Affidavit for Bursary Applications (SA)

Some bursaries require an affidavit to confirm circumstances such as unemployment, no income, or household support arrangements. This guide gives you copy-and-edit templates and the correct process for getting it done.

At a glance

What an affidavit is: a sworn (or affirmed) written statement
Where you do it: with a Commissioner of Oaths (typically at a Post Office, Police Station (SAPS), attorneys’ offices, bank branches, and magistrate’s courts. Other authorized individuals include professional accountants, HR managers, and school principals)
Tip: if a bursary has its own affidavit format, use that format

Important note

Only make statements that are true and that you can support if asked. If a bursary has a specific affidavit format, follow that format.

What to bring

Your South African ID
Any supporting documents (if the bursary asks)
A printed affidavit (or neatly written/typed statement)

Oath vs affirmation

If you prefer not to swear a religious oath, you can make an affirmation instead.

Template 1: Parent/guardian unemployed

AFFIDAVIT

I, the undersigned,

Full names: ____________________________
ID number: _____________________________
Residential address: _____________________

do hereby make oath/affirm and say that:

1. I am the [mother/father/guardian] of __________________ (Full name of student), ID __________________.
2. I am currently unemployed and have been unemployed since ____________ (month/year).
3. I have no regular income / I receive income only from __________________ (if applicable).
4. Our household is supported by __________________ (brief explanation).
5. This affidavit is made for the purpose of supporting a bursary application.

DEPONENT: _______________________
Signed at ________________________ on this ____ day of __________ 20___.

COMMISSIONER OF OATHS:
Name: ____________________________
Designation/Rank: ________________
Address: _________________________
Signature/Stamp: _________________

Template 2: No income / informal income

AFFIDAVIT

I, __________________________ (Full names), ID ______________________, confirm:

1. I do not earn a fixed monthly salary.
2. I survive through informal work / occasional jobs, earning approximately R________ per month (estimate).
3. My income is not consistent and depends on availability of work.
4. This affidavit is provided to support a bursary application for __________________ (student name).

DEPONENT: _______________________

Template 3: Single-parent household support statement

AFFIDAVIT

I, __________________________, confirm:

1. I am the sole provider for the household.
2. I am responsible for supporting __________________ (dependants).
3. My income is derived from __________________ (salary/grant/informal).
4. This affidavit is used for a bursary application to confirm household circumstances.

DEPONENT: _______________________

Closing date

If the bursary is closing soon, don’t wait until the last day. Get your affidavit done early so you can scan and submit a clean application pack.

How to get it done (simple steps)

Print your affidavit and do not sign it yet.
Go to a Commissioner of Oaths with your ID.
Sign in front of the Commissioner.
The Commissioner signs/stamps and completes the details.
Scan/photograph it clearly for submission.

Common mistakes to avoid

Signing before you arrive
Using vague statements (“I have no money”) instead of factual statements
Leaving out names/ID numbers when required
Submitting an affidavit when the bursary asked for a different proof (always follow the advert)

Affidavit for Bursary Applications – Templates + How to Get It Done