Taking a year off after high school or during university is more common than many people think. Whether you took a break for personal reasons, to work, recover from burnout, or explore other paths, returning to your studies can feel intimidating — especially when it comes to finding funding.
The good news is that you can still get a bursary after taking a year off — even if you’ve been out of school for a while. Many bursary providers in South Africa accept applications from students who took a gap year, as long as you meet their requirements.
In this blog post, we’ll break down exactly how to position yourself for bursary success after a gap year, what mistakes to avoid, and where to find bursaries that are open to returning students.
Is It Possible to Get a Bursary After a Gap Year?
Yes — and here’s why:
Most bursary providers are interested in your potential, your financial need, and your academic performance. If you took a gap year but still meet those criteria, you are still eligible.
However, you’ll need to explain your gap year clearly, present yourself professionally, and sometimes work a bit harder to stand out from current matriculants and first-time applicants.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Bursary After a Year Off
1. Understand Why You Took the Year Off (And Be Ready to Explain It)
When applying for bursaries, especially those that ask for a motivation letter or interview, you’ll need to explain the gap in your academic journey. Some acceptable reasons include:
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Financial constraints
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Mental health or medical issues
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Taking time to work and save money
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Personal or family responsibilities
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Career exploration or volunteering
Be honest — but also be strategic. Focus on how your gap year helped you grow, mature, or confirm your commitment to your chosen field of study.
Example:
“I took a year off after matric due to financial challenges at home. During that time, I worked part-time and volunteered at a local youth centre. This experience deepened my interest in social work, which I’m now fully committed to studying.”
2. Gather and Certify Your Documents
You’ll still need to meet the basic documentation requirements that bursary providers ask for. These usually include:
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Certified copy of your South African ID
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Certified copy of your matric certificate or latest academic transcript
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Proof of household income (or affidavit if unemployed)
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Acceptance letter from a tertiary institution
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Motivation letter
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Resume (if required)
If your matric certificate is older than 12 months, be sure to certify it again — most bursary providers require recent certification (within 3 months).
3. Apply to Bursaries That Accept Post-Matric Applicants
Not all bursaries are limited to current Grade 12 learners. Many allow applications from:
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Gap-year students
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First-year university students
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TVET college applicants
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Returning university students
Focus your energy on bursaries that state:
“Matriculated in 2023 or earlier”
“Currently accepted to study in 2025”
“For first-time or returning undergraduate students”
4. Strengthen Your Motivation Letter
After a year off, your motivation letter becomes even more important. This is where you can:
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Address the gap in your studies
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Explain why you’re ready to return
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Show commitment to your chosen career path
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Share what you’ve done during your year off
Tips for a strong motivation letter:
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Be sincere but focused
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Avoid sounding like you’re making excuses
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Highlight any personal growth, work ethic, or lessons learned
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End with a clear goal for your studies and career
5. Highlight Any Experience You Gained During Your Gap Year
Even if you weren’t in school, you may have learned valuable skills during your gap year. Mention if you:
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Worked part-time or full-time
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Volunteered in your community
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Took short online courses
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Started a small business or side hustle
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Helped out with family responsibilities
These show maturity, independence, and dedication — qualities that bursary panels appreciate.
6. Apply Early and Widely
Because your application may need extra explanation or documents, give yourself enough time to prepare.
Start applying between June and October, which is when most bursaries open. Apply to as many bursaries as you qualify for — don’t rely on just one.
Great places to find bursaries include:
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Municipality websites
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SETA websites (e.g., MICT SETA, EWSETA)
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NSFAS (for low-income students at public universities and TVET colleges)
7. Prepare for Interviews or Additional Steps
Some bursaries involve interviews, online tests, or panel reviews. If you’re selected, be prepared to explain your gap year with confidence.
Tips:
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Practice with a friend or mentor
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Keep your story positive and focused
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Emphasize what you’ve learned, not what went wrong
Bursary Options for Students Returning After a Gap Year
Here are some bursaries that typically accept applicants who didn’t apply straight after matric:
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
Open to students of all ages as long as they are studying at a public institution and meet financial eligibility.
Municipal Bursaries
Often prioritize local youth regardless of matric year, especially if you're pursuing a scarce skill.
Sasol, Transnet, and Eskom Bursaries
These companies sometimes accept students who took a gap year, especially if your studies align with their skills needs.
SETA Bursaries (Sector Education and Training Authorities)
SETAs like MICT SETA and EWSETA offer bursaries for ICT, energy, and skills-related fields to a range of students, not just school-leavers.
Mistakes to Avoid
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Not explaining your gap year (leaves room for doubt)
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Applying to bursaries meant only for recent matriculants
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Submitting old or uncertified documents
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Missing application deadlines
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Failing to show commitment to your future goals
Final Thoughts
Taking a year off doesn’t disqualify you from getting a bursary. In fact, if you play your cards right, your gap year can make your application stand out — showing growth, resilience, and maturity.
So don’t hesitate. Start gathering your documents, updating your motivation letter, and searching for bursaries that welcome determined, focused students like you.
Your educational journey might have been delayed, but that doesn’t mean it’s over. With the right approach, your next step could be fully funded.
