What is the Difference Between Scholarship and Bursary in South Africa?

If you are a tertiary student, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard the words scholarship and bursary multiple times already.

But if you are still not very clear about what they mean, then it’s a good thing that you’re here.

In today’s article, I will help you understand what each of the terms entail, as well as the main differences between these two types of funding.

What is a Scholarship?

A scholarship is a financial award granted to students based on their academic merit, unmatched talent, or outstanding achievement in a particular field.

It’s a recognition of your potential and an investment in your successful future.

Scholarships normally come with no requirement that the student repays the money given them and this will allow you to focus purely on your studies.

Scholarships are like a reward for all your hard work and late night study sessions.

They recognize your academic excellence, leadership qualities, or artistic gifts, and provide the resources to help you keep up the good work.

What is a Bursary?

A bursary, on the other hand, is mainly offered based on financial need. They usually cover the cost of students education.

While it is still important for bursary applicants to be very good in school, the primary focus is on supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate the potential and desire to succeed.

Bursaries act as a helping hand to ensure that financial hardship doesn’t prevent promising students from getting access to good education.

They provide the necessary resources to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and other living expenses, making your academic journey more accessible.

What is the Difference Between Scholarship and Bursary in South Africa?

While both a scholarship and bursary offer financial assistance, their main differences lie in their focus and eligibility criteria. Here are some of their major differences:

1. Scholarships prioritize academic merit or talent, while bursaries prioritize financial need.
2. Scholarships are generally open to all students, regardless of financial background, while bursaries are restricted to students who are facing financial hardship.
3. Scholarships rarely have conditions attached, while bursaries often require the students to maintain good academic standing or to work for the bursary provider after graduation.
4. Both scholarships and bursaries are generally non-repayable, but some bursaries may have repayment clauses if the student fails to meet specific conditions.

When choosing between a scholarship and bursary, the best option for you depends on your individual circumstances and academic goals.

If you’re a high-achieving student, regardless of your financial background, a scholarship might be the best choice.

However, if you are brilliant but face very difficult financial challenges, a bursary can be a lifesaver.

Remember, you can also apply for both scholarships and bursaries to increase your chances of securing funding.