How To Apply For Scholarships

Scholarships can be a helpful source of financial support for students seeking to pursue higher education. With this support, students can complete their academic aspirations without getting burdened financially. The good news is that in today's world, scholarship opportunities abound. According to statistics from Scholly, about 1,581,000 scholarships are available to graduate and undergraduate students every year. From this statistic, it’s apparent that you have multiple chances to give scholarship a shot each year. To make your application process as easy and seamless as possible we’ve created a comprehensive guide to teach you how to apply for scholarships. Read through this guide to get a basic understanding of how to apply for different scholarships around the world.

 

What is a Scholarship? 

Before we discuss how to apply for a scholarship, especially as a beginner, you should have a basic understanding of its meaning. A scholarship is a financial award granted to a student to assist them in paying for their education. Unlike student loans, it is free money that you need to pay back. Scholarships are generally awarded based on different criteria.

 

Types of Scholarship

Listed below are some of the most common types of scholarships:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are based on academic excellence, standardised test scores, or both. Essentially, they seek to recognize extraordinary academic achievement. Most often, these scholarships come from universities themselves or national organizations aiming to support high-performing students.

 

2. Minority Scholarships

Many scholarships are provided to cater to students from underrepresented groups in higher education. These scholarships strive to promote diversity and inclusion on all campuses by providing financial support to students from certain racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds.

 

3. Community Service Scholarships

Community service is a worthwhile way to give back and develop valuable skills. This kind of scholarship acknowledges students with a commitment to community involvement or volunteer work and can help fund their education while recognizing their social responsibility.

 

4. Athletic Scholarships

For gifted student-athletes, athletic scholarships provide valuable financial assistance in exchange for their athletic contributions to a college sports team. 

 

5. Women's Scholarships

Undoubtedly, women are underrepresented in some academic fields. Scholarships assigned to women seek to bridge this gap by motivating and financially supporting their quest for higher education, especially in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

 

6. Need-Based Scholarships

Financial aid plays a vital role in access to education. Hence, need-based scholarships cater to students who have demonstrated financial need. This kind of scholarship is often awarded by colleges, government agencies, or even private organizations.

 

7. Employer-sponsored scholarships

Nowadays, many companies offer scholarships to employees' children or even dependents. You can inquire with your family's employers about possible scholarship opportunities.

 

8. College-Specific Scholarships

Many colleges and universities also offer their own special scholarships alongside general financial support packages. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or to recognize specific talents. Researching the different scholarship opportunities offered by your target schools can improve your chances of receiving financial aid.

 

9. Talent-Based Scholarships

Do you have a unique skill or talent? Many scholarships honour artistic abilities, musical prowess, or outstanding performance in certain areas like writing, coding, or even public speaking. Developing your abilities can open scholarship opportunities you may not have considered.

 

10. Local Scholarships

Look way beyond national scholarships. There are many local organizations, businesses, and religious groups that offer scholarships to notable students in their communities. You can research local scholarship opportunities to see if you’ll find any.  

 

Interesting Read: Top Scholarship Consultants for Graduate and Undergraduate Studies

 

Best Scholarship Websites

Here is a list of the best scholarship websites where you can find any type of scholarship that you’re seeking:

 

1. Scholarshipbob

Scholarshipbob is the best scholarship website for anyone looking for any type of scholarship. On this website, you can navigate through the comprehensive scholarship lists for a wide variety of sponsors and destinations abroad.

Simply start your scholarship search by selecting a study category and location and choosing any recent opportunity that is most suitable for your goals. There are also other filters on the website that you can use to find opportunities that are custom-made for specific audiences.  

 

2. Scholarships.com

Scholarships.com divides scholarships into different categories to make users' search easier. When you choose any category, you find an extensive list of subcategories, where you can then view all suitable scholarships. The Scholarships.com website has a simple mission: 'You find money, and colleges find you.'

 

3. College Board

For over a century, the College Board has been dedicated to offering students access to higher education. Established at the turn of the 20th century, this body houses a membership College Board association of more than 6,000 schools.

You're probably familiar with this name if you've taken any college entry exam. However, their reach goes far beyond college entry testing, as you can also search for college scholarships on their website. Use the College Board website to search for millions of college-level scholarships and find the right opportunity for you. 

 

4. Fastweb

Fastweb prides itself on being “the leading online resource in finding scholarships to help you pay for school”. This means that they don't just help you find funding for college, but also make your search easy. One feature that makes this website unique is its tracking system. 

You can track the scholarships you would like to apply for, which scholarships you don't, and which scholarship applications you've already completed. Everything is seamless. However, the only downside of this website is that it exclusively caters to people living and studying in the U.S. 

