Interview prep: Bursaries
Bursary interviews decide who the company will invest in. Many bursaries come with a work-back agreement, so they look for strong results, a clear career plan and commitment to the field.
What to expect
- A panel interview, sometimes after aptitude tests
- Questions about your marks, your chosen degree and your future plans
- Questions about your financial need, for some bursaries
Questions for bursaries
Tap a question to see why they ask it, how to answer and an example. Change the example to your own story. Panels can tell when an answer is memorised.
Why did you choose this field of study?
Why they ask
They want students who will finish and work in this field.
How to answer
Talk about a real interest and what you want to do with the qualification.
Example answer
“I chose electrical engineering because I want to help solve South Africa's electricity problems. In Grade 11 I built a small solar charger for a science project and wanted to understand power systems properly.”
Why should we give the bursary to you?
Why they ask
They are choosing between many good students.
How to answer
Combine your results, your commitment and what you will give back.
Example answer
“I have strong Maths and Science marks, I am committed to this career, and I want to work for your company after I graduate. I will treat this bursary as a responsibility and not just funding.”
How do you handle pressure and difficult subjects?
Why they ask
University is a big step up from school.
How to answer
Show you have study habits and ask for help early.
Example answer
“When I struggled with Physics in Grade 11, I started extra classes on Saturdays and practised past papers every week. My mark went from 58% to 76%.”
Are you willing to work for us after your studies?
Why they ask
Most company bursaries have a work-back agreement.
How to answer
Say yes and show you understand it.
Example answer
“Yes. I understand I would work for the company for the same number of years I am funded, and I would welcome that because it gives me experience in the field right after I graduate.”
What do you do outside of school?
Why they ask
They want well-rounded students who contribute to their communities.
How to answer
Mention sport, volunteering, leadership or hobbies, with one short example.
Example answer
“I tutor Grade 9 learners in Maths on Saturdays at our community library, and I play soccer for my school.”
Questions asked in almost every interview
Tell us about yourself.
Why they ask
It is an easy start, and it shows whether you can talk about yourself clearly and stay on topic.
How to answer
Keep it to about one minute. Say what you studied or where you worked, one strength that suits this job, and why you applied. Do not tell your life story or talk about family problems.
Example answer
“I completed my NC(V) in Office Administration at Vhembe TVET College last year. During my studies I did a three-month placement at a local clinic where I filed patient records and answered phones. I am organised and calm with people, and I applied because this job lets me use those skills every day.”
Why do you want this job?
Why they ask
They want to know if you understand the job and if you will stay and work hard, or if you just need any job.
How to answer
Link something real about the job or company to your own goals. Show you read the advert. It is fine to say you need work, but give a better reason first.
Example answer
“I read that this role works directly with customers, and I enjoy helping people solve problems. I also see that you train staff and promote from inside, so I can grow here over the long term.”
What are your strengths?
Why they ask
They are checking if your strengths match what the job needs.
How to answer
Pick two strengths from the advert and prove each with a short example. "I am hard-working" means nothing without proof.
Example answer
“I am reliable and good with numbers. In my last job I opened the shop at 7 every morning for a year without being late once, and I balanced the till every day with no shortages.”
What is your weakness?
Why they ask
They want honesty and to see that you work on yourself.
How to answer
Choose a real weakness that is not central to the job, then say what you are doing to improve it. Do not say "I am a perfectionist" or "I have no weaknesses".
Example answer
“I used to be nervous speaking in front of groups. I joined a church youth committee where I have to give short updates every month, and I am much more confident now.”
Tell us about a time you solved a problem.
Why they ask
Behaviour-based questions show how you really act, not how you say you act.
How to answer
Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Spend most of the time on what YOU did and finish with the result.
Example answer
“At my in-service training (Situation) the printer broke on the day reports were due (Task). I called the supplier, then moved the files to a flash drive and printed them at the library next door (Action). All 40 reports went out on time (Result).”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why they ask
They want to know if you have goals and if those goals fit with them.
How to answer
Show ambition that grows inside the company or field. Avoid saying you want to leave for something unrelated.
Example answer
“I see myself having finished a further qualification in this field and taking on more responsibility, maybe as a team leader, here or in a similar role.”
Do you have any questions for us?
Why they ask
Having no questions can look like you are not interested.
How to answer
Always ask one or two. Ask about the work, training or next steps. Do not start with salary in a first interview unless they bring it up.
Example answer
“What does a normal day in this role look like? And what will the next step be after this interview?”
What to bring
- ID
- Latest results
- Proof of registration or acceptance letter
- Proof of household income if requested
Good questions to ask them
- Is there vacation work for bursary holders?
- Do you offer mentorship during studies?
On the day
- Arrive 15 minutes early, or log in 10 minutes early for an online interview.
- Dress neatly and simply. Clean and ironed is more important than expensive.
- Greet everyone, make eye contact and switch your phone to silent.
- It is fine to pause and think before you answer.
- Use the STAR method for "tell us about a time" questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Never pay anyone to get an interview or a job. Real employers do not ask for money.