application letter for bursary

• 12 Scholarship Application Letter Samples (PDF, DOC)

Published: 03 May 2024 Scholarship Application 9,523 views

A scholarship application letter is a formal letter written by a student to an organization that provides financial assistance to support a student's education. Scholarships are available to students of all levels of education, from high school to postgraduate level.

If you're a student, applying for scholarships is one of the best ways to fund your education and a well written scholarship application letter is required to help you get one.

In a scholarship application letter, you will be expected to provide useful information about your accomplishments as a student and why you think you're a deserving candidate.

Before you start drafting your scholarship letter, review the requirements for the scholarship. This will help you have a better understanding of the ideal candidate the scholarship committee requires. You'll also know the credentials and information to include in your letter.

In this guide, we will discuss how to write a good scholarship application letter, a good application letter format and also provide 12 scholarship letter templates for you to download in pdf format.

What is a Scholarship Application Letter?

A Scholarship Application Letter is a formal letter a student writes to a scholarship committee to persuade them to be considered for a scholarship opportunity.

In a scholarship application letter, students are required to highlight their academic achievements as well as relevant skills and experiences that may not be outlined in their resume.

How to Write a Scholarship Application Letter?

Writing a scholarship application letter requires thorough understanding of the steps to write a good application. 

If you want to learn how to write the best scholarship application letter that will guarantee a positive response from the scholarship review community, follow the steps below;

Always start your scholarship application letter with a professional salutation.

Keep your letter short, a good scholarship letter typically ranging from 300 to 500 words. 

Ensure you give a clear reason for applying for the scholarship.

Always introduce yourself properly

Write about your relevant academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities, and any skills you may have.

Explain why you need the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your academic and career goals.

Write about your long term goals and close your letter with a strong conclusion summarizing key points in the letter.

Proofread your letter before submitting. You can give your letter to a friend to proofread for you- good scholarship application letters do not have typos or grammatical errors.

Always thank the scholarship committee for taking their time to read your letter and consider you for the scholarship.

Follow the correct scholarship letter format 

Application for Scholarship Format

To write a good scholarship application letter, you have to be familiar with its structure.

Following the right scholarship format will help you compose your letter in a better way. A scholarship application letter has six major components which includes; the header, the salutation, introduction, the body, the conclusion and the closing. 

The body of the letter contains the most important details required by the scholarship committee and it is usually divided into 2 or 3 paragraphs.

Here, we'll discuss the different components of a scholarship application letter. Keep reading to find out more.

Header: The header is the first part of a scholarship application letter located at the top of the letter.  It should include your complete contact information such as your name, address, phone number, and email address.

You can also include the title of the letter typed in a bold font.

Salutation: Next is a professional salutation to begin the scholarship application letter. Examples of salutations you may use include; "Dear Scholarship Committee" “Respected Sir/Ma” or "To Whom It May Concern."

Introduction: After the salutation is the introductory paragraph. This is the official first paragraph of the letter where the scholarship applicant is expected to briefly introduce themselves and state the purpose of the letter.

The introduction can be written in three to five concise sentences. 

An important tip to keep in mind when writing your introduction is to keep things as straight to the point as possible.

Body: the body of a scholarship application letter is where the main content lies. In the body of the letter, you'll provide details about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant experiences that will convince the scholarship committee to grant you the scholarship.

As we discussed earlier, the body of a scholarship application letter can be divided into 3 paragraphs. Let's discuss each of the paragraphs.

First Paragraph: in the first paragraph, write about your academic achievement and record. You can outline all the degrees you have gotten and their grades, you can also highlight your future plans for your academics.

Second Paragraph:   The second paragraph details your work experience and extracurricular activities that may be relevant to the scholarship.

Third Paragraph:   In the third paragraph, you can go a little further to explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic goals and why you deserve the scholarship.

Conclusion:  The conclusion should be a strong statement summarising why you are a good fit for the scholarship. It should highlight key points you have made in the previous paragraphs and should fit into 2 or 3 sentences.