 

5. Going Merry

Applying for different scholarships can be repetitive and tedious. For this reason, Going Merry has designed a way for students to enter their information once and apply for numerous scholarships at the same time. This website also prides itself on incorporating local scholarship awards, which are generally less competitive than national scholarships.

 

6. Bold.org

Bold.org has one of the cleanest and most user-friendly interfaces, which makes navigation relatively easy. This platform’s interface makes it easy to search and find various scholarships you may be qualified for. 

 

Also, you can filter by your deadline, education level, award amount and award category. It's even possible to toggle on the "no-essay" button if you are seeking scholarships that don't need a written essay.

 

7. Cappex

Cappex prides itself as one of the biggest online scholarship databases. Just like other sites on this list, you need to create an account on this platform to see the different scholarships you might be eligible for. 

 

The filter system on Cappex allows you to sort awards by gender, year in school, ethnicity, scholarship amount, and even award deadline. Also, you can search for renewable scholarships, which gives you access to college funding for multiple years.

 

8. ScholarshipOwl

ScholarshipOwl is a popular scholarship platform. This website compiles awards and categorizes them by funding amount, types of requirements, number of winners and time remaining until the application is due.

ScholarshipOwl will also automatically resubmit your scholarship application to recurring awards that don't need anything beyond your basic details. This gives you enough time to concentrate on awards that need you to write essays and provide recommendation letters.

 

9. Scholly

When you register and complete a profile on Scholly, their algorithm will search through available scholarships and show you a list of eligible awards. Each scholarship you see will have a Scholly score, which rates how suitable an opportunity is for you based on your background and experience. Generally, a high Scholly score rating means that you are a strong match with the scholarship's requirements.

 

10. Finaid.org

Another reputable scholarship website you can visit is Finaid.org. This platform gives you access to over 1.5 million different scholarships worth over $3.4 billion. One unique feature this platform offers is that if you subscribe, you can receive email notifications when new scholarships that match your search are published. 

The scholarship websites listed above will give you access to various college/university-specific, program-specific, and personal scholarships. Check out Scholarshipbob to find the latest opportunities suitable for your needs. 

 

How Do I Apply for a Scholarship Programme?

To help students navigate this process effectively, here are some critical steps to keep in mind when applying for scholarships:

 

1. Research Widely

a. Identify Scholarship Opportunities

Start by researching different scholarship programs that are available to you. Make sure that you search for scholarships that perfectly align with your academic achievements, interests, or even background.

 

b. Check Eligibility Criteria

Ensure you satisfy each scholarship's eligibility requirements before investing time in the application process.

 

2. Prepare Your Documentation

c. Gather Required Documents

Gather necessary documents for the scholarship, such as letters of recommendation, transcripts, personal statements, and any other information required for the application.

 

d. Customize Application Materials

Tailor your CV, personal statement, application letter, and any essays to point out your achievements, goals, and how you satisfy the criteria of each scholarship.

 

3. Meet Deadlines

e. Create a Schedule

Keep track of the application deadlines for each scholarship you want to apply for. Create a timeline to help you navigate your application schedule better. 

 

f. Submit Early

Aim to submit your applications at least one week before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

 

4. Always Write Compelling Essays

g. Showcase Your Strengths

Use your essay responses and personal statements to showcase your accomplishments and aspirations. Let these documents convey to the sponsors how the scholarship can help you achieve your goals.

 

h. Be Authentic

Share your remarkable experiences and standpoints that make you stand out as a candidate.

 

5. Request Letters of Recommendation

i. Choose Wisely

Choose people who know you well and can speak extensively about your academic abilities, character, and potential for success.

j. Provide Guidance

Guide your recommenders on the scholarship's basic requirements and why you are a worthy candidate.

 

6. Follow Instructions Carefully

k. Read the Guidelines

Make sure you understand and follow all the instructions provided in the scholarship application. Missing some details or submitting incomplete applications may disqualify you.

 

7. Stay Organized

l. Keep Track of Applications

Maintain a document listing all the scholarships you have applied for, their deadlines, and any extra requirements.

m. Follow Up

If necessary documents or information are missing, follow up promptly with the scholarship committee to provide the required details.

 

By following these steps and putting effort into each application, you can increase your chances of securing scholarships to support your academic journey.

 

Scholarship Application Documents

Here is a list of the most commonly requested scholarship application documents:

 

1. Completed scholarship application form

The scholarship application form collects your basic details and details relating to your application. Ensure that you check and accurately complete all sections of the form. 

 

2. Copy of passport/ID

Having a valid passport guarantees that you can freely move from your country of origin to the country where you want to study. Ideally, the passport you provide must have an expiry date of at least 6 months after your duration of study. 

