Are you pondering the question:
How can I secure a scholarship?
Once you’ve identified your desired study destination, it’s only natural to seek tips on scholarships and funding opportunities. To assist you in this endeavour, we’ve put together an article encompassing all the essential information on how to secure a scholarship.
Our Advice and Expert Tips
1. Identify scholarships that align with your profile
In the quest for securing a scholarship, start by searching for study abroad scholarships that match your qualifications and resonate well with your goals. While numerous scholarships are available, many are competitive, each with its specific criteria. Scholarships in the United States, for instance, might focus on academic merit or athletic achievements. Allocate your time wisely by prioritizing applications where you have the best chances and exploring additional opportunities for a broader application approach.
2. Reflect the values of the scholarship provider
When contemplating the question, ‘How can I secure a scholarship?’ consider what qualities the scholarship providers value. Our scholarship tips can guide you, but understanding the institution’s or organization’s values is crucial. To increase your chances, present yourself as a student embodying the core attributes of the university, organization, or company offering the scholarship. Delve into their mission statements to identify their priorities and incorporate instances of how you exemplify these values into your essay.
3. Articulate your vision for the future
While study abroad scholarships undoubtedly impact personal lives, few students can express how these scholarships contribute to making a meaningful difference globally. Whether your aspirations involve academia, NGOs, government, the private sector, or your hometown, elucidate your “why.” One of our scholarship tips is to delve into your motivations and showcase what sets you apart. If you’re struggling, refer to resources on studying abroad and global citizenship or explore lectures emphasizing the importance of starting with the “why” to inspire others to rally behind your mission.
4. Adhere to the scholarship essay prompt
A critical aspect of securing a scholarship is closely examining the scholarship’s criteria and essay prompt. The criteria are intentional, aiming to align the right student with the values the scholarship seeks to promote. Disregarding the essay prompt can lead to disqualification, even if you excel in other areas. Another valuable tip is to strategically reuse portions of your scholarship essays, saving time, but ensuring meaningful customization to address the specific essay prompt.
5. Share impactful challenges, avoiding a mere listing of hardships
Having a compelling reason to pursue your studies abroad is admirable, acknowledging that emotion can drive you towards your goals. However, it’s essential to balance your narrative. Although an essay focusing on the difficulties you’ve faced can be impactful, it should align with the essay prompt. For example, if a scholarship poses the question, “Why did you choose your study abroad country, and how will it help you grow as a globally-minded leader?” share how personal challenges ignited your drive to make a positive impact globally.
6. Differentiate between a scholarship application and a CV
Understanding the distinction between a scholarship application and a CV or resume is crucial when learning how to secure a scholarship. Some candidates with exemplary academic and extracurricular records fall into the trap of presenting a chronological history in their application essays, missing the opportunity to convey their identity. A key approach to securing a scholarship is weaving your experiences into a narrative that defines who you are, not just what you’ve achieved.
7. Follow submission instructions for initial qualification
A seemingly straightforward yet frequently overlooked aspect of securing a scholarship is following submission directions meticulously. Complying with the correct file format, attaching the required documents, and adhering to specified word counts are crucial scholarship tips. Taking a few extra minutes to ensure adherence can prevent disqualification and ensure your application qualifies for consideration.
8. Pay attention to details for a polished application
While minor errors may not result in disqualification, it’s advisable to have someone you trust to review your application for feedback. Opt for easily readable fonts unless specified otherwise, and avoid excessive creativity with images unless explicitly allowed and relevant to your application. For instance, incorporating photos of volunteer work or academic projects can enhance your essay.
9. Make your scholarship essay distinctive
To stand out in the competitive landscape of academic scholarships, be personal and transparent in your application. Don’t shy away from sharing unique details about your journey and interests. Scholarship reviewers appreciate learning about the origins and evolution of your passion. Ensure your application remains honest, as scholarship committees often use anti-plagiarism software, and references and follow-up interviews serve as crucial validation points.
10. Meet application deadlines
The paramount advice on how to secure a scholarship is to submit your application on time. Scholarship deadlines are typically non-negotiable due to the meticulous administrative procedures involved in reviewing, shortlisting, and selecting finalists. Keeping track of deadlines for multiple study abroad scholarships is essential to complete and submit applications promptly. While some scholarship providers may allow a slight grace period, many adhere strictly to deadlines.
