Applying for a bursary is often one of the most important steps in a student’s educational journey. After spending time gathering documents, completing application forms, and writing motivational letters, many applicants find themselves asking the same question:
“What happens next?”
The period after submitting a bursary application can feel stressful and uncertain. Some students expect immediate feedback, while others worry when weeks or months pass without any communication.
Understanding what happens behind the scenes can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for the next stages of the process. In this guide, we’ll explain what typically happens after you submit a bursary application in South Africa and what you can do while waiting for a response.
Quick Overview
| Stage | What Happens |
| Application Received | Bursary provider records your application |
| Administrative Screening | Documents are checked for completeness |
| Eligibility Verification | Academic and personal requirements are verified |
| Shortlisting | Top candidates are selected |
| Interviews or Assessments | Some bursaries require additional evaluation |
| Final Selection | Successful candidates are approved |
| Notifications | Applicants are informed of outcomes |
| Funding Agreement | Successful students sign bursary contracts |
Why the Process Takes Time
Many bursary applicants become worried when they do not receive immediate feedback. However, bursary providers often receive thousands of applications for a limited number of awards.
For example:
- A bursary may receive 5,000 applications.
- Only 200 applicants may meet all requirements.
- Only 50 bursaries may be available.
Before final decisions can be made, providers must carefully review every application to ensure fairness and compliance.
This process can take several weeks or even several months.
Step 1: Your Application Is Received
After submission, the bursary provider records your application in their system.
Depending on the provider, you may receive:
- An email confirmation
- An SMS acknowledgement
- An application reference number
- An online status update
Some bursaries do not send confirmations, which is why it is important to keep copies of:
- Application forms
- Submitted documents
- Confirmation emails
- Screenshots of successful submissions
These records can be useful if there are any issues later.
Step 2: Administrative Screening
Before applications are evaluated, administrators conduct an initial screening process.
They check whether:
- The application form is complete
- Certified documents are attached
- Certified copies are valid
- Required signatures are present
- Academic records are included
- Contact information is correct
Many applications are rejected during this stage because applicants forget important documents.
Common reasons for rejection include:
- Missing ID copy
- Missing academic transcript
- Missing proof of income
- Incomplete forms
- Documents certified more than three months ago
This is why carefully following application instructions is extremely important.
Step 3: Eligibility Verification
Once documents have been screened, bursary providers verify that applicants meet the minimum requirements.
These requirements may include:
Academic Requirements
- Minimum Grade 12 marks
- APS score requirements
- University admission status
- Current tertiary results
Financial Requirements
- Household income limits
- NSFAS eligibility status
- Financial need assessments
Programme Requirements
- Studying a specific qualification
- Enrolled at an accredited institution
- South African citizenship
Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements are usually removed from the selection pool at this stage.
Step 4: Background and Document Verification
Many bursary providers perform additional verification checks.
They may verify:
- Matric results
- University registration
- Identity documents
- Citizenship status
- Academic records
- Household income information
Providing false information can lead to immediate disqualification.
In some cases, bursary providers may request additional supporting documents if information is unclear.
Always respond quickly to such requests.
Step 5: Shortlisting of Candidates
After verification, the strongest candidates are shortlisted.
Selection committees may consider:
- Academic performance
- Financial need
- Leadership potential
- Community involvement
- Career goals
- Motivation shown in applications
Because funding is limited, many qualified applicants may still not be shortlisted.
Being unsuccessful does not necessarily mean your application was weak. It may simply mean competition was exceptionally high.
Step 6: Interviews and Assessments
Not all bursaries include interviews, but some do.
Organisations that often conduct interviews include:
- Large corporations
- State-owned enterprises
- Professional councils
- Industry-specific bursary schemes
Interview topics may include:
- Career aspirations
- Academic achievements
- Financial circumstances
- Knowledge of the organisation
- Future plans after graduation
Some providers may also require:
- Online assessments
- Psychometric tests
- Aptitude tests
- Written exercises
Preparing in advance can improve your chances significantly.
Step 7: Final Selection Process
Once interviews and evaluations are completed, final decisions are made.
Selection panels review:
- Academic records
- Interview performance
- Financial circumstances
- Verification outcomes
- Available funding
The final list of successful candidates is then approved by the organisation.
This stage can take several weeks because multiple departments may need to sign off on funding decisions.
Step 8: Successful Applicants Receive Offers
If selected, you will usually receive:
- An email offer
- An official bursary agreement
- Funding conditions
- Acceptance forms
The offer will typically explain:
- What expenses are covered
- Academic performance requirements
- Reporting obligations
- Work-back obligations (if applicable)
Read all terms carefully before accepting.
Understanding Work-Back Obligations
Some bursaries require students to work for the sponsoring organisation after graduation.
Examples include:
- Engineering bursaries
- Government bursaries
- Scarce skills bursaries
- State-owned enterprise bursaries
A common arrangement is:
- One year of work for every year funded
Always understand these obligations before signing the agreement.
What If You Are Not Selected?
Receiving a rejection can be disappointing, but it is important to remember that bursary competition is extremely high.
If unsuccessful:
- Apply for other bursaries
- Explore NSFAS opportunities
- Consider scholarships
- Look for learnerships
- Search for internship opportunities
- Improve academic performance for future applications
Many successful students are only awarded bursaries after applying multiple times.
Persistence matters.
What Should You Do While Waiting?
Instead of constantly checking your inbox, use the waiting period productively.
Continue Applying
Never rely on a single bursary application.
Apply for:
- Corporate bursaries
- Government bursaries
- SETA funding opportunities
- Scholarships
- Student assistance programmes
Improve Your Academic Results
Better marks improve future applications and increase your competitiveness.
Build Your CV
Participate in:
- Volunteering
- Community projects
- Leadership activities
- Skills development programmes
These experiences strengthen future applications.
Monitor Communication Channels
Regularly check:
- Email inbox
- Spam folder
- SMS messages
- Bursary portals
Missing a request for additional information could cost you the opportunity.
Signs That Your Application Is Progressing
Possible positive signs include:
- Requests for additional documents
- Verification calls
- Interview invitations
- Reference checks
- Status updates showing “under review”
However, not hearing anything does not automatically mean rejection.
Many providers only contact successful candidates.
Edupstairs Advice
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is assuming that submitting an application is the end of the process. Successful bursary applicants remain proactive even after applying.
Keep checking your email, answer calls from unknown numbers professionally, and respond quickly if additional information is requested.
Most importantly, never stop applying while waiting for a response. The students who secure funding are often those who submit multiple high-quality applications rather than relying on a single opportunity.
Remember: applying for a bursary is only the first step. Understanding what happens after submission can help you stay prepared, patient, and ready to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to hear back after applying for a bursary?
The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the organisation and number of applications received.
- Do all bursaries conduct interviews?
No. Many bursaries make selections based solely on documents and academic performance.
- Can I apply for multiple bursaries?
Yes. In fact, students are encouraged to apply for as many suitable bursaries as possible.
- What happens if my marks improve after applying?
Some providers may allow updated academic records before final selection decisions are made.
- Can a bursary application be rejected because of missing documents?
Yes. Missing documents are among the most common reasons applications are rejected.
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. Bursary selection processes vary between organisations. Applicants should always refer to the official bursary provider’s guidelines and communication for specific requirements and timelines.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY