A bursary application is often judged on more than just your academic results. Many bursary providers also want to see a professional CV that highlights your education, achievements, leadership skills, community involvement, and career aspirations.
A well-written student CV can help you stand out from thousands of other applicants and increase your chances of receiving financial assistance for your studies.
In this guide, you will learn:
- What a bursary CV is
- What information to include
- Common mistakes to avoid
- How to structure your CV professionally
- A complete bursary CV sample you can use as a template
Why a CV is Important for Bursary Applications
Many students assume that bursaries only look at school marks. While academic performance is important, bursary providers often look for well-rounded candidates who demonstrate:
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to education
- Community involvement
- Strong work ethic
- Career goals aligned with the bursary field
Your CV provides evidence of these qualities.
Think of your CV as a personal marketing document that introduces you to the bursary selection committee.
What Is a Student CV?
A Student CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a document that summarises your:
- Personal details
- Educational background
- Academic achievements
- Skills
- Extracurricular activities
- Leadership experience
- Volunteer work
- Career objectives
Unlike experienced professionals, students usually have limited work experience. Therefore, bursary CVs focus more on education, achievements, and potential.
Information You Must Include in a Bursary CV
Personal Details
Start your CV with your basic information.
Include:
- Full Name
- ID Number
- Date of Birth
- Physical Address
- Cell Phone Number
- Email Address
Example:
Name: Thando Mkhize
ID Number: 0605121234087
Phone: 071 234 5678
Email: thandomkhize@gmail.com
Address: 45 Zwelibanzi Street, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Important
Use a professional email address.
Good Example: thandomkhize@gmail.com
Avoid:
Professional Profile / Career Objective
This section should be a short paragraph introducing yourself.
Keep it between 3 and 5 lines.
Example:
Dedicated and hardworking Grade 12 learner with a strong academic record and a passion for engineering. Seeking financial support through a bursary programme to further my studies and contribute positively to South Africa’s infrastructure development. Committed to academic excellence, leadership, and continuous learning.
Educational Background
This is one of the most important sections.
Include:
- Current school or institution
- Qualification
- Year of completion
- Subjects
Example:
Educational Background
KwaMashu Secondary School
Grade 12 (2026)
Subjects:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- English Home Language
- Life Sciences
- Geography
- Life Orientation
- isiZulu Home Language
Academic Achievements
Highlight your best achievements.
Examples:
- Top 10 Academic Achiever (2025)
- Mathematics Award (2024)
- Distinction in Physical Sciences (2025)
- School Prefect (2026)
- Academic Excellence Certificate
This section helps bursary providers identify high-performing candidates.
Skills
List skills relevant to academic success and future employment.
Examples:
- Computer Literacy
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Communication Skills
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Leadership Skills
- Research Skills
Leadership Experience
Many bursary providers want future leaders.
Include positions such as:
- School Prefect
- Class Representative
- Sports Captain
- Youth Leader
- Peer Educator
- Club Chairperson
Example:
Leadership Experience
School Prefect (2026)
- Assisted with learner discipline.
- Organised school events.
- Represented learners during meetings.
Extracurricular Activities
This section demonstrates that you are a well-rounded individual.
Examples:
- Soccer
- Netball
- Debate Club
- Choir
- Science Club
- Chess Club
- Cultural Activities
Example:
Extracurricular Activities
- Member of School Debate Team
- Soccer First Team Player
- Science Club Participant
Community Service and Volunteer Work
Many bursaries favour applicants who give back to their communities.
Examples:
- Tutoring younger learners
- Church youth programmes
- Community clean-up campaigns
- Charity projects
- Food parcel distribution
Example:
Volunteer Experience
Community Tutoring Programme
- Assisted Grade 8 and Grade 9 learners with Mathematics.
- Volunteered every Saturday during 2025.
Awards and Certificates
Include any certificates you have earned.
Examples:
- Leadership Certificate
- First Aid Certificate
- Mathematics Olympiad Participation
- Academic Excellence Award
- Public Speaking Award
References
References are people who can confirm your character and achievements.
