Bursaries

5 Bursary Motivational Letter Samples & Writing Tips (+PDF)

Download free bursary motivational letter samples in pdf format also learn from our step-by-step manual on how to write a motivational letter as a university or college student as part of your financial aid application.

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Jan 29, 2025 - 09:00

Jan 29, 2025 - 11:33

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Bursary Motivational Letter Samples

5 Bursary Motivational Letter Samples - How to Write One

A Bursary motivational letter is a crucial part of your bursary application if you intend to apply for funding for college or university. As important as it is, writing one can be a bit of a struggle and somewhat intimidating.

But worry not, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to construct a winning motivational letter, along with examples to use as inspiration. Also, we will give you some tips to follow to ensure that your letter stands out and impresses the bursary committee.

Let’s get right into it.

How to Write a Motivational Letter for Bursary

You need to follow a certain format when writing a bursary motivational letter. Sticking to the correct format will make it easier for the bursary committee to go over your letter. And possibly increase your chances of getting funded.

Here is how you structure a motivational letter for a bursary:

Full Name and Physical Address + Contact Information - on the top left corner of your page, you write your name and surname, along with your email address and physical address.

For example:

Nonkululeko Sithole

48 Sydney De Lange Street

Azalea

Secunda, 2440

nonkululekosithole@gmail.com

078 4234 6789

Date - you write the date on which the letter is written.

For example: 06 April 2026

Recipient Details - after the date, you write the recipient details as they are given in the bursary application In the following format:

[Recipient's Name or Bursary Committee Name]

[Recipient's Position or Bursary Committee Address]

[University or Institution Name]

[City, Postal Code]

Subject line - once that is done you write the reason for the letter. You summarise what this letter is for. Since you're applying for a bursary you'd say something like:

Eskom Bursary 2024 Application

Sometimes they may provide you with the subject line, so you should use that instead. If not, you have to write one yourself and keep it as short as possible.

Salutation - You must address the person or bursary committee accurately with the correct greeting.

Recommend greeting to use:

Dear Madam / Sir
To Whom It May Concern
Dear Bursary Committee

If the name of the recipient is included in the bursary form, it's best to use that one instead of the mentioned examples to show you've gone over the instructions and given details.

Introduction -In the introduction, you'll briefly explain what you're applying for. The bursary committee might have other bursaries open. So it's good to specify which one you're applying for with your bursary motivational letter

For example:

I'm writing this letter to apply for the 2024 Eskom Undergraduate Bursary program as I need funding.

Body - The body is where most of your work begins. In this section you will mention important information about yourself, the course you're studying or intend to study, along with the institution's name. After that, you will speak about your goals and academic achievements. Only list the ones you feel are necessary and will make you stand out as an applicant.

In a new paragraph, you will make your case for financial need. Let the recipient or bursary committee know why you need these funds they're offering. Sell yourself. Use persuasive language but do not come off as too desperate.

If possible, give an estimate of the costs for your program and how unaffordable that is for you. Show them why you require this bursary and how it'll change your situation, ultimately benefiting the country.

Explain how the money will help you achieve your goals.

Conclusion - Bring your bursary motivational letter to a close in a few sentences by expressing gratitude to the reader for taking the time to go over your application.

You can say something like: Thank you for your time and for considering my application.

Closing line - Use a closing line such as ‘Yours Sincerely’ to close off your letter.

Sign your letter - Write Your full name at the end of the bursary motivational after the closing line. This will conclude your letter.

E.g

Yours Sincerely,

Nonkululeko Sithole

If it is a hard copy, include your signature before your name and add your full name last.

Browse latest Bursaries available

5 Bursary Motivational Letter Samples Downloadable as PDF

If you feel the above format didn't satisfy your curiosity about how to write a bursary motivational letter.

Here are 5 different examples also these can be used as samples of bursary motivational letters to give you an even broader idea of how to structure one. You may also download them as pdf then repurpose them whenever you are applying for financial aid.

01. Bursary Financial Assistance Motivational Letter sample

Bursary Financial Assistance Motivational Letter sample

Download the Bursary Financial Assistance Motivational Letter Sample to help you craft a compelling application.

Download PDF

02. bursary motivational letter sample for first year students

bursary motivational letter sample for first year students

Get the Bursary Motivational Letter Sample for First-Year Students to secure your funding as a new student.

Download PDF

03.Bursary motivational letter sample for Funding

Bursary motivational letter sample for Funding

Use this Bursary Motivational Letter Sample for Funding to strengthen your application for financial support.

Download PDF

04. Financial Aid Motivational Letter for Students

This Financial Aid Motivational Letter for Students will guide you in writing a persuasive funding request.

Download PDF

05. Motivational Letter sample for Scholarship

Download the Motivational Letter Sample for Scholarship to boost your chances of receiving an academic award.

Download PDF

You may also have a look at our article about What is a Bursary: Step by Step Guide also If you're still unsure of how to format your bursary motivation letter. You can download the provided templates a the end of the article, add your information in the brackets instead, and save it on your device.

If you will need it in the future, you can copy it so there are two documents, fill out the copy version, and leave the original blank to duplicate it again, when you apply for a bursary you need a motivational letter.

Or simply edit the one you used before, and change some of the details to match the current bursary application.

Tips for Writing The Best Bursary Motivational Letter

Here are some great tips you can apply when writing your bursary motivational letter for optimal results.

Be honest - don't mention things that didn't happen or qualifications you don't have.
Use simple and formal language - stay away from slang and beating around the push. Stick to the facts.
Avoid filler words - words like really or definitely aren't necessary. Steer clear of them.
Edit your letter - go over your letter as many times as you can and weed out all the grammatical and spelling errors. Use editing tools like Grammarly to assist you in promising your bursary motivational letter. Reading the letter out loud can also help you catch mistakes and improve the flow
Be polite - write respectfully to show sincerity and value to the recipient and their time.
Use persuasive language- utilize effective words that will combine the bursary committee to select you for the next round and eventually award you the bursary.
Make it interesting to read - unlock your storytelling skills and make your bursary motivational letter enjoyable to read. The recipient or bursary committee has many letters to go over. So make yours the best one they'll ever read.