider’s requirements.
A scholarship may be ideal if you have achieved exceptional academic, sporting, leadership, or artistic success.
Many students qualify for both and should consider applying for every opportunity that matches their profile.
Useful Resources
Students looking for bursaries, scholarships, and other funding opportunities can explore the following resources:
- NSFAS: https://www.nsfas.org.za/
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET): https://www.dhet.gov.za/
- Universities South Africa: https://www.usaf.ac.za/
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA): https://www.saqa.org.za/
- National Career Advice Portal: https://ncap.careerhelp.org.za/
- Career Development Services: https://www.careerhelp.org.za/
- Government Services Portal: https://www.gov.za/
- GrantsPortal Bursaries: https://grantsportal.org.za/category/bursaries/
- GrantsPortal Scholarships: https://grantsportal.org.za/category/scholarships/
These resources can help students and learners find funding opportunities, verify qualification information, explore career options, and stay informed about the latest bursary and scholarship programmes available in South Africa.
Conclusion
While bursaries and scholarships both help students access higher education, they serve different purposes. Bursaries are often designed to provide financial support to students who need assistance, while scholarships are generally awarded to recognise outstanding achievement and excellence.
Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions when searching for student funding opportunities. Whether you are applying for a bursary, a scholarship, or both, taking the time to prepare strong applications can significantly improve your chances of success.
For South African students looking to build a brighter future through education, both bursaries and scholarships remain valuable pathways to achieving academic and career goals.