You have a bursary interview. This is the final and most important step to securing your funding. Your marks and application got you in the door, but the interview is where you prove you are the right person to invest in.
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Success in this interview comes from preparation. This guide provides a complete, step-by-step plan. We cover everything from researching the company to planning what you will wear and what questions to ask.
What is the Goal of a Bursary Interview?
Bursary providers get thousands of applications from students with good marks. They cannot fund everyone. The interview helps the committee find the best candidate.
They are not just checking your marks; they are investing in your future. They need to know:
- Are you serious and passionate about your chosen field of study?
- Do you have a clear plan for your career?
- Do your personal values match the company’s or organization’s values?
- Are you a responsible person who will finish your degree?
This interview is your one chance to show them you are a safe and smart investment.
Step 1: Research the Bursary Provider
You must know who is interviewing you. Do not go into the interview without doing this research. If the bursary is from a company (like Sasol, FNB, or Eskom), you must understand what they do.
- What to find: Go to their official website. Find the “About Us,” “Mission,” or “Values” page.
- Why this matters: You can use this information in your answers. It shows you are serious and did your homework.
Example: When they ask “Why this bursary?” you can say: “I see your company’s mission is focused on renewable energy. My passion is for solar technology, so your goals and my career goals are a perfect match.”
Step 2: Review Your Own Application
The interview panel will have your application form, your CV, and your motivation letter in front of them. You must know what you wrote.
- What to do: Reread your entire application.
- Why this matters: They will ask you questions about it. If you wrote that your biggest challenge was “time management,” be ready to talk about how you are fixing it. If you listed “debate club” under activities, be ready to explain what you learned from it.
Step 3: Prepare for Common Interview Questions
You will be asked common questions. You should think about your answers now. Practice saying them out loud to sound clear and confident.
Warning: Do not memorize your answers. This sounds robotic. Just prepare the main points you want to make.
Here are the most common questions and the strategy to answer them:
“Tell us about yourself.”
- The Goal: This is a 1-minute professional summary, not your life story.
- Strategy: Use the “Present, Past, Future” model.
- Present: “I am [Your Name], a first-year student at [University] studying [Your Degree].”
- Past: “I matriculated from [High School], where I was [a prefect / in the debate club / etc.].”
- Future: “I am passionate about [Your Field], which is why I applied for this bursary to help me achieve my goal of becoming a [Your Future Job].”
“Why did you choose this field of study?”
- The Goal: To see if you are genuinely passionate about your degree.
- Strategy: Tell a specific, short story.
- Avoid: “My parents told me to” or “It makes good money.”
- Try: “I chose civil engineering because I grew up in a rural area. I saw how a new bridge connected our community, and I want to be part of building infrastructure that helps people.”
“What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”
- The Goal: To see if you are self-aware.
- Strategy:
- Strength: Be honest and link it to your studies. (e.g., “My strength is discipline. I use a strict timetable, which helped me pass all my modules.”)
- Weakness: Be honest, but show how you are improving. (e.g., “My weakness is that I used to be shy about public speaking. To fix this, I joined a debate club to practice and become more confident.”)
“Why do you deserve this bursary?”
- The Goal: This is the most important question.
- Strategy: Be confident, not arrogant. You must combine three points:
- Financial Need: “I am asking for this bursary because my family is not in a position to fund my studies.”
- Academic Record: “However, I am not just asking for a handout. My academic record shows that I am a dedicated and hard-working student.”
- Future Goal: “I believe I am a good investment. This bursary will allow me to complete my degree and one day become a [Your Future Job] who contributes to [Your Field].”
Step 4: Prepare Smart Questions to Ask Them
At the end of the interview, the panel will always ask: “Do you have any questions for us?”
Your answer must always be “Yes.”
Asking no questions shows a lack of interest. This is your chance to show you are serious. Prepare two or three smart questions.
Good Questions to Ask:
- “What do your most successful bursary holders have in common?”
- “Does this bursary program include any vacation work or mentorship?”
- “If I am successful, what are the next steps in this process?”
Bad Questions to Ask:
- “What does your company do?” (You should have researched this.)
- “How much money will I get?” (This information is usually in the bursary documents.)
- “When will I hear back?” (This is okay, but it is weaker than the “good” questions.)
Step 5: Plan Your Interview Logistics (The Day Before)
Do not let a small technical problem ruin your chances.
For an In-Person Interview:
- Clothes: Plan what you will wear. It must be professional, clean, and ironed. (e.g., school shoes, formal pants/skirt, a neat shirt or blouse).
- Documents: Pack your bag. Bring your ID, a copy of your application, and your academic results.
- Transport: Know exactly how you will get there. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early.
For an Online (Zoom/Teams) Interview:
- Technology: Test your computer, camera, and microphone. Make sure your internet connection is stable.
- Location: Find a quiet, well-lit room. Make sure your background is clean and not distracting (a blank wall is perfect).
- Account: Know how to use the software (Zoom, Teams). Make sure your account name is your real, professional name.
- Clothes: Dress professionally from the waist up.
- Focus: Close all other tabs on your computer to avoid distractions.
During the Interview: Simple Tips
- Be Early: Arrive 10-15 minutes early (in-person) or log in 5 minutes early (online).
- Body Language: Smile, make eye contact, and sit up straight. It shows confidence.
- Listen: Listen carefully to the full question before you answer. It is okay to take a few seconds to think.
- Be Honest: Do not lie or try to be someone you are not. Be the best, most professional version of yourself.
- Say Thank You: At the end, thank the interviewers for their time and the opportunity.