27 March 2009
	RESOURCES - STARTING OUT Lighting the way Kick-start your bursary hunt with these funding leads

From financial institutions to government departments, universities to nongovernmental organisations, so many companies provide bursaries that putting together an exhaustive list of everything on offer is a difficult exercise. However, FM Campus has put together a short list of resources to get you started on your hunt for study funding. University financial aid office When you're looking for study funding, your first port of call should be your university's financial aid office. Your financial aid office will be able to provide you with details of what's on offer, as well as information on bursaries that are most apt for your particular circumstances. Your financial aid office will also provide you with all the details you'll need about graduate recruitment roadshows taking place on your campus, as well as financial aid options available at your university. Media Many organisations list their offerings in the media and on their company websites. Keep abreast of what's out there by reading newspapers, trade journals and career guidance documents. Also spend some time online: visit the websites of companies you would like to work for as well as career guidance sites such as www.careerwise.co.za for information on bursary opportunities. The Bursary Register Published annually for about 40 years, the Bursary Register is a comprehensive list of companies, institutions and organisations offering bursaries, loans and scholarships. With information on who to approach for financial assistance in your field of interest, and tips for submitting applications, it's a mine of information. Your university's financial aid office should have a copy. Umsobomvu Youth Fund The Umsobomvu Youth Fund website, www.youthportal.org.za, has a substantial, easy-to-navigate list of bursaries on offer in SA. The site includes information on closing dates, eligibility, contact details and terms and conditions. getALife Youth website getALife has a database of more than 1 700 national and international bursaries, scholarships and loans. You can search through the database by company or by faculty, making it easy for you to find something tailored to your study path. To check out its offerings, visit: www.gal.co.za. Study Trust SA Study Trust is a national bursary provider and poverty fighting initiative that aims to empower students by providing funding for further education. Applicants need to show academic potential and be in financial need. Preference is given to candidates from rural areas or disruptive family circumstances. For more information, visit: www.studytrust.org.za or call (011) 726-5604. The SA Institute of Chartered Accountants The SA Institute of Chartered Accountants' Thuthuka Bursary Fund is a transformation initiative that provides financial support to black and coloured students studying towards the chartered accountant qualification. Each year, the fund places deserving students at accredited universities around the country. Visit www.saica.co.za for more information.