Suitable references include:
- Principal
- Teacher
- Coach
- Community Leader
- Church Leader
Example:
References
Mrs N. Dlamini
Mathematics Teacher
KwaMashu Secondary School
071 123 4567
Mr S. Mthembu
School Principal
KwaMashu Secondary School
072 987 6543
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Including False Information
Never exaggerate or lie.
Bursary providers may verify information.
- Using an Unprofessional Email Address
Create a professional Gmail account if necessary.
- Submitting a CV With Spelling Errors
Proofread carefully before submitting.
- Using Long Paragraphs
Keep information clear and easy to read.
- Forgetting Contact Details
Always double-check your phone number and email address.
- Using Colourful Designs
For bursary applications, simple and professional is usually best.
Tips to Make Your Bursary CV Stand Out
Tailor Your CV
If applying for an engineering bursary, highlight:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Technical achievements
If applying for a teaching bursary, highlight:
- Leadership
- Tutoring experience
- Communication skills
Include Relevant Achievements
Only include achievements that strengthen your application.
Keep It Concise
A student CV should usually be:
- 1 to 2 pages long
Save as PDF
Always submit your CV as a PDF unless instructed otherwise.
Student CV Sample for Bursary Applications
CURRICULUM VITAE
PERSONAL DETAILS
Full Name: Thando Mkhize
ID Number: 0605121234087
Date of Birth: 12 May 2006
Address: 45 Zwelibanzi Street, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Cell Number: 071 234 5678
Email Address: thandomkhize@gmail.com
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Dedicated and ambitious Grade 12 learner with a strong academic record and a passion for engineering. Seeking bursary funding to pursue tertiary studies and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s development through innovation and technical expertise.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
KwaMashu Secondary School
Grade 12 (2026)
Subjects:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- English Home Language
- Geography
- Life Sciences
- Life Orientation
- isiZulu Home Language
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
- Top 10 Academic Achiever (2025)
- Mathematics Award (2025)
- Physical Sciences Distinction (2025)
- School Prefect (2026)
SKILLS
- Computer Literacy
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Communication Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
School Prefect (2026)
- Assisted with school administration.
- Supported learner discipline initiatives.
- Organised school events.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- Soccer First Team Player
- Science Club Member
- Debate Team Participant
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Community Mathematics Tutor
- Assisted Grade 8 and Grade 9 learners.
- Conducted weekend tutoring sessions.
AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES
- Academic Excellence Certificate
- Leadership Certificate
- Mathematics Olympiad Participation Certificate
REFERENCES
Mrs N. Dlamini
Mathematics Teacher
KwaMashu Secondary School
071 123 4567
Mr S. Mthembu
Principal
KwaMashu Secondary School
072 987 6543
Edupstairs Advice
Many bursary applications are rejected because students submit incomplete or poorly structured CVs. A strong bursary CV should clearly demonstrate academic potential, leadership ability, community involvement, and commitment to future studies.
Before submitting your application:
- Update your CV.
- Check spelling and grammar.
- Attach certified copies of required documents.
- Save everything as a PDF.
- Submit before the closing date.
Remember, your CV is often the first impression a bursary committee has of you. A professional and well-organised CV can significantly improve your chances of being shortlisted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How long should a student bursary CV be?
Generally 1–2 pages.
- Can I apply for a bursary without work experience?
Yes. Most student bursary applicants have little or no work experience.
- Should I include Grade 11 results if I am in Grade 12?
Yes. Include your latest available academic results.
- Do bursary providers verify information?
Yes. False information can lead to disqualification.
- Should I include references?
Yes. References add credibility to your application.
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 intended as a general guide to help students prepare a CV for bursary applications. Requirements may differ between bursary providers, so applicants should always read the official bursary guidelines and tailor their CV accordingly. Submitting a strong CV does not guarantee selection or funding.Top of FormBottom of Form
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