Interview Tips
5 min read
How to prepare for a bursary interview: common questions, what to wear, and how to answer confidently online or in person.
Research the funder
Know what the organisation does, which industry it operates in and why it funds students in your field. One informed sentence about their work sets you apart immediately.
Questions you should expect
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why did you choose this field of study?
- Why do you need this bursary?
- Tell us about a challenge you overcame.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What do you know about our organisation?
Answer with structure
For any 'tell us about a time' question, describe the situation, what you had to do, the action you took and the result. Keep answers to about a minute — enough detail to be memorable, short enough to stay clear.
Practical preparation
- Dress neatly and conservatively, even for an online interview
- Test your data, device, camera and audio the day before an online interview
- Sit somewhere quiet with light on your face and a plain background
- Have your CV, ID and results on hand
- Arrive or log in ten minutes early and prepare one question to ask them