A bursary application letter is an applicant's first impression. It's an opportunity to explain why you need financial aid and how it can help you from an academic and professional perspective.
Think of this as a cover letter for a resumé: a quick overview of your credentials, goals and current accomplishments.
The main thing to remember is to make your application personal, not generic. Bursary funders will be looking at a lot of applications, so expressing why you want the bursary for your future success will help it stand out.
However, although being personal is good, it shouldn't take up majority of your application. You can mention the reasons behind why you need the funding, like a family hardship for example, but also make sure to cover how you plan to use the bursary and what the funding will lead to.
How to write a bursary application letter
So, you have the document paper in front of you. The first thing you'll include is the address of the company/institution/person who will provide you with the bursary in the top left corner of the letter.
Next, begin your letter with the opening "Dear Sir/Madam", "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear (name of specific person reading the letter, if you know it)".
To avoid misgendering someone or mistakenly refering to them by their incorrect pronouns, your safest bet would be to use their name (if you know what it is) or "To Whom It May Concern".
In the first paragraph, summarize the purpose of the application. Keep it short and to the point; nothing too lengthy and elaborative. Something along the lines of "I am applying for the XX bursary program to help fund my YYY degree pursuit in [year]”. About two or three sentences should do it.
The next paragraph should explain your educational path, including your current degree, personal achievements and plans you have for future education, like a postgraduate degree. This section should also be limited to three sentences because the bursary issuers will see a number of similar applications, so you have to cover the point and move on.
The third paragraph should explain your career plans and how they connect with your degree and education. This section can be longer than the last because it reflects your personal goals. Explain how the bursary will help you cover the cost of your degree and what you plan to use the funds for.
The main emphasis should be on plans for future success, not stories of past struggles.
Conclude your bursary application letter with a short paragraph expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and appreciation for consideration. Sign the letter with “Sincerely” and your name.
Make sure to think carefully about why you need the bursary and why you are deserving the funds. If you believe in yourself and your intentions, you will have an easier time conveying that to the person/people reviewing your application.