3. Copies of transcripts/diplomas

The transcript of records is simply a photocopied page of all your courses, grades and credits that you achieved for each course in the school you are currently attending or the last school you graduated from. 

This document has to have an official signature and should be duly stamped by your school or faculty. Some scholarship opportunities require you to provide the transcript of records from your previous or present school.

 

4. Proof of English language proficiency (or any other language as medium of teaching for the study programme you applied for)

The proof of English language proficiency is a certificate that verifies that you are proficient in English. You could also be required to provide evidence of any other language used in the study programme you applied for. Some popular proof of language proficiency :

 

• For English, it can be: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge

• Spanish: DELE

• French: DELF or DALF

• German: DSH, TestDaF, OSD, tel

 

4. Statement of Purpose/Letter of Motivation

The statement of purpose, also known as the letter of motivation, gives your sponsors further clarity. This statement should consist of just one page (roughly 400 words), in which you have to explain your reasons for applying for the course and how it is related to your future studies and goals.

Note that you must be sincere in this letter and not exaggerate anything. You should also briefly highlight your qualities and how they align with the course you selected.

 

5. Letter of recommendation (1 or 2)

Usually, you will be asked to provide either one or two letters of recommendation during your scholarship application. The letter(s) of recommendation you provide must only come from either your teacher/lecturer or employer/person who has supervised your work (volunteering work is also included). 

 

Essentially, the recommendation letter gives the scholarship sponsor more details about your qualities, skills, as well as your intellectual capacity. Also, this letter reflects your passion or motivation for the degree and/or university you selected.

 

6. CV (Curriculum Vitae/Resume)

Your CV is another document you may need to submit during a scholarship application process. This document should contain all the work experiences you’ve ever had. However, in case you don't have any work experience at the time of your application, simply highlight your study experiences, achievements and social skills. 

 

Don’t forget to state all the languages that you understand (including language certificates) on your CV, but be truthful about your proficiency level. You can also add computer skills, volunteering work as well as any other short courses you’ve completed, particularly if they are related to your study field.

 

7. Standardized test scores

Standardized test scores like SAT, GRE, ACT, and GPA are crucial factors that universities use to determine the most suitable candidate for their scholarship.

Sometimes, high test scores are even considered first, however, other factors also matter. Scholarship offers are eventually given to candidates who are well-grounded in every aspect after all relevant documents are considered. 

 

Some additional documents that you may need to provide include:

a) Essay

The sponsor may also ask you to write an essay on specific subjects related to the scholarship. Ensure that you diligently follow the essay guidelines as requested, and most importantly, don't exceed the number of words.

 

b) Portfolio

Generally, a portfolio is requested from students applying for design, art, or similar degrees. This document should contain a compilation of your artistic work and projects. If you’re applying for an art degree, a portfolio is equally as relevant as your GPA score when it comes to demonstrating your skills.

 

c) Parents' financial information (including their tax returns).

Some scholarship programmes may require you to provide details of your parent’s finances. 

 

d) A medical report/ health evaluation form. 

The medical report form should be signed by an authorized hospital or clinic from your home country.

 

Note that all documents you provide must be translated into English or in the official language of your country of destination. However, you still need to check the exact conditions for the language of the documents.

 

More importantly, the translation of documents should be done by an official translator and they should accompany the authentic documents as well.

 

How to Write an Application Letter for a Scholarship Programme

Below, we’ve provided on how you can draft a winning scholarship application letter:

 

1. Review the Sponsor’s Requirement

Before you start crafting your application letter, review the scholarship programme thoroughly. Understand its purpose, the values it upholds, and the kind of student they desire to support. Ensure that you tailor your letter to resonate with these precise criteria.

 

2. Hook Them From the Start

Open your letter with a strong introduction that catches the reader's attention. Briefly introduce yourself and speak of the scholarship programme you're applying for. You can also highlight a precise achievement, goal, or experience that exemplifies the values upheld by the scholarship program.

 

3. Showcase Your Accomplishments

Dedicate one paragraph to discussing your academic achievements. However, ensure that you discuss beyond just grades. Note relevant coursework, academic awards, or research projects that prove your intellectual curiosity and potential. 

 

Remember to include your extracurricular activities and leadership experiences. Point out initiatives that demonstrate your well-roundedness, passion, and capacity to contribute to a community.

 

4. Highlight Financial Need (if applicable)

If the scholarship you are applying for is need-based, describe your financial situation concisely. Briefly state how the scholarship would help you relieve financial burdens and enable you to concentrate on your academic pursuits.

 

5. Relate Your Aspirations to the Scholarship's Goals

Explain in detail how your academic goals align with the mission of the scholarship. Thereafter, indicate how receiving the scholarship would empower you to accomplish your academic goals and contribute meaningfully to your selected field.

