how to write a cover letter for bursary

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Bursary Application Letter

Last Updated On February 20, 2020 By Letter Writing Leave a Comment

A bursary application letter is written by a student who is not able to meet their educational expenses and often accompanied by a bursary application form. It is addressed to the funding organization, local authorities or institutions.

A bursary application letter is important to genuinely show the financial need and the inability of the student to fund their education. The funding organization or institution uses bursary applications to vet and identify suitable candidates for the financial support based on merit, need or both according to the requirements of the bursary. 

Bursary applications are formal documents to regulate the disbursement of funds. Here, a student also demonstrates an understanding of the bursary requirements.

Tips for writing a bursary application letter

• Describe your financial need genuinely
• Mention the institution and course you are taking
• Describe your education and career goals
• Keep the application personal than generic
• Mention that you will meet the requirements of the bursary program
• Use a polite and professional language
• Attach the necessary academic credentials
• Enclose the bursary application form and other support documents
• Keep the content formal
• Be brief and straight to the point

Bursary Application Letter Templates

Students in need of financial support can apply for bursaries. See the bursary application letter template and sample letters that will enable you to make a comprehensive and polite application.

_____________

Date (date on which letter is written)

________________

Sub:_________________________________________

Dear _________________,

My name is __________ a student at __________ pursuing __________ course. I wish to apply for a bursary offered by __________ recently advertised on __________. I am a bright student but I am unable to meet my education expenses.

I have paid my accommodation fees but my family cannot afford the full tuition. I am interested in applying for this program because it aims at providing financial support to the needy students to enable them to pursue successful careers. 

I hope to graduate and pursue a career as a __________. Additionally, I hope to give back to the community in the future by supporting needy students. With your financial support, I will work hard to achieve my dreams. I assure you that I shall meet the expectations of your __________.

Please find the attached bursary application form, academic credentials, and other support documents for your consideration. This opportunity is a stepping stone to achieve my dreams. I hope that you will consider my application and grant me the bursary. 

Yours Truly,

(__________________)

From, __________ (employee’s name) __________ (employee’s address) __________ __________

To: ______________ (Your name) ______________ (Your address) __________________

Date __________ (date of writing letter)

Dear Mr. /Ms_________, (name of the concerned person),

I want to inform you that I am interested to receive bursary funds to fulfill my educational needs.

At present, I am enrolled in the …………………(name of program/course) program, and my subjects are ……………..(mention subjects). I have paid the fees for the first year. But my family is not in a position to afford the fee for the rest of the duration.

I request you to consider me as a suitable candidate for receiving bursary aid. I promise you that I shall meet the expectations of the institution. With my hard work and dedication, I shall put in all the effort to excel in the field of education. I will ensure to bring laurels to our college. With your help, I will be finishing my education and will become eligible to apply for a suitable position in a company or organization. In this way, I will be in a better place to support my family.

You will be doing a great favor to my family as they cannot afford my college fees.

I hope to receive a positive response from you

Yours Sincerely,

____________ (Your name)

Bursary Application Letter Samples

When bursaries are advertised, potential candidates need to make an application. Have a look at our free bursary application letter that will catch the attention of the selection committee.

Lynne Kennedy,

8295 Poor House Ave.

Matawan, NJ 07747

United States

Date:____________ (Date on which letter is written)

The bursaries committee,

Brookhill University

309 E. Trenton St.

Vincentown, NJ 08088

Sub; Application for a bursary

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Lynne Kennedy a second-year Food Security student at Brookhill University. I hereby write this letter to apply for the recently advertised bursary aid at the university. I have demonstrated determination and hard work in my studies as evident from my university transcripts attached herewith. However, my financial difficulties are diminishing my education opportunities.

I lost my parents some time back and I currently take part-time jobs to meet my education and personal needs. Last semester I was unable to take my end of semester exams because I had not completed the school fees. I believe that this bursary will be an opportunity to help me complete my university education and pursue a successful career to promote food security in the country.

I am a good student and given this opportunity, I will do my best to exceed your expectations. I hope that I meet your need and merit preferential.

