A bursary payment is a sum of money given to students based on financial need to assist with the costs associated with attending a college or university. Bursaries are similar to scholarships, but they are given on the basis of financial need rather than academic achievement. Bursaries are non-competitive and automatic, and they are usually provided by educational institutions such as universities and colleges. Bursaries can be used to pay for things like tuition fees, books, equipment, clothing, childcare, and travel. The amount awarded for a bursary depends on the financial situation of the student or their household income. Bursaries are not repaid and are used to provide certain students with money to cover gaps between the amount of financial aid a student needs to attend the school and any available government assistance that they are eligible for. To obtain a bursary, students or their parents or guardians are usually asked to provide details of their financial circumstances, supported by documentary evidence.