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Dear Daniel

Thank you for your email. Well done on getting a partial bursary.

Funding your studies requires you to explore a number of financial aid sources including part-time work and apply for bursaries, scholarships and loans:

• Start by drawing up a budget of exactly what your expenses are likely to be. This will give you an idea of how much you are looking for. Initially start by approach your family members for assistance.

• Begin your search for financial aid sources with a visit to the Career Planet bursary page http://www.careerplanet.co.za/_pages/bursaries Please make sure you meet application deadline dates. The dates given are the date that the bursary scheme should receive the application, so post your application forms at least a week in advance of the due date.

• Contact the Financial Aid Office of the education institution where you plan to study for information on the bursaries and loans you may be eligible to apply for.  They will also be able to tell you if you are eligible to apply for a loan from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (www.nsfas.org.za). While the NSFAS does not handle individual applications for funding at their offices, contact their Call Centre on 021 763 3232 for more information on Financial Aid Offices where you plan to study.

• Some organizations also provide bursaries and scholarships. However, these usually only specific application criteria for example some bursaries require you to study commerce, science or engineering degrees with majors in computer science, information systems and various engineering and technology disciplines.  Try some of the following:
  • Study Trust: http://www.studytrust.org.za/,
  • African Scholars Fund: P O Box 294 Rondebosch 7700, email address: office@asf.org.za

• Also look for part-time work after hours and over weekends. Approach the student support unit at your education institution to see if they have a list of potential part-time employment. For example:
  • Waiter at a restaurant (evening)/ catering company for functions or events
  • Shelf packer or weekend cashier / till operator at Pick 'n Pay, Checkers, Woolworths, etc
  • Shop assistant (weekends)

Good luck for your search for funding.

Lynn and the Career Planet Team