Lynne Kennedy

Dear Mr.Fernandez,

I want to inform you that I am interested in seeking bursary aid to help me in fulfilling my educational needs.

Currently I am enrolled in your college for a Bachelor Degree in Commerce. My family is finding it difficult to pay my college fees.

If you give me a chance to be the recipient of the bursary aid, I will be very happy and assure you that I will do my best to meet your expectations. With my hard work and dedication, I shall see that I will excel in the field of education and bring laurels to the institution.

You will be doing a great favor to my family as they are not in a position to afford my educational expenses.

Looking forward to hear from you

Bursary Application Letter Email Formats

Are you thinking of applying for bursary aid but have no idea how to begin? Check out the bursary application letter in an email format that will get you started in writing a winning application.

I hereby write to apply for the Wings to Fly bursary program 2020/2021. I highly appreciate this program that Equity Organization is offering to needy students to pursue their high school education. I am motivated to apply for this program because it helps bright students who cannot afford education expenses achieve their dreams.

I am a Frenchman at Peninsula Senior School. I  have struggled to meet my education expenses in the last term and this resulted in absenteeism. I wish to apply for a bursary to help me complete my high school education. This bursary will help me graduate from high school and continue to university and pursue a degree in engineering.  

I am a hardworking student and I have demonstrated this from my transcript records. Your bursary program targets students who have excellent performance and I believe I meet the merit requirements of your program. I wish that you will offer me this bursary to pay my high school tuition as well as accommodation.

Kindly receive a filled and duly signed bursary application form and supporting documents for your consideration. Please contact me on [email protected] if you need any information regarding my application.

Kind regards,

Jennie Kelly

Dear Karina,

I want to inform you of my intention to apply for a bursary aid to assist me in my educational development.

I am currently enrolled in your school taking Bachelor of Science Major in Accounting Management. I am now in my sophomore years in college; however, my financial resources are keeping me out for educational opportunities.

Should I be given the chance to be a recipient of your bursary program, I am very glad to accept it and pledge to do my very best to exceed your expectations to me. I also wish to give honor to our school by maintaining my educational status and by excelling in some fields of education.

I am hoping that this will merit your special attention. Thank you.

____________

Quinn Lionel Massey.

Depending on the objectives of the funding organization or government, bursaries are issued to needy students or those who demonstrate high academic achievements. When writing a bursary application letter, describe your financial need and why you are a suitable candidate for the bursary. You can also briefly describe your education and professional goals. 

Megha Kothari

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Example of Bursary Application Letter: Step-by-Step Guide

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When it comes to obtaining financial assistance for college, one of the most important steps you can take is applying for a bursary. However, applying for a bursary is not enough. You must take further action to enhance your possibility of securing a bursary by writing a well-crafted and structured bursary application letter . This will not only make your application stand out from others but also help you get your desired bursary programme.

But how do you write a compelling application letter for the bursary? Well, in our article, we will walk you through the key ways to write an effective application letter. We will also explore the key tips, examples and insights to increase your chances of success. So, continue reading!

Table of Contents

What is a Bursary Application Letter?

A bursary application letter is a formal document written by a student requesting financial support for education from an organisation, institution, or funding body. It is often accompanied by a bursary application form and typically includes information about the learner’s financial needs, academic achievements, and reasons for seeking a bursary.

The funding organisation or institution uses bursary application forms and letters to identify suitable candidates for financial aid. These authorities often choose the applicants based on academic merit, monetary need, or both. Therefore, the candidates must write application letters depending on the requirements of the bursary .

Download Example of Bursary Application Letter

When applying for a bursary, having a well-written application letter or email can make a strong impression. You can download examples of both a bursary application letter and an application email to guide you in crafting your own. These samples provide a clear structure, showcasing how to introduce yourself, explain your financial need, and demonstrate your commitment to education.

Example of Bursary Application Letter PDF

Bursary Application Email Sample PDF

Importance of Well-Written Bursary Application Letter

As we know, a well-written application letter for a bursary can help you get your desired bursary for your education. Do you want to know how an application letter impresses the selection committee and increases your chances of securing financial aid? Here are the key reasons that outline the importance of an application letter for a bursary:

Serves As Your First Impression:

Since the application letter is the first thing the bursary committee sees, you can make a first impression on them through your bursary application letter. You can showcase your professionalism and stand out among many applicants.

