What to Do If You Don’t Qualify for a Bursary but Want to Study in South Africa
So, you didn’t score that bursary for studying in South Africa—ouch. Been there, felt that sting. But hey, don’t pack away your dreams just yet. There’s more than one way to crash the campus gates, even if your bank account’s giving you the side eye. Let’s break it down, real talk style.
1. Hunt Down Other Money Options
Alright, bursaries are cool, but they’re not the only ticket to the party.
– Student Loans: If you’re a local, check out NSFAS. Otherwise, banks like Standard Bank or Nedbank might play ball, though, yeah, interest is a drag.
– Scholarships: These are like bursaries’ overachieving cousins—usually for top marks, mad skills, or if you’re a wizard at chess or whatever. Universities and random companies have these floating around.
– University Financial Aid: Don’t just sit there—harass the financial aid office! Sometimes they’ve got internal grants, payment plans, or “oops, you missed this” emergency funds.
2. Go Part-Time or Juggle Work/Study
Money tight? Chill, you don’t HAVE to go full-time.
– Part-Time/Online Study: Ever heard of UNISA? It’s kind of the OG when it comes to studying in your pajamas. Other places do it too.
– Student Jobs: From tutoring to making coffee in the campus cafe, every little bit helps. Check for work-study gigs at your school.
3. Cheaper Schools Are a Thing
Not every school will bleed you dry.
– TVET Colleges: More hands-on, cheaper, and you might actually land a job right after.
– Smaller or Private Colleges: Sometimes these guys have friendlier price tags or payment plans. Don’t sleep on them.
4. Save Like Your Future Depends on It (Because It Kinda Does)
Thinking ahead? Love that for you.
– Gap Year: Work, save, and maybe try adulting for a bit. Bonus—next year’s bursary apps might look better with some life experience.
– Budget Like a Boss: Be that person with the spreadsheet. Hunt for student discounts, split rent with five friends, whatever it takes.
5. Don’t Take “No” Like It’s the End
Seriously, shake things up.
– Appeal: Maybe your app got lost in the shuffle, or someone misread your docs. Ask about an appeal—what’s the worst that could happen?
– Reapply: Next year, come back stronger. Better grades, some work cred, and a killer essay.
6. Beg, Borrow, (Don’t Steal) – Community & Corporate Cash
Sometimes help comes from the most random places.
– Corporate Sponsorship: Companies sometimes pay your fees if you promise to work for them after. Not a bad trade.
– NGOs & Community Groups: Churches, community orgs—even your auntie’s book club might have a scholarship fund. Ask around, don’t be shy.
7. Get Some Guidance, Don’t Go It Alone
You don’t have to figure it all out solo.
– Career Counsellors: They’ve seen it all before and might point you somewhere unexpected.
– Uni Advisors: Sometimes they know about secret scholarships or weird loophole programs.
Bottom line? Missing out on a bursary isn’t game over. Hustle a bit, stay scrappy, and keep your eyes open—South Africa’s got plenty of ways in for the stubborn and creative. Don’t let one “no” kill your vibe. Where there’s WiFi and caffeine, there’s hope.