From Bursary to Brighter Futures
JIYAAD’S JOURNEY WITH EXCEL@UNI
At Excel@Uni, we believe that a bursary is more than just financial support. It is the start of a transformative journey. Our role in bursary management and bursary administration is not only to ensure that funding reaches students on time, but also to provide the holistic support they need to thrive both academically and professionally.
A recent of many success stories that reflects this mission is that of Jiyaad Adams, an alumnus of Excel@Uni who graduated in 2020 with a BCom in Marketing and Business Management. His journey reminds us why we do what we do, to make sure every bursary translates into a life-changing opportunity.
A LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY
When Jiyaad first learned that he had been awarded a bursary, he described it as a moment of profound relief and gratitude. It was the assurance that his dream of higher education was within reach. For him, and for many of the alumni we have served, funding was the gateway to possibility.
But as we know, funding alone is not enough. Without guidance, mentorship and structured support, the transition to university and later into the workplace can be overwhelming. That is where Excel@Uni steps in. Through a combination of effective bursary administration, academic monitoring and student support, we ensure that students like Jiyaad are equipped with the skills, resilience and confidence to succeed
BUILDING SKILLS THAT LAST
Jiyaad often reflects on how his time at university prepared him for the demands of the workplace. Time management, collaboration and problem-solving became skills he used daily in his career. Yet, he credits much of his success to the additional layer of support provided through Excel@Uni.
Our mentorship programme gave him not only academic guidance, but also practical insights into professional life. His mentor helped him balance the pressures of university, taught him how to approach challenges and provided real-world advice for entering the job market.
Beyond mentorship, Excel@Uni’s workshops and resources, covering CV writing, interview preparation and networking, gave Jiyaad the confidence to enter the world of work prepared. These interventions exemplify our belief that bursary management must always be tied to career readiness and student support if we are to close the gap between education and employability.
FACING THE REALITIES OF TRANSITION
Like many graduates, Jiyaad encountered challenges when stepping into his first full-time role. He had to adjust to stricter deadlines, navigate workplace culture and learn to apply his theoretical knowledge in practical ways. These hurdles are common, and they are the reason why Excel@Uni’s approach extends beyond academics.
Through holistic student support, we focus on building resilience, adaptability and professional awareness. Our structured mentorship model ensures that students are not navigating these challenges alone. With the guidance of those who have walked the path before, students like Jiyaad grow into confident professionals ready to add value in any workplace.
WHY BURSARY MANAGEMENT MUST BE HOLISTIC
At Excel@Uni, we often say: access without support is opportunity wasted. That is why our work in bursary administration goes beyond disbursing funds and compiling reports.
We design systems and processes that enable funders to manage bursaries efficiently, while also prioritizing the human element, mentorship, tutoring, career readiness and wellness. This dual approach means that bursaries are not just financial lifelines. They are structured programmes of growth and transformation.
For students, this means fewer financial worries and stronger academic outcomes. For funders, it means accountability, transparency and ultimately, a return on investment measured in successful graduates and future leaders.
JIYAAD’S NEXT CHAPTER
Today, Jiyaad is thriving in his career, drawing daily on the lessons he learned both in and outside the classroom. His journey from student to professional is a testament to what happens when bursary management is combined with meaningful student support.
He stands not only as an individual success story, but also as an example of the ripple effect that education creates. With the right structures in place, one bursary has the power to uplift families, strengthen communities and build a more skilled workforce.
OUR COMMITMENT
Jiyaad’s story is one of many. At Excel@Uni, we are proud to play a role in shaping these journeys. We know that bursary administration is not about paperwork. It is about people. It is about ensuring that every student who receives funding is given the tools, mentorship and support to turn that funding into a foundation for lifelong success.
Read more about Jiyaad’s journey and some of our other alumni here