Lastly, thank the scholarship committee for their time and consideration in one sentence.

Closing:   Always end your Scholarship Application Letter with a simple closing remark, like "Yours Sincerely" or "Kind Regards.” 

It is important to keep your closing as professional as possible. The scholarship application letter is a formal letter so you want to avoid using any form of informal or casual remark or language.

Scholarship Application Letter Writing Format

A good scholarship application letter is required to follow a simple letter format that is easy to read and understand by the scholarship provider. 

Here, we'll share a simple format for your scholarship application letter.

Always use a professional font like Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial

Use a font size between 10 and 12 points.

Your margins should be 1 inch on all sides, this makes your work easy to read.

Use single-spacing within paragraphs and double-spacing between paragraphs.

Avoid using a casual or informal tone in your Scholarship Application Letter.Also avoid the use of slangs or cliche words.

The scholarship application letter should have a formal tone.

Always include your name and contact information at the top of the scholarship application letter and introduce yourself in the first paragraph 

Ensure you address the letter to the appropriate person or committee. Of you do not know who to address it to, use a generic term like ‘ Dear Sir/Ma’ or ‘Dear Scholarship Committee’ 

Scholarship Letter Template 

Here are 12 scholarship letter template for you.

Application for Fellowship Sample Letter 

Fellowship Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Government Scholarship 

Government Scholarship Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Grant Scholarship 

Grant Scholarship Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Masters Scholarship 

Masters scholarship sample letter for download, application letter for nursing scholarship , nursing scholarship sample letter for download, application letter for phd scholarship .

PhD Scholarship Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Undergraduate Scholarship 

Undergraduate Scholarship Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Scholarship Grant 

Scholarship Grant Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Scholarship to Mayor

Scholarship to Mayor Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Scholarship in University 

Scholarship in University Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Scholarship for Poor Students

Scholarship for Poor Students Sample Letter for download

Application for Scholarship to Principal

Scholarship to Principal Sample Letter for download

Application for Merit Scholarship Sample

Merit Scholarship Sample Letter for download

Do’s and Don'ts your Scholarship Application Letter

Here are some do's and don'ts to guide you as you draft your scholarship application letter.

Do not use the same application letter for every scholarship application 

Do not paraphrase your CV

Do not quote others in your letter

Do not write about your flaws or deficiencies

Do not use slangs or informal language 

Do not wait until last minute to submit your application letter 

Do keep a positive tone

Do be concise 

Do be honest

Do avoid typos or grammatical blunders 

Do proofread

Do proper research before drafting your letter

Do highlight your accomplishments 

With these scholarship application letter templates, you stand a chance at getting that scholarship you've always wanted. Download a template today and edit it the way you like.

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Example of Bursary Application Letter: Step-by-Step Guide

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When it comes to obtaining financial assistance for college, one of the most important steps you can take is applying for a bursary. However, applying for a bursary is not enough. You must take further action to enhance your possibility of securing a bursary by writing a well-crafted and structured bursary application letter . This will not only make your application stand out from others but also help you get your desired bursary programme.

But how do you write a compelling application letter for the bursary? Well, in our article, we will walk you through the key ways to write an effective application letter. We will also explore the key tips, examples and insights to increase your chances of success. So, continue reading!

Table of Contents

What is a Bursary Application Letter?

A bursary application letter is a formal document written by a student requesting financial support for education from an organisation, institution, or funding body. It is often accompanied by a bursary application form and typically includes information about the learner’s financial needs, academic achievements, and reasons for seeking a bursary.

The funding organisation or institution uses bursary application forms and letters to identify suitable candidates for financial aid. These authorities often choose the applicants based on academic merit, monetary need, or both. Therefore, the candidates must write application letters depending on the requirements of the bursary .

Download Example of Bursary Application Letter

When applying for a bursary, having a well-written application letter or email can make a strong impression. You can download examples of both a bursary application letter and an application email to guide you in crafting your own. These samples provide a clear structure, showcasing how to introduce yourself, explain your financial need, and demonstrate your commitment to education.

