Undergraduate bursaries are designed to help students spending their first four years in college get access to financial assistance so that they will better be able to afford the experience. A undergraduate bursary can range in amounts offered and may be given out for specific purposes.
Various Undergraduate Bursaries from around the World
Some undergraduate bursaries are designed specifically with lower income, financially needy students in mind while others are established for more merit based purposes. Depending on where a student is located in the world, undergraduate bursaries are defined in different ways.
In England and Canada, for example, an undergraduate bursary is more like a scholarship in the United States, meaning that they do not normally need to be paid back upon graduation. However in other places, like South Africa, undergraduate bursaries offered by both independent businesses and the national government are expected to be repaid through work after a student has earned their degree.
Normally in Europe or Canada, the scholarship-like aspects of undergraduate bursaries limits programs to only providing a certain amount of assistance, not normally equal the costs of tuition while an undergraduate bursary in South Africa normally pays for the entirety of college expenses.
Regardless of location, undergraduate bursaries represent a great way to pay for college and students should always consider them when searching for financial assistance.
Undergraduate Bursaries from South African Bursary Programs
South Africa is full of undergraduate bursaries for students who take the time to look. For instance the Mintek undergraduate bursary offered by the Mintek Corporation cover the full cost of tuition, fees, and other costs while also offering summer intern work to current bursary holders. Students interested in this program should have received a level 5 in the mathematics and science scores. Applicants should have also taken mathematics and science courses in their grades 10-12 years, scoring a five in those classes as well. All South African citizens who meet these criteria are eligible to apply by July 31.
British Undergraduate Bursary Program
The British Orthopedic Association offers undergraduate bursaries which will award up to 150 pound a week and up to 300 pounds total for necessary living purposes. Applicants must be affiliated with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and submit a proposal regarding the work they intend to undertake while receiving the assistance. All materials must be submitted by March 30.
Universities offer Undergraduate Bursaries
Universities often offer their own undergraduate bursary support apart from national programs. A good example of this comes from Sidney Sussex College and the University of Cambridge in Canada which has 10 different undergraduate bursaries from which students may potentially get access to resources. These programs are income related and award amounts up to 3,400 pounds. First year students at the college are automatically considered for these undergraduate bursaries, but students at the school after their first year should submit the proper financial assistance forms.
University of Victoria students in Canada may find themselves eligible for an UOV undergraduate bursary. Also based on financial needs, these awards will vary depending on the amount of aid a student still needs to be able to afford college after their student loans and other assistance has been taken into consideration. Applicants will need to Canadian residents, have at least a 3.5 grade point average and be registered for at least 4.5 units with regards to courses. Applications must be turned in by June 1 or October 15 depending when students are planning to be enrolled.
Altech Academy in South Africa offers undergraduate bursaries to students studying electrical, mechanical or industrial engineer, computer science, and accounting. All applicants should be in their third or fourth year of school, and will cover the full costs of tuition, fees, and living expenses. Application materials should be turned in no later than August 31.
In Australia, the University of Sydney provides undergraduate bursaries to students who are in need of financial assistance. They have up to 13 different bursary programs which give out varying degrees of assistance to help cover assistance and living needs. Students who are interested in the programs should apply for financial assistance, after which they will be considered for all applicable undergraduate bursaries. Only Australian citizens may apply and must have their applications in by September 19.