A Curriculum Vitae (CV) for a bursary is different from a standard job application CV. When you apply for a job, you are proving you have the skills to do the work. When you apply for a bursary, you must prove you are a worthy investment.
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Your bursary CV is a short, written summary of your academic achievements, qualifications, and personal skills. It is often the first document the selection committee reads. A strong, clear CV can convince them to read your motivation letter and consider you for the funding.
Why a Strong Bursary CV Matters
Bursary providers receive hundreds or even thousands of applications. Your CV is the first filter. It acts as a tool to convince the committee that you are the best choice compared to other candidates.
A well-organized CV shows professionalism and self-awareness. It must quickly show the reader that you meet the basic requirements and have the academic potential to succeed. A weak or confusing CV may lead to your application being denied before it is fully read.
What to Include in Your Bursary CV
A CV for a bursary must highlight your academic strengths and personal character. Keep it concise and to the point, usually one or two pages.
Here are the key sections to include:
1. Personal Details and Contact Information
This section goes at the very top of your CV. Do not use “Curriculum Vitae” as a title; just start with your name.
- Full Name: Use a large, clear font.
- Contact Details: Include your phone number and a professional email address.
- Location: Your current residential town or suburb is sufficient.
- Driver’s License: Add this if you have one.
2. Education
This is the most important section for a bursary application. List your education in reverse chronological order (your most recent qualification first).
- Include the name of the institution (e.g., your university or high school).
- State the qualification you are busy with or have completed (e.g., “Bachelor of Arts” or “National Senior Certificate”).
- Provide the dates (e.g., “2023 – Present” or “Graduated: 2022”).
- For your Matric, list your subjects and the symbols or percentages you achieved.
- For tertiary education (university or TVET college), list your main subjects.
3. Academic Achievements (Honours and Awards)
Create a separate section to show off your best results. This makes it easy for the committee to see your potential.
- List any scholarships you have received.
- Include any academic prizes or awards.
- Mention if you were on the Dean’s List or achieved your qualification cum laude.
- Include high grades for subjects that are relevant to the bursary.
4. Work Experience and Internships
Include any formal work experience, part-time jobs, or internships. List these in reverse chronological order.
- State the company name, your job title, and the dates you worked there.
- Use bullet points to describe your main responsibilities and achievements.
- Focus on achievements, not just tasks. For example, instead of “Served customers,” try “Handled customer payments and managed the cash register.”
5. Volunteer Work and Leadership Roles
This section shows your character and motivation outside of academics.
- Include any volunteer work you have done, the organization’s name, and the dates.
- List any leadership positions you held at school or in your community (e.g., prefect, team captain, club chairperson).
- This shows the bursary provider that you are responsible and dedicated.
6. Skills
Create a simple list of your practical skills.
- Computer Skills: List the programs you can use (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Language Skills: List the languages you speak and your proficiency level (e.g., “English (Native),” “isiZulu (Advanced),” “Afrikaans (Basic)”).
7. References
You should have at least two or three references.
- Choose people who can speak about your work ethic or academic ability, such as a past employer, manager, teacher, or community leader.
- Do not use family members as references.
- Include their full name, their position, and their contact number or email.
- Always ask your references for permission before you list them on your CV.
Tips for a Winning Bursary CV
- Keep it Short: Aim for a maximum of two pages. Bursary committees read many CVs and appreciate clear, concise information.
- Proofread Carefully: Read your CV at least twice to check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Ask someone else to read it for you.
- Use a Professional Font: Use a clean, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Use 12-point font for the main text and 14-point for headings.
- Be Truthful: Always reflect your qualifications and skills accurately. Never lie or exaggerate on your CV.
- Use a Professional Email: Make sure your email address is simple and professional (e.g.,
firstname.lastname@gmail.com), not an old, unprofessional nickname. - Include a Cover Letter: Always send a cover letter with your CV unless the application instructs you not to. Your cover letter explains why you are the best fit for the bursary.
Should You Include a Photo on Your CV?
In South Africa, it is common to include a photo on your CV, but it is not mandatory unless the application asks for one.
If you choose to include a photo, make sure it is a professional headshot. It should look like an ID or passport photo. Do not use a casual photo, a selfie, or a picture with other people in it.
Free CV Templates and Builders
If you need help with formatting, many online tools offer free templates. You can fill in your information, and the tool will create a professional CV for you. Here are several popular options:
- Canva CV Templates: Offers thousands of free, modern, and creative CV templates.
- Zety CV Builder: A popular tool that guides you through the process step-by-step.
- MyPerfectCV: A South African-focused builder with professional templates.
- Indeed Resume Builder: A free tool from the job site Indeed, which is widely used in South Africa.
- Resume.com: A completely free builder with templates approved by recruiters.
- Google Docs: Offers a selection of professional CV templates for free within Google Docs.