How to write a Bursary Motivational Letter
At the top left corner of the letter, include the address of the bursary provider (you can also include the date you are applying on, your name, and contact details).
Start your letter with any of the following:
- Dear (Name of the person reading application, if known)
- Dear Sir/ Madam
- To whom it may concern
The first paragraph should purposefully state the reason for your application. It should be no longer than 2 or 3 sentences and should include a clear thesis similar to the following: “I am applying for the [insert company name] bursary programme to help fund my [course of study] qualification, for the [course year study] academic year.
The second paragraph should elaborate on your education and include your personal achievements, current studies, and plans you have for further education (example, a graduate degree.) Be precise and to the point in this paragraph and ensure that it too, is no longer than 3 sentences.
The third paragraph should include your career plans and explain how your education and degree complement them. This section should reflect on your personal goals as well as explain how the bursary will aid you in covering certain funds. You could briefly include the circumstances that lead to you needing financial need, but do not linger on it. This paragraph should focus mainly on your plans for the future.
With all this in mind, this is a paragraph that can be a little longer than the rest.
The final paragraph of your motivational letter should be short, stating your gratitude for the consideration and opportunity.
Finally, sign your letter, “Sincerely, (your name).”
Additional tips for writing a Bursary Motivational Letter
- Be brief but ensure that you cover as much as you can.
- Don’t use filler words (really, just, etc.) replace them with modifiers instead as they convey your thoughts professionally.
- Make your letter personal by stating plans to work for certain organisations or to solve any problems you may have experienced.
- Ensure the committee that the funding will contribute to a bigger and better plan.
- Ensure that your tone is professional but not robotic or stiff; write as if you were actually having the conversation with the professor or employer.
- Think carefully about why you need this funding and opportunity- if you truly believe in yourself, it will be 100 times easier to convey that in your letter!