Statistics have shown that many students prefer to continue with postgraduate studies after their bachelor's. However, for international students, an increase in tuition, cost of living, accommodation and other expenses usually acts as a barrier towards such ventures.
Scholarships provide invaluable opportunities for students with financial support to meet up with the demands of pursuing a postgraduate degree. Apart from the financial benefits of scholarships, they also provide students with the opportunity to network and collaborate with others which can culminate in future employment.
To be able to secure such scholarships, students will have to take on the necessary responsibilities required to secure a spot in the competition.
1. Planning; it is said that failing to plan is planning to fail. Planning involves a thorough search. I advise you to create an Excel sheet with a list of searched scholarships, their application deadline and their eligibility criteria. from this list, you will be able to filter out those scholarships for which you are not suitable and focus on those whose criteria are a perfect fit for you. Some of such scholarships which you can start your search from include; the Rhodes, The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, Commonwealth, Fulbright, Marshall, Churchill, and Harry S. Truman scholarships and so on.
2. Customize your application; vague scholarship applications are great turn-offs for examiners. The scholarship examiners know that students usually apply for several scholarships and will take great interest in your application if you put some work into the demands of their application process. Customize each scholarship application to fit the specific requirements and preferences of the scholarship provider. Pay close attention to the essay prompts and make sure your responses directly address the given topic. avoid using the same motivation letter for all your scholarships as these examiners are more experienced than you and can easily spot vagueness when they see one.
3. Motivation letters and essays must be catchy; with several essays to review per hour/day by examiners, catchiness in writing is a must. Writing compelling essays and personal statements is crucial to make your application stand out. As mentioned before, tailor each essay to the specific scholarship's requirements, highlighting your accomplishments, and aspirations. State how receiving the scholarship will contribute to your academic and professional growth. You might help from your current supervisors or senior colleagues/friends on how to approach these essays creatively and thoughtfully, showcasing your uniqueness.
4. Recommendation is 50%; This might sound overrated but the reason for doing so is because students usually take this for granted. Letters of recommendation are powerful and many times serve as icing on the cake as to whether you are considered or rejected for a scholarship. Request letters of recommendation from individuals who can provide strong, insightful and positive assessments of your academic abilities, character, and potential. Choose recommenders who are familiar with your work, achievements, and future goals. Provide them with ample time to write and submit their letters on your behalf. Never put your recommenders under last-minute pressure to provide recommendations for you as they might not have the time to do so and may end up using 'a one for all' reference letter for you and thus you run the risk of having many errors such as the wrong gender.
5. Quitting is not a choice; Scholarship applications can be highly competitive, and rejection letters are not uncommon. You are going to receive many rejections along the way. However, it is important to remain persistent and not be discouraged by setbacks. Keep applying for scholarships that align with your qualifications and interests. With each application, you gain experience, improve your skills, and increase your chances of success. Remember that perseverance is key, and the right opportunity may be just around the corner.
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