Example of Bursary Application Letter PDF

Bursary Application Email Sample PDF

Importance of Well-Written Bursary Application Letter

As we know, a well-written application letter for a bursary can help you get your desired bursary for your education. Do you want to know how an application letter impresses the selection committee and increases your chances of securing financial aid? Here are the key reasons that outline the importance of an application letter for a bursary:

Serves As Your First Impression:

Since the application letter is the first thing the bursary committee sees, you can make a first impression on them through your bursary application letter. You can showcase your professionalism and stand out among many applicants.

Demonstrates Your Financial Needs:

An application letter is a means to clearly convey your financial needs and how a bursary will help you achieve your academic goals. Hence, being genuine and specific about your circumstances will enhance your chances of getting support.

Highlights Your Academic Achievements and Potential:

You can use a bursary application letter to showcase your academic achievements, extracurricular activities and career goals. Besides, this will give the selection committee a picture of your potential, making you a suitable candidate.

Makes Personal Connections:

With the help of an application letter, you can make a personal connection with the bursary committee. In other words, it is an opportunity for you to make a compelling case for why you deserve the bursary by sharing your story, goals, and passion.

How to Customise Your Application Letter Template for Bursary?

When you are applying for multiple bursary programmes, you must make sure you write customised application letters tailored to the requirements set by the bursary provider. Typically, an application letter must include the following elements:

• Introduction
• Personal Information
• Educational Background and Academic Achievements
• Financial Need
• Purpose of the Letter
• Relevant Experiences
• Future Goals

You can follow the same elements and structure in your application letter. However, when you are writing the letter for each bursary programme, you must make it unique and distinctive. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Research and Explore Bursary Programmes:

The first step you must take to customise your bursary application letter templates is to thoroughly research the requirements of the bursary programme. You can also look for information on their website to understand their criteria, goals, and values.

Know all the best bursaries available in South Africa.

2. Personalise the Greeting:

You must always make sure to personalise the greeting section by addressing the letter to a specific bursary selection committee or person responsible for selecting your application. Doing this will show your commitment and effort in determining how much you need the bursary for your education.

3. Include Specific Achievements and Examples:

While writing a bursary application letter for a specific programme, highlight achievements, skills and examples that you feel match the criteria. For example, if a bursary programme values community service, provide specific volunteer work that you have been involved in.

4. Mention Distinct Aspects of the Bursary Programme:

When you are showing your genuine interest and objective in applying for a bursary programme, mention the aspects of the programme that you find appealing and inspiring. For example, it can be their mentorship opportunities, community initiatives or networking opportunities.

5. Follow Formatting Guidelines By Bursary Provider:

Remember to adhere to the formatting guidelines provided by the bursary provider. The format can include font type, size, line spacing, and alignment. As a result, by doing this, you can make your letter look professional and easy to read.

Keys Tips for Bursary Application Letter

Here are some of the essential tips you can follow while writing your application letter for bursary:

Read the Guidelines of Bursary Carefully:

The first and foremost step is to read and familiarise yourself with the guidelines set by the bursary provider. These guidelines can include bursary requirements, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and more.

Personalise and Tailor Your Letter:

Always bear in mind that you should tailor your bursary application letter to the specific bursary. You can do this by understanding the values, objectives, and selection criteria put forward by the bursary committee.

Be Selective With Your Activities and Awards:

Choose relevant academic achievements and extracurricular activities that add value to your application. Therefore, remember only to highlight those that demonstrate your strengths and best attributes.

Demonstrating Financial Need With Examples:

Explaining your financial need is an important section of your application letter. Hence, while demonstrating your financial necessity, clearly state your situation and why you need the bursary with specific examples.

Keep it Brief and Clear:

You can use a direct writing style in your letter and cover your details as much as you can in a few words. This way, you can keep your bursary application letter clear and to the point and grab the attention of the selection committee.