Demonstrates Your Financial Needs:

An application letter is a means to clearly convey your financial needs and how a bursary will help you achieve your academic goals. Hence, being genuine and specific about your circumstances will enhance your chances of getting support.

Highlights Your Academic Achievements and Potential:

You can use a bursary application letter to showcase your academic achievements, extracurricular activities and career goals. Besides, this will give the selection committee a picture of your potential, making you a suitable candidate.

Makes Personal Connections:

With the help of an application letter, you can make a personal connection with the bursary committee. In other words, it is an opportunity for you to make a compelling case for why you deserve the bursary by sharing your story, goals, and passion.

How to Customise Your Application Letter Template for Bursary?

When you are applying for multiple bursary programmes, you must make sure you write customised application letters tailored to the requirements set by the bursary provider. Typically, an application letter must include the following elements:

• Introduction
• Personal Information
• Educational Background and Academic Achievements
• Financial Need
• Purpose of the Letter
• Relevant Experiences
• Future Goals

You can follow the same elements and structure in your application letter. However, when you are writing the letter for each bursary programme, you must make it unique and distinctive. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Research and Explore Bursary Programmes:

The first step you must take to customise your bursary application letter templates is to thoroughly research the requirements of the bursary programme. You can also look for information on their website to understand their criteria, goals, and values.

Know all the best bursaries available in South Africa.

2. Personalise the Greeting:

You must always make sure to personalise the greeting section by addressing the letter to a specific bursary selection committee or person responsible for selecting your application. Doing this will show your commitment and effort in determining how much you need the bursary for your education.

3. Include Specific Achievements and Examples:

While writing a bursary application letter for a specific programme, highlight achievements, skills and examples that you feel match the criteria. For example, if a bursary programme values community service, provide specific volunteer work that you have been involved in.

4. Mention Distinct Aspects of the Bursary Programme:

When you are showing your genuine interest and objective in applying for a bursary programme, mention the aspects of the programme that you find appealing and inspiring. For example, it can be their mentorship opportunities, community initiatives or networking opportunities.

5. Follow Formatting Guidelines By Bursary Provider:

Remember to adhere to the formatting guidelines provided by the bursary provider. The format can include font type, size, line spacing, and alignment. As a result, by doing this, you can make your letter look professional and easy to read.

Keys Tips for Bursary Application Letter

Here are some of the essential tips you can follow while writing your application letter for bursary:

Read the Guidelines of Bursary Carefully:

The first and foremost step is to read and familiarise yourself with the guidelines set by the bursary provider. These guidelines can include bursary requirements, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and more.

Personalise and Tailor Your Letter:

Always bear in mind that you should tailor your bursary application letter to the specific bursary. You can do this by understanding the values, objectives, and selection criteria put forward by the bursary committee.

Be Selective With Your Activities and Awards:

Choose relevant academic achievements and extracurricular activities that add value to your application. Therefore, remember only to highlight those that demonstrate your strengths and best attributes.

Demonstrating Financial Need With Examples:

Explaining your financial need is an important section of your application letter. Hence, while demonstrating your financial necessity, clearly state your situation and why you need the bursary with specific examples.

Keep it Brief and Clear:

You can use a direct writing style in your letter and cover your details as much as you can in a few words. This way, you can keep your bursary application letter clear and to the point and grab the attention of the selection committee.

Proofread and Make Necessary Edits:

Proofread your application letter before submitting it to eliminate all spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. You can consider taking the help of others to review your letter to catch overlooked errors. As a result, you can have a well-written and error-free application letter.