 

6. Express Gratitude and Conclude Confidently:

Thank the scholarship committee for their time and consideration and briefly repeat your enthusiasm for the scholarship programme. Lastly, conclude your letter with a call to action, inviting them to learn more about you via your application materials.

 

Some additional tips for writing a scholarship application include:

 

• Proofread meticulously: Make sure your application letter is free of grammatical errors and typos.

• Maintain a professional tone: Ensure that you maintain formal language throughout the application letter and avoid the use of slang or informal expressions.

• Be concise and impactful: Use a one-page letter that effectively communicates your qualifications.

• Be genuine and authentic: Allow your personality and passion to be felt in your writing.

 

With these few tips highlighted above, you will be able to compose a captivating application letter that increases your chances of winning the scholarship.

 

Which Country is Easiest to Get a Scholarship?

The following countries are well known to offer the easiest scholarships for international students:

 

• Germany.

• China.

• United States.

• Australia.

• Hungary.

• France.

• Czech Republic.

• Canada.

 

Which Courses Are Easiest for Getting a Scholarship?

Although there is no universal "easiest" course of study for which to get scholarships, certain factors can increase your chances of getting scholarship opportunities. Here are some areas you need to focus on:

 

a. Underserved Fields

Scholars are often offered to motivate students in specific fields facing a lack of qualified professionals. You can research fields where there's a very high need for graduates and focus on them. Some study fields with high demands for graduates include:  

 

• STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

• Nursing

• Special education

• Agriculture and environmental studies

• Arts

• Sports

 

b. Underrepresented Groups

If you belong to an underrepresented group in a specific field, you can find scholarships seeking to increase diversity in those areas. These kinds of scholarships seek to bridge the gap by providing financial funding to students from specific races, ethnicities, or cultural backgrounds in those fields.

 

Tips for Applying for a Scholarship

Below, we’ve provided some valuable tips to guide you through your scholarship hunt and increase your chances of getting the award:

 

a. Sharpen Your Research Skills

 

• Don’t waste your time applying for generic scholarships. Ensure that you find scholarships relevant to your field of study and apply for them.

• Before you start applying, thoroughly research each scholarship programme. Have a basic understanding of its purpose, the values it upholds, as well as the kind of student it seeks to support. Tailor your application to resonate with these precise criteria.

 

b. Draft a Compelling Application Package

• Your application letter should be well-crafted so that it would capture the attention of the readers. It should showcase your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, and financial need (if applicable). Mention your long-term goals and how the scholarship can help you meet them. 

• Ensure that you also provide a stellar transcript and test scores. Don’t forget that having a strong academic performance is still very crucial. 

• Secure powerful recommendation letters from different teachers, professors, or even mentors who can elaborate on your academic potential, work ethic, as well as your character. 

 

c. Manage your time

• Scholarship deadlines can sneak up quickly. So, you need to start researching and applying as early as possible. The earlier you start, the more opportunities you will have to explore.

• Create a system to track the application deadlines, requirements, and submission methods for each scholarship you apply for. Tracking your deadlines will help you stay organized. 

 

d. Highlight Your Unique Qualities

• Don't just concentrate on discussing your academics alone. Highlight your volunteer work, extracurricular activities, awards, leadership experiences, or any unique skills or talents that make you stand out. 

• Let the sponsors feel your passion for your field of study and your future goals through your application materials. Show the scholarship panel why you merit their funding.

 

By following the tips listed above and putting in enough effort, you can increase your chances of getting scholarships. 

Errors to Avoid while Applying for a Scholarship

Here are some common errors to avoid while applying for a scholarship:

 

• Missing the scholarship deadlines. Aim to submit your application at least a week before the deadline.

• Spending too much time applying for generic scholarship programmes. Don’t waste your time with scholarships that are not tailored to your goals.

• Making grammatical and typographical errors. Ensure that you proofread meticulously to avoid these two errors. 

• Composing mediocre essays or application letters. Hone your writing skills to ensure that your essays and application letters stand out.

• Choosing the wrong recommenders to write your recommendation letter. Always select people who you know can give insightful comments about you.

• Using inconsistent information. Ensure that all the information you provide is in harmony. 

• Ignoring scholarship-specific instructions. Always pay attention to the instructions provided by the sponsor. 

 

Conclusion

Remember, when it comes to learning how to apply for scholarships, persistence and attention to detail can increase your chances of success. Remember, the application process can vary for each scholarship. So, ensure you read the instructions carefully while applying the tips above to make the best of any opportunity. Lastly, try as much as possible to avoid all the errors discussed in this article. Good luck in your scholarship search!