Applying for a bursary is an exciting opportunity to secure funding for your studies, but it’s also highly competitive. Not every applicant gets invited for an interview, so if you do, consider it a huge step forward. The bursary interview is your chance to showcase your personality, achievements, and motivation—beyond what your application form says.
To help you feel confident and prepared, here’s a complete guide on how to prepare for a bursary interview, including common questions, smart answers, and important tips to help you stand out.
Step 1: Research the Bursary Programme
Before your interview, research the bursary you’ve applied for. You should know:
- The eligibility requirements and what you submitted in your application.
- The bursary provider’s mission, goals, and values (check their official About Us page).
- The specific skills and qualities they are looking for in successful candidates.
This preparation will help you tailor your answers so they align with the organisation’s vision.
Step 2: Understand the Bursary Provider
Interviewers want to see that you care about their organisation’s purpose—not just the money. Spend some time learning about:
- Their priority areas (e.g., STEM, finance, teaching, or community service).
- Any community projects or initiatives they support.
- Career pathways they may offer bursary recipients after graduation.
When you show genuine interest in the provider, you stand out as someone who will value and uphold their investment in your education.
Step 3: Practice Common Bursary Interview Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked bursary interview questions you should prepare for:
- Tell us about yourself.
- What personal achievement makes you the proudest?
- What is your greatest strength?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- What kind of activities or hobbies do you enjoy?
- How would your teachers or friends describe you?
- Why did you choose your course of study?
- Why do you want to study at your chosen institution?
- Share a mistake you’ve made, how you overcame it, and what you learned.
- What are your long-term life and career goals?
- Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years?
- How will you use the bursary if awarded?
- Why should we choose you over other applicants?
- How can you contribute to our organisation?
👉 Tip: Don’t memorise answers word-for-word—it can make you sound robotic. Instead, write down bullet points and practise with a friend to keep your responses natural.
Step 4: Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer
An interview is a two-way conversation. Asking smart questions shows that you are engaged and curious. Here are examples of questions you can ask during a bursary interview:
- What does your organisation aim to achieve through this bursary?
- Are there additional programmes or initiatives I can get involved in?
- What qualities do you look for in the ideal bursary recipient?
- Does this bursary provide resources beyond financial aid (e.g., mentorship, internships)?
- Are there opportunities to connect with alumni or network with professionals in the field?
- What happens after graduation—are there job placements or support programmes?
👉 Always check the organisation’s website first; some answers may already be available online.
Step 5: Face-to-Face Interview Tips
When the big day arrives, how you carry yourself in the interview room can make as much impact as your answers. Follow these tips:
- Arrive on time (punctuality shows reliability).
- Greet the panel with a firm handshake and a genuine smile.
- Stay calm and composed.
- Be yourself—honesty is valued more than rehearsed perfection.
- Maintain eye contact with each interviewer.
- Think before you answer; take a short pause if needed.
- Avoid filler words like “um” or “like.”
- Be clear, concise, and stay on topic.
- Speak confidently and enunciate your words.
- End on a positive note—thank them sincerely for the opportunity.
👉 Pro tip: Before you leave, shake hands, look the panel in the eye, and let them know you’d be happy to attend a follow-up interview if needed.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a bursary interview isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about showing who you are, why you deserve the bursary, and how you plan to make the most of it. With the right preparation, research, and confidence, you’ll be ready to make a lasting impression.
Remember: bursary providers are investing in your future. Show them that their investment will not only help you succeed academically but also allow you to give back to your community and profession.