Format and Structure of a Bursary Application Email

You can send your bursary application letter to the bursary provider by email as well. However, there is a format you should follow to make your email professional and polite. Here is the ideal format and structure of a bursary application email that you can use while writing an email for your bursary application:

Subject Line:

The subject line of the email indicates the purpose of your email. Therefore, make sure to write the subject line concisely and clearly. For example, you can write this as:

• Bursary Application: [Your Name] or
• Application for [Bursary Name: Your Name]

Salutation:

Start your email by addressing the recipient by their name and title. For example, add,

• Dear [Bursary Committee’s Name]
• Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Recipient Name]

The body of the email should be informative and detail-oriented. Therefore, you must follow the structure as given below:

• Paragraph 1: Personal introduction
• Paragraph 2: Purpose of the bursary application
• Paragraph 3: Educational achievements and future aspirations
• Paragraph 4: Conclusion

After the email body, you can conclude your email using a polite closing phrase. For example, you can write phrases like ‘Yours Sincerely/ Regards and Thanks/ Best Regards’. You can also include your full name and contact information.

Tips for Writing a Professional and Polite Email

By following the format and structure as explained above, you can make your bursary application email professional and unique. However, just like the tips you should follow for the bursary application letter, you must also adhere to tips for writing polite emails. Here are the essential strategies:

• Keep the email personal, not generic.
• Maintain a formal, polite and professional tone throughout the email.
• Explain your financial conditions and needs genuinely.
• Describe your academic goals, achievements and future aspirations concisely.
• Attach all required documents to the email, including academic records, proof of financial need, and other records.
• Look out for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors.
• Make the email content brief and crisp to the point
• Proofread meticulously to avoid typos

Sample Bursary Application Letters and Email

Have a look at the email and bursary application letter samples to help you attract the attention of the selection committee:

Example of Bursary application letter: 

Bursary application email sample:.

Also, find out the format and structure of a motivational letter for a bursary with samples.

Crafting a well-structured and thoughtful bursary application letter can make a first impression on the selection committee. Therefore, while writing your application letter, you must research the bursary programme and personalise your letter to increase your chances of getting the right bursary for your education. Besides, you should always remember to follow the guidelines and tips to make your letter stand out from others.

In our article, we have provided a step-by-step guide, walking you through the essential strategies and examples for creating an engaging application letter and email for a bursary. We hope you gained the insights to write an impressive application letter for the bursary.

Contact  Regenesys career counsellors today for a course quotation, and begin your journey by taking the first step towards securing a bursary for your education!

Example of Bursary Application Letter – FAQs

What should i include in an application letter for a bursary.

You should include an introduction, personal information, educational background, financial need, future goals and relevant experiences in your application letter for bursary.

What is the ideal length of a bursary application letter?

The ideal length of the application letter for a bursary is typically one page. Therefore, make sure you cover all the necessary information concisely and straight to the point.

How do I demonstrate financial need in my application letter for a bursary?

In the application letter, you can demonstrate your financial need by clearly stating your financial situation and providing specific, genuine examples of why you need the bursary.

How can I customise my application letter for different bursary programmes?

You can customise your application letter for a bursary by researching the specific requirements and values of each bursary programme. Then, personalise the greeting, highlight achievements that match the criteria, and follow the formatting guidelines.

Why is a well-written bursary application letter important?

A well-written application letter for a bursary is important since it serves as the first impression on the selection committee. Besides, it clearly conveys your financial needs and highlights your academic achievements, impressing the committee.

Rena has been writing SEO-based content for Edtech platforms, IT sector and other niches. MA in Journalism and Mass Communication, B.A in Journalism, Mass Communication and Video Production. Work Experience: Before joining Regenesys Business School, Ms Rena wrote articles and blogs for the IT and marketing platform websites and did freelancing content work.

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Bursary Application Letter: 4 Templates

The bursary applicant’s introduction is conveyed in the application letter. This is a time for you to discuss your need for financial aid and how it will benefit you academically and professionally. Consider this to be a brief summary of your qualifications, objectives, and recent successes—a cover letter for a CV. 

Letter Template: 1

bursary application letter

[Mention the name of the sender]

[Mention the address of the sender]

[Mention the contact details]

[Mention the Email address]

[Mention the date]

Subject- application for bursary

[Mention the name of the recipient]

[Mention the address of the recipient]

[Mention the contact information]

Dear [Mention the name of the recipient],

My name is [mention the name], and I attend [mention the name], where I study. I’m interested in applying for a bursary that [mention the name] recently posted on. Despite being a strong student, I am struggling to pay for my tuition.

