Page preparation

A clean scan is part of the supporting record

Prepare legible, complete bursary supporting-record scans without losing page edges, signatures or small certification details.

Neatly arranged pages beside a laptop and notebook

A document can be correct on paper and still become unusable after it is photographed, compressed or uploaded. Give the digital copy its own final inspection.

Use even light and a flat surface

Strong side light creates shadows across folds and stamps. Place the page flat, keep the camera parallel, and avoid a flash reflection on laminated identity records. Follow the funder’s rules on permitted file types.

Preserve all four corners

Page edges help a reviewer see that nothing has been cropped. Include the full stamp and every signature. If a page contains information on the reverse that the application requires, scan that side as a separate, clearly named page.

Name by record, not by secret

Names such as guardian-affidavit.pdf or registration-letter.pdf are easier to manage than camera numbers. Avoid placing full identity numbers, account numbers or passwords in filenames.

Reopen the final upload file

Do not rely only on the preview from a scanner app. Open the exported PDF or image, count its pages and inspect the smallest relevant writing. Compression can damage a page after it looked clear in the camera view.

Finally, compare the files in the upload queue with your checklist. A beautiful scan that never reaches the submission is still a missing record.