A motivational letter is often the deciding factor between successful and unsuccessful bursary applications. This personal statement gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality, goals, and passion beyond what grades and academic records can communicate.
Whether you're applying for an NSFAS bursary, private company funding, or university scholarships, a well-crafted motivational letter can set you apart from thousands of other applicants.
What is a Motivational Letter?
A motivational letter for a bursary is a formal document where you explain why you deserve financial assistance, your academic and career goals, and how the bursary will help you achieve them. It's your opportunity to tell your story and make a personal connection with the selection committee.
Key Purposes:
🎯 Demonstrate Need
Explain your financial circumstances and why you need funding
✨ Showcase Potential
Highlight your academic achievements and future goals
💡 Show Alignment
Connect your goals with the bursary provider's values
🚀 Stand Out
Differentiate yourself from other applicants
Structure of a Motivational Letter
1. Header and Salutation
Your details:
Your Full Name
Your Address
Phone Number & Email
Date
Bursary Committee/Organization Name
Address
Dear Bursary Selection Committee,
2. Introduction Paragraph
- • Introduce yourself and state your purpose
- • Mention the specific bursary you're applying for
- • Briefly state your field of study
- • Create a strong first impression
3. Body Paragraphs (2-3 paragraphs)
Paragraph 1: Academic Background & Achievements
- • Your academic performance and achievements
- • Relevant qualifications and certifications
- • Leadership roles and extracurricular activities
Paragraph 2: Financial Need
- • Explain your financial circumstances (without too much detail)
- • How lack of funding affects your studies
- • Why you can't afford tuition and expenses
Paragraph 3: Goals & Alignment
- • Your career goals and aspirations
- • How this bursary fits your plans
- • How you'll contribute to society/the organization
4. Conclusion
- • Summarize your key points
- • Express gratitude for consideration
- • Include a professional closing
- • Sign with your full name
Essential Writing Tips
✅ Do's
- • Be authentic and genuine
- • Use specific examples and achievements
- • Research the organization's values
- • Keep it concise (1-2 pages maximum)
- • Use professional language
- • Proofread for errors
- • Follow application guidelines
- • Quantify your achievements where possible
❌ Don'ts
- • Don't use generic templates
- • Don't exaggerate or lie
- • Don't focus only on financial need
- • Don't use informal language
- • Don't repeat your CV
- • Don't make spelling/grammar errors
- • Don't exceed word/page limits
- • Don't be overly emotional
Sample Motivational Letter
Thabo Mthembu
123 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2000
Phone: 011 123 4567 | Email: [email protected]
Date: 15 January 2024
Sasol Bursary Committee
Private Bag X10003
Sandton, 2146
Dear Bursary Selection Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Sasol Engineering Bursary for 2024. As a passionate and dedicated student pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, I believe this bursary aligns perfectly with my academic goals and career aspirations in the energy sector.
Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently demonstrated excellence and commitment. I completed my National Senior Certificate with distinction, achieving 85% for Mathematics and 88% for Physical Sciences. During my first year of studies, I maintained a 75% average while actively participating in the student engineering society and volunteering in community outreach programs teaching mathematics to underprivileged high school students.
My family's financial circumstances make it challenging to fund my tertiary education. As the eldest of three children in a single-parent household, where my mother works as a domestic worker, I understand the value of education as a pathway to breaking the cycle of poverty. Despite applying for NSFAS, the funding does not cover all my expenses, particularly accommodation and study materials, which creates significant financial strain.
My ultimate goal is to become a chemical engineer specializing in sustainable energy solutions. I am particularly interested in Sasol's commitment to cleaner energy technologies and would be honored to contribute to the company's innovative projects upon graduation. I plan to complete my degree with distinction and pursue postgraduate studies in renewable energy systems. I am committed to giving back to my community by mentoring young students and promoting STEM education in disadvantaged areas.
I am confident that with Sasol's support, I will excel academically and make meaningful contributions to the engineering field. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my application further and provide any additional information you may require.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to your positive response.
Yours sincerely,
Thabo Mthembu
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Generic Letters
Using the same letter for different bursaries without customization. Each application should be tailored to the specific organization.
📝 Poor Grammar and Spelling
Language errors create a poor impression. Always proofread and ask someone else to review your letter.
💸 Focusing Only on Financial Need
While financial need is important, also emphasize your potential, achievements, and how you'll add value.
📏 Incorrect Length
Too short seems uninterested; too long loses attention. Stick to 1-2 pages maximum.
Final Checklist Before Submitting
Content Check:
- ☐ Clear introduction and purpose
- ☐ Academic achievements highlighted
- ☐ Financial need explained appropriately
- ☐ Career goals clearly stated
- ☐ Alignment with bursary provider shown
- ☐ Strong, memorable conclusion
Format Check:
- ☐ Proper business letter format
- ☐ Correct contact information
- ☐ Professional font and spacing
- ☐ No spelling or grammar errors
- ☐ Within required length
- ☐ Signed and dated