Study Tips
5 min read
Practical study techniques for South African students who need to maintain the academic average their bursary requires.
Most bursaries have academic conditions
Funding is usually renewed each year on condition that you pass all modules or maintain a minimum average. Treat your results as part of your funding agreement and check the exact requirement in your contract.
Techniques that actually work
- Active recall: close the book and write down what you remember, then check
- Spaced repetition: review the same material after one day, one week and one month
- Past papers under timed conditions — the single highest-value exam preparation
- Explain a concept out loud as if teaching it; gaps become obvious fast
- Study in 45-minute blocks with short breaks rather than long unfocused sessions
Get help early
Every university and TVET college has tutoring, writing centres, mentors and counselling services included in your fees. Ask in week two, not the week before exams.
Protect your basics
Sleep, food and a fixed weekly timetable do more for your marks than any late-night cramming session. Plan your assignment deadlines into a calendar at the start of each semester.