A bursary is a financial award offered to individuals who need help covering their tuition fees or who have excelled academically. Bursaries are awarded based on various criteria, including academic achievements, financial need, and other personal qualities such as leadership skills and community involvement.
Given the high number of applications that companies receive for their bursary programs, it is crucial for applicants to write an honest and compelling motivational letter. This letter helps create a strong first impression and sets you apart from other applicants. The motivational letter should explain why you need financial assistance and how the opportunity will support you both financially and professionally.
A motivational letter is similar to a cover letter for a job application, as it outlines your goals, accomplishments, and a brief description of your credentials. This is essential because it can give you a competitive edge.
It’s important to sincerely and honestly convey your financial need in your bursary letter, explaining how the award would help fund your education. Organizations offering these programs use these letters to determine suitable recipients based on need, merit, or both, depending on the specific requirements of the bursary.
Top Tips for Writing a Bursary Motivational Letter
- Be genuine when describing your financial need.
- Include both the institution and the course you are enrolled in.
- Describe your goals, including educational aspirations and future career plans.
- Make the letter personal and specific to you; avoid using a generic format.
- Assure the recipient that you will meet all the requirements of the program.
- Use professional and polite language throughout.
- Include your relevant academic results and necessary documents.
- Attach both the application form and any required supporting documents.
- Maintain a formal tone in all your content.
- Be concise and clear.
How to Write a Bursary Motivational Letter
At the top left corner of the letter, include the address of the bursary provider. You can also include the date, your name, and your contact details.
Start your letter with any of the following:
- Dear [Name of the person reviewing the application, if known]
- Dear Sir/Madam
- To whom it may concern
The first paragraph should clearly state the reason for your application. It should be brief, no longer than 2 or 3 sentences, and include a clear statement like: “I am applying for the [insert company name] bursary program to help fund my [course of study] qualification for the [course year] academic year.”
The second paragraph should provide more detail about your education. Include your personal achievements, current studies, and any plans for further education, such as a graduate degree. Be specific and concise in this paragraph, keeping it to no more than 3 sentences.
The third paragraph should outline your career goals and explain how your education and degree align with these goals. This section should reflect your personal objectives and describe how the bursary will help cover certain expenses. You may briefly mention the circumstances that have led to your financial need, but keep the focus on your future plans. This paragraph can be slightly longer than the others.
The final paragraph of your motivational letter should be brief, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and consideration.
Finally, sign your letter with “Sincerely, [Your Name].”
Additional Tips for Writing a Bursary Motivational Letter
- Be concise while covering all important points.
- Avoid using filler words (like “really” or “just”). Instead, use strong modifiers to convey your thoughts professionally.
- Personalize your letter by mentioning plans to work for specific organizations or address any challenges you have faced.
- Reassure the committee that the funding will contribute to a larger plan for personal and professional growth.
- Keep your tone professional, but not too formal or stiff. Write as if you are having a conversation with the reader.
- Reflect on why you need this funding and the opportunity it represents. Believing in yourself will make it much easier to convey your message effectively in your letter.