Although I have paid my housing costs [mention the number], my family is unable to pay the whole cost of tuition. I’m considering enrolling for this program since it seeks to give financially struggling students the support they need to pursue successful professions.

It’s crucial to demonstrate the student’s true financial need and incapacity to pay for their education in the bursary application letter. According to the conditions of the bursary, the supporting organization or institution uses bursary applications to screen and select qualified individuals for financial support based on merit, need, or both.

After I graduate, I want to work as a. In the future, I also hope to support financially strapped kids in order to give back to the community. I shall put forth a lot of effort to fulfill my dreams with your financial assistance. I guarantee that I will live up to your [mention the name] expectations.

Please take into account the bursary application form, academic transcripts, and other supporting papers that are provided. This change is a step toward realizing my goals. I’m hoping you’ll take a look at my application and award me the bursary.

Yours Truly,

[Mention the of the sender]

[Mention the phone number]

[Signature]

Download Template : ( pdf, docs, ODT, RTF, txt, HTML, Epub, Etc )

Letter Template: 2

Bursary Application Letter

I would want to let you know that I am interested in receiving financial assistance for my educational needs.

I have currently enrolled in the [mention the name of program] or [mention the name of course] programme, and my subjects are [mention the name of subjects]. The first year’s costs have already been paid. But for the remainder of the time, my family is unable to pay the price.

Applications for bursaries are formal documents that govern how money is distributed. Here, a student indicates that they are aware of the conditions for the bursary.

According to the conditions of the bursary, the supporting organization or institution uses bursary applications to screen and select qualified individuals for financial support.

Please consider me for a bursary if you think I would be a good fit. I swear to you that I’ll live up to the institution’s standards. I will work extremely hard and dedicate myself to excelling in the field of education. I’ll make sure our college receives accolades. With your assistance, I will complete my education and be qualified to apply for a career in a firm or organization that is appropriate for me. I’ll be in a better position to take care of my family this way.

My family will be very grateful to you because they are unable to pay for my education expenses.

I’m hoping for a response from you that’s favorable.

Yours Sincerely,

Letter Template: 3

I’m [mention the name], a [mention the number] year [mention the name] University student studying food security. I’m writing you now to request consideration for the university’s recently publicized bursary funding. My university transcripts, which are attached to this letter, show that I have a strong commitment to my academics and put in a lot of effort. However, because of my financial struggles, I have fewer possibilities to further my studies.

When a student cannot afford their tuition, they write a bursary application letter, which is frequently accompanied by a bursary application form. It is addressed to the financing organization, as well as any institutions or local governments.

Potential applicants are required to submit an application when bursaries are advertised. Take a look at our free bursary application letter to see how it will grab the selection committee’s attention.

I recently lost both of my parents, so I currently work part-time jobs to support my education and other needs. Due to unpaid school fees [mention the number], I was unable to take my end-of-semester exams last semester. I think that receiving this scholarship will provide me the chance to finish my university studies and pursue a lucrative job that will benefit the nation’s food security.

As an excellent student, I will try my hardest to go above and beyond your expectations if given the chance. I aim to satisfy your needs and earn your preference.

Yours sincerely,

Letter Template: 4

Subject- letter of application for bursary

I’m writing to request consideration for the [mention the name] bursary program for [mention the year]. I greatly like the initiative that [mention the name] Organization is providing to help poor students finish high school. This program inspires me to apply because it allows talented individuals who cannot afford college expenses to realize their aspirations.

I attend [mention the name]  School and am [mention the name]. I had trouble paying my tuition during the previous semester, which led to my absences. To assist me to finish my high school education, I want to apply for a bursary. With the aid of this scholarship, I will be able to complete my high school education, go to college, and earn a degree in engineering.

My transcripts show that I am a dedicated student, which I have done. Your bursary program seeks out kids who perform very well, and I think I satisfy those standards. I hope you will give me this scholarship so I can pay for my housing and high school tuition.

Students who want financial assistance can submit a bursary application. See the example letters and bursary application letter template to write a thorough and respectful application.

