5 Stages of Corporate Citizenship. Read more here

5 Stages of Corporate Citizenship. Read more here

How to choose the best candidates for a bursary

Image of four women holding up certificates from university in graduation uniforms for the DevMan Bursary management and distribution software
Image by Freepik

Managing a bursary program can be a complex and challenging task, but it is also an incredibly rewarding one. By providing financial support to students in need, bursaries play a crucial role in making education accessible to all.

However, with so many students in need of financial assistance, it can be difficult to identify the best candidates for a bursary. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your bursary program reaches the students who need it most.

1. Establish clear criteria

The first step in selecting the best candidates for a bursary is to establish clear criteria for eligibility. Factors such as financial need, academic achievement and community involvement should be considered. This can be achieved by using DevMan’s smart application forms designed to collect data and eiminate unqualified applicants from the start, greatly reducing the amount of time spent sifting through application entries.

2. Use a bursary management system

A bursary management system can help you collect, review and evaluate applications easily and efficiently. This software can automate the process of collecting, sorting and reviewing applications and makes it easier for the bursary committee to manage the process.

3. Review applications thoroughly

Once you have received the applications, it is important to review them thoroughly. Look for evidence of financial need, academic achievement and community involvement. Pay attention to the personal statement and letters of recommendation as they can provide valuable insight into the applicant’s background and character.

4. Consider the applicant's potential

While academic performance and financial need are important factors, the applicant’s potential should also be considered. Look for students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their education and have the potential to make the most of the opportunity offered by the bursary.

5. Make a decision

Once you have reviewed all applications, it is time to make a decision. The bursary committee should carefully consider all available information and make a decision based on the established criteria.

6. Communicate with the applicants

After the decision has been made, it is important to communicate with the successful AND unsuccessful applicants. Inform them about the decision and the reasons why they were selected or not selected. On DevMans’s system this can be executed by bulk updating groups of applicants and sending out mailers to all to inform them of the results. Processes can also be automated to achive this once certain actions have been performed by either the applicant or the reviewer.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your bursary program reaches the students who need it most. With the right criteria and a bursary management system, you can make the process of selecting the best candidates for a bursary as efficient and effective as possible.

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