Proofread and Make Necessary Edits:

Proofread your application letter before submitting it to eliminate all spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. You can consider taking the help of others to review your letter to catch overlooked errors. As a result, you can have a well-written and error-free application letter.

Format and Structure of a Bursary Application Email

You can send your bursary application letter to the bursary provider by email as well. However, there is a format you should follow to make your email professional and polite. Here is the ideal format and structure of a bursary application email that you can use while writing an email for your bursary application:

Subject Line:

The subject line of the email indicates the purpose of your email. Therefore, make sure to write the subject line concisely and clearly. For example, you can write this as:

• Bursary Application: [Your Name] or
• Application for [Bursary Name: Your Name]

Salutation:

Start your email by addressing the recipient by their name and title. For example, add,

• Dear [Bursary Committee’s Name]
• Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Recipient Name]

The body of the email should be informative and detail-oriented. Therefore, you must follow the structure as given below:

• Paragraph 1: Personal introduction
• Paragraph 2: Purpose of the bursary application
• Paragraph 3: Educational achievements and future aspirations
• Paragraph 4: Conclusion

After the email body, you can conclude your email using a polite closing phrase. For example, you can write phrases like ‘Yours Sincerely/ Regards and Thanks/ Best Regards’. You can also include your full name and contact information.

Tips for Writing a Professional and Polite Email

By following the format and structure as explained above, you can make your bursary application email professional and unique. However, just like the tips you should follow for the bursary application letter, you must also adhere to tips for writing polite emails. Here are the essential strategies:

• Keep the email personal, not generic.
• Maintain a formal, polite and professional tone throughout the email.
• Explain your financial conditions and needs genuinely.
• Describe your academic goals, achievements and future aspirations concisely.
• Attach all required documents to the email, including academic records, proof of financial need, and other records.
• Look out for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors.
• Make the email content brief and crisp to the point
• Proofread meticulously to avoid typos

Sample Bursary Application Letters and Email

Have a look at the email and bursary application letter samples to help you attract the attention of the selection committee:

Example of Bursary application letter: 

Bursary application email sample:.

Also, find out the format and structure of a motivational letter for a bursary with samples.

Crafting a well-structured and thoughtful bursary application letter can make a first impression on the selection committee. Therefore, while writing your application letter, you must research the bursary programme and personalise your letter to increase your chances of getting the right bursary for your education. Besides, you should always remember to follow the guidelines and tips to make your letter stand out from others.

In our article, we have provided a step-by-step guide, walking you through the essential strategies and examples for creating an engaging application letter and email for a bursary. We hope you gained the insights to write an impressive application letter for the bursary.

Contact  Regenesys career counsellors today for a course quotation, and begin your journey by taking the first step towards securing a bursary for your education!

Example of Bursary Application Letter – FAQs

What should i include in an application letter for a bursary.

You should include an introduction, personal information, educational background, financial need, future goals and relevant experiences in your application letter for bursary.

What is the ideal length of a bursary application letter?

The ideal length of the application letter for a bursary is typically one page. Therefore, make sure you cover all the necessary information concisely and straight to the point.

How do I demonstrate financial need in my application letter for a bursary?

In the application letter, you can demonstrate your financial need by clearly stating your financial situation and providing specific, genuine examples of why you need the bursary.

How can I customise my application letter for different bursary programmes?

You can customise your application letter for a bursary by researching the specific requirements and values of each bursary programme. Then, personalise the greeting, highlight achievements that match the criteria, and follow the formatting guidelines.

Why is a well-written bursary application letter important?

A well-written application letter for a bursary is important since it serves as the first impression on the selection committee. Besides, it clearly conveys your financial needs and highlights your academic achievements, impressing the committee.

Rena has been writing SEO-based content for Edtech platforms, IT sector and other niches. MA in Journalism and Mass Communication, B.A in Journalism, Mass Communication and Video Production. Work Experience: Before joining Regenesys Business School, Ms Rena wrote articles and blogs for the IT and marketing platform websites and did freelancing content work.

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