Applying for a bursary is exciting, but many students underestimate one thing: your CV matters.
When applying for the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Bursary, your academic results are important—but they are not always enough on their own. A strong CV helps tell your story, demonstrate your potential, and show that you are serious about your future.
Many students submit generic CVs that simply list schools attended and contact details. But bursary selection committees often want to see more: your academic journey, achievements, interests, leadership, goals, and evidence that you understand the field you want to study.
This guide explains exactly how to structure and write a winning SANSA bursary CV.
Quick Overview
Opportunity Type: Bursary Application Support Guide
Target Audience: South African learners and students applying for SANSA bursaries
Purpose: Help applicants create a stronger bursary CV
Ideal CV Length: 1–2 pages
Recommended Format: PDF
File Name Example: Name_Surname_SANSA_Bursary_CV.pdf
Focus Areas: Academic strength, achievements, leadership, motivation, future goals
About SANSA and Why Your CV is Important
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) supports South Africa’s growth in space science, engineering, earth observation, satellite applications, and innovation.
A SANSA bursary is more than financial support—it is an investment in future scientists, engineers, researchers, and technical professionals.
Because bursaries are competitive, your CV becomes your personal marketing document.
Selection panels often want to quickly understand:
- Who you are
- What you have achieved
- Why you chose your field
- Whether you show long-term potential
- How you align with scientific development and innovation
Before You Start Writing Your CV
Prepare these documents first:
- South African ID
- Latest academic transcripts
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 results (if applicable)
- Certificates of achievement
- Leadership certificates
- Volunteer evidence
- Awards
- Short courses
- Extracurricular records
Collect everything before opening Word.
Step 1: Start with Professional Personal Information
At the top of your CV include:
Personal Details
Full Name
Phone Number
Professional Email Address
Province
LinkedIn (optional)
Example:
Siyanda Mathebula
Johannesburg, Gauteng
082 XXX XXXX
siyanda@example.com
Avoid:
- Nicknames
- Multiple phone numbers
- Unprofessional email addresses
- Marital status
- Religion
- Height and weight
Keep this section clean.
Step 2: Write a Strong Professional Profile
This is the most overlooked section.
Write a short paragraph introducing yourself.
Example:
Motivated and academically driven South African student with a strong interest in space science, technology, engineering and innovation. Demonstrates excellent analytical ability, leadership potential, and commitment to contributing toward South Africa’s scientific advancement. Seeking an opportunity to further academic and professional development through the SANSA Bursary Programme.
Keep this section:
- 3–5 lines
- Future-focused
- Relevant to your intended field
Step 3: Present Your Education Section Correctly
Education should appear near the top.
Structure:
Education
Institution Name
Qualification
Year
Average Percentage (if strong)
Example:
ABC Secondary School
National Senior Certificate
Expected Completion: 2026
Average: 82%
OR
University Name
BSc Computer Science
Current Year: First Year
Current Average: 76%
Include subjects relevant to SANSA.
Examples:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Geography
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Engineering Graphics
- Statistics
Step 4: Highlight Academic Achievements
Many students forget this.
Create a dedicated section.
Academic Achievements
- Top 10 Academic Performer
- Mathematics Olympiad Participant
- Science Fair Finalist
- Distinction in Physical Sciences
- Academic Merit Award
- Dean’s Merit Certificate
Even smaller achievements count.
Step 5: Include Leadership and Extracurricular Activities
SANSA bursaries are not only about marks.
Include:
Leadership and Activities
- Class Representative
- Student Mentor
- School Prefect
- Debate Team
- Coding Club
- Robotics Club
- Environmental Club
- Sports Leadership
- Community Projects
Example:
Science Club Member
2025–2026
- Participated in STEM awareness initiatives
- Assisted in organising science exhibitions
Step 6: Add Skills That Match SANSA Fields
Create a dedicated skills section.
Skills
Technical Skills:
- Microsoft Office
- Data Analysis
- Basic Programming
- Research Skills
- Presentation Skills
Soft Skills:
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Teamwork
- Time Management
Do not exaggerate.
Step 7: Include Volunteer Work and Community Involvement
This section often separates strong candidates.
Examples:
Community Involvement
- Tutoring Mathematics learners
- Community STEM workshops
- Environmental awareness campaigns
- Youth development programmes
Selection panels often value initiative.
Step 8: Add Career Goals
Include a short section.
Career Objective
Example:
My long-term goal is to contribute toward South Africa’s scientific and technological advancement through research and innovation while developing expertise in fields supported by SANSA.
This shows direction.
Step 9: Include References Properly
Use references only if requested.
Format:
References
Name
Position
Institution
Contact Number
Email
Examples:
- Teacher
- Lecturer
- Academic Supervisor
- Principal
Avoid family members.
Step 10: Format Your CV Like a Professional
Formatting matters.
Checklist:
- Maximum 2 pages
- Font: Arial or Calibri
- Font size: 11–12
- Clear headings
- Consistent spacing
- Save as PDF
- Use black text
- No coloured backgrounds
File naming example:
Surname_Name_SANSA_Bursary_CV.pdf
Common Mistakes That Cause Bursary CV Rejections
Avoid:
- Spelling mistakes
- Generic CV for every application
- Missing contact details
- Long paragraphs
- Copy-paste objectives
- Adding unrelated information
- Including selfies
- Using decorative templates
SANSA Bursary CV Structure Template
- Personal Details
- Professional Profile
- Education
- Academic Achievements
- Leadership Activities
- Skills
- Community Involvement
- Career Objective
- References
Edupstairs Advice
Your SANSA bursary CV should not try to impress with design—it should impress with clarity and evidence.
A student with strong academic focus, community involvement, leadership, and clear career goals often stands out more than someone with an overly designed CV.
Treat your CV like a scientific report: organised, accurate, and intentional.
Your goal is not simply to submit an application.
Your goal is to make the selection panel remember your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does SANSA require work experience?
No. Most student applicants are not expected to have formal work experience.
- How long should my CV be?
Preferably one to two pages.
- Should I include Grade 11 marks?
Yes, if Grade 12 final results are not available.
- Should I include hobbies?
Only if they support leadership, innovation, science, or development.
- Can I use Canva templates?
Yes, but keep them simple and professional.
- Should my CV and motivational letter say the same thing?
No. Your CV shows evidence; your motivational letter tells your story.
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 an educational guide to help applicants prepare stronger bursary applications. Always refer to official SANSA bursary requirements and application instructions.
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