Applying for a School/University Scholarship is equally important as applying to a degree course so you ought to treat it with loads of care and responsibility. As you already know, scholarships are only offered to students with excellent academic performance so you either prepare for a scholarship opportunity ahead or be realistic about your chances of getting one.
One of the very important things you’ve got to consider is this: before you apply for a scholarship, even though you’re totally sure you’re getting it, contact an advisor from the university you would like to apply (or already applied) to and acquire more detailed information.
Some of the documents that you simply will need to submit for the scholarship application process are similar ones that the university will request from you once you apply for a Bachelor or a Master degree.
Most common documents requested for scholarship application
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Completed scholarship application form
Carefully check and accurately fill all the sections of the application form correctly
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Copy of passport/ID
The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your departure and only a copy of first page of the passport, containing your photo and private information is sufficient.
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Copies of transcripts/diplomas
Send the transcript of records from the last school you graduated or currently attending (high-school if you apply for a Bachelor degree or Bachelor diploma and records if you apply for a graduate Master course). The transcript of records may be a photocopied page of all of your courses and grades and credits that you simply achieved for every course. This document should have an official signature and stamp from your school or faculty.
If you apply for a scholarship for an Erasmus programme, you ought to have already completed two semesters of studies.
Proof of English proficiency (or other language – the one that’s used as medium of instruction for the study programme you chose)
- for English: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge
- Spanish: DELE
- French: DELF or DALF
- German: DSH, TestDaF, OSD, telc
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Statement of purpose/Letter of motivation
This statement should contain just one page, around 400 words that you explain your reasons why you applied to the chosen degree course and the way it relates to your future studies and career goals. While writing this statement/letter of motivation, it’s important to be honest and not inflate with anything. You must also briefly present your qualities and the way they might fit with the degree you chose.
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Letter of recommendation
Basically a recommendation letter is required, but in some cases, you’ll be asked to produce two letters of recommendation. The letter(s) of recommendation should only come from one among your teachers/lecturers or employer/person that supervised your work (volunteering work counts as well). This letter gives the scholarship provider more information about your qualities, skills, conception and it also can reflect your desire or motivation for the degree course and/or university you chose.
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CV (Curriculum Vitae)/Resume
Even if you don’t have any work experience at that time you apply for a scholarship, you’ll simply include your study experiences, hobbies, interests, achievements and social skills. It is quite important to state all the languages that you know (including language certificates), but be honest about your proficiency level; add computer skills, volunteering work and the other courses that you have completed (even short courses), especially if they’re connected in line study field.
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Standardized test scores
SAT, ACT, GRE, GPA and other test scores are often a vital factor when the university considers who they provide the scholarship to most frequently, high scores are those that count first and foremost; however, the scholarship offer is rated supported a holistic approach, after taking all the relevant documents into consideration.
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Essay
In addition to the letter of motivation, you’ll be requested to write down an essay and on a particular subject, usually associated with the scholarship, consider what personal achievements recommend you for receiving the scholarship. Follow the guide lines of the essay as requested and ensure you don’t exceed by the amount of words.
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Portfolio
A portfolio is needed by students who are applying for art, design and other similar degrees and it should include artistic work and projects. In case of an art degree, a portfolio is far more or equally relevant compared to your GPA score when it involves showing your skills.
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A medical report/ heath evaluation form
Signed by a certified medical clinic/hospital from your home country
If it’s the case, please note that each one documents must be translated either in English or in other official language of the country of destination, but the precise requirements for the language of documents first!
The translation of documents must be done by a certified translator and that they should accompany the first documents also.
Tips to consider before you send all the documents for the scholarship application
- Check your application form and other documents for spelling and grammar errors before you send it.
- Don’t exceed the word limit given for any section of the application or for other documents you’ll be requested to write down.
- Only submit the requested documentation don’t add anything more.
- it’s recommended to create a complete copy of the application before you send it.
- Put in mind the precise date you’ve got to send all the requested documents and watch out not to not miss the deadline.