Please accept the following documents for your review: a completed and properly signed bursary application form; and supporting documents. If you require any information on my application, please email me at [mention the email address].

Kind regards,

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Write a Killer Cover Letter for a Scholarship in 2023 (w/Example)

David Jul 24, 2022

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It’s easy to get put off by scholarship applications that require a cover letter. Cover letters may seem annoying but there is a bright side here. A simple letter gives you another opportunity to convince the scholarship committee that you deserve to win the award.

So how do you start? What should you include in the letter? How should you end it?  In this post, we’ll answer all these questions and we’ll even provide a sample letter that you can use as a template in the end. 

What Is a Cover Letter? 

Let’s start with the basics. A cover letter for a scholarship is similar to a cover letter you’d submit for a job . What does that mean exactly?

It’s simply a letter you write to the scholarship committee. In the letter you should explain what makes you a great candidate for the award. You should also talk about how the scholarship will help you reach your educational and career goals . 

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The scholarship committee wants to find the most fitting students to invest their money in. Make them see the reasons why they should they invest in you. 

Why a Cover Letter? 

Whether you have those things or not, many scholarship committees look for something else.  They look at students who have overcome struggles. Students who are leaders in their community. And students who have unique hobbies. Your cover letter is the place to show off your unique self.

Although not every scholarship application requires students to submit a cover letter, when they do, it’s a great idea to submit a great one. Use the opportunity to think about how can you make yourself stand out from other applicants. What is unique to you that other applicants don’t have? Brainstorm and show it off!

What Should Your Cover Letter Accomplish? 

Your cover letter should do the following: 

• Highlight your strengths: Why do your strengths make you a good match for the scholarship? 
• Express what your plans are for the future: How will this particular scholarship help get you there? 
• Convey a clear structure: Your cover letter should flow in a clear and concise manner. 

Cover letters can be a great opportunity for you to convince the scholarship committee that you are the best candidate for the scholarship. Take time writing your cover letter and don’t wait until the final days before the deadline to start writing. A little bit of effort, could be the difference  that helps you win the award! 

Scholarship Cover Letter Example

Alexis Smith 4519 Owl St. Bend, OH 45052

The Scholarship Committee University of Pennsylvania  3440 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 

To Whom It May Concern, 

My name is Alex Smith and I am a high school senior in Bend, Ohio. In the fall of 2019, I will be starting my freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania at the Annenberg School of Communication with an intended major in communications.

Since my freshman year of high school, I have served on my school’s journalism team. During freshman and sophomore year, I worked as a writer. By junior and senior year, I became the senior editor and co-manager of the school paper. Throughout my four years of being part of the club, I have learned so much about journalism; from pitching creative ideas, to carrying out interviews, and writing up an article. I have also learned about editing and publishing. Although these tasks intimidated me in the beginning, I can confidently say that I now feel very skilled and knowledgeable about the field. 

I am particularly passionate about giving the underserved population a voice to be heard. Some of my favorite interviews and articles I have published have been with female refugees from the community here in Ohio. Some of my articles have been published in our local paper in Bend. 

Of course, there is so much that I still have and want to learn. I am eager to start my undergraduate education and learn from experts in the field. I am excited to take journalism, communication, and marketing courses and learn everything there is to know. I am also hoping to work with the Pennsylvania Daily and join the journalism club on campus. I want to take advantage of every opportunity offered to further my career and personal growth.

As you are well aware, the cost of college is very high. As much as I have saved during high school, I will still have to take out loans to fund my college education. I am planning to work part-time during my studies, but I don’t want work to interfere too much with my school work. This scholarship would greatly help me cover some of these fees and give me more time to focus on school.

I am very hardworking and creative, and I can’t wait to contribute my talents to the University of Pennsylvania. I would be so grateful to receive a scholarship. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, 

Alexis Smith

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David Tabachnikov is the CEO of ScholarshipOwl. Formerly at Waze and Google, David is an experienced CTO/R&D manager with over 10 years of experience of leading tech teams. David fervently believes that students should have greater access to education, and is passionate about using technology to help them achieve that goal.

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