For bursaries, the CV is not about “work experience”. It’s about evidence: reliability, effort, progress, and potential.
At a glance
- Typical length: 1 page
- Style: plain and readable (no fancy graphics)
- Focus: academics, leadership, projects, volunteering
One-page CV template (copy + edit)
FULL NAME SURNAME Phone: [ ] | Email: [ ] | Location: [Town, Province] LinkedIn (optional): [ ] | Portfolio (optional): [ ] PROFILE (2–3 lines) [Year of study / Grade], studying [Qualification] at [Institution]. Interested in [field]. Known for [strengths]. Seeking bursary support to complete studies and build a career in [goal]. EDUCATION [Institution] — [Qualification] | [Year] Key modules/subjects: [A, B, C] Results: [brief highlight] ACHIEVEMENTS - [Award / Top subject / improvement] - [Leadership role] - [Competition / certificate] PROJECTS (if relevant) - [Project name] — [what you did + outcome] - [Small practical project] — [tool/skill used] LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY - [Role] — [impact] - [Volunteer] — [impact] SKILLS - Technical: [MS Office, basic coding, design, etc.] - Soft skills: [communication, teamwork, time management] - Languages: [Xitsonga, English, etc.] REFERENCES Available on request / or list referee name + role + contact if required.
Closing date
Finalise your CV early and reuse it. For each bursary, tweak the Profile section and Projects/Skills to match the sponsor’s field.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Making it 3–4 pages long
- Making up fake “work experience”
- Writing “hardworking” without evidence (add achievements instead)