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University scholarships and the application process
If you’ve just emptied the last of your coins from your piggy bank and your account is still in the red, don’t despair. QS Top Universities knows that studying for your undergraduate degree at a top university is an expensive choice to make, but there is money out there for you. This guide will give you, and other undergraduate students, the starting point you need for a successful scholarship application.
Almost all top universities will have scholarships available for undergraduate students to apply for. You just need to know what they are, where you can find them, and how you can win them. To begin with, you need to realise that putting together a successful scholarship application does take time and lots of it. But if you do it properly, it will be worth it in the long run.
Do your research
To avoid putting pressure on yourself and trying to apply for that scholarship you desperately want at the last minute, start your research early. The more time you can put into your scholarship search, the more options you will have. You will need time to research scholarships, request information and application forms, and complete your application by the specified closing date. Remember that some scholarships may close before your academic year starts.
Check if you are eligible
Another important element you want to consider early on is finding out what scholarships you are actually eligible for – because you won’t be eligible for them all. By doing careful research you’ll be able to find the scholarships most appropriate for you and then you can spend time working on your application for those ones. The last thing you want is to spend time putting together an application for a scholarship you don’t even meet the criteria for.
Be organised
It pays to be organised when it comes to working on your scholarship application. To begin with, keep all of your scholarship material in a separate folder. That way you will always know where it is, and make sure you have the most up-to-date information in there. This will also help you to keep track of the different deadlines for each of the scholarships you are applying for. They won’t all be due at the same time.
Have all the information
Make sure you have all of the information that the selection panel has requested of you in your application. An application with missing items does not make the best first impression, particularly if these are items they have specifically requested. See QS Top Universities’ checklist at the bottom of this article to see what you need to have.
Presentation
A scholarship application is very similar to a job interview. You want to give a good impression and spelling mistakes or illegible writing do not look good. If you’re asked to use a blue pen, use a blue pen. If you’re asked to type your application out, use a computer. And before you send it, ask a family member or friend to proof read it for you. They may find a mistake that you just didn’t pick up.
Provide Correct Information
Not only should you provide all of the information that the selection panel has requested, make sure you provide the correct information as well. Small details such as your full and correct address, or a new phone number if you’ve lost your mobile, will put the finishing touches to your application.
References/Referees
In some cases you may need to provide references or referees. Choose these people carefully. After all, there’s a lot hanging on this application. You also need to let each of your referees know when you are applying for a scholarship, so if they are asked for information about you, they’re not taken by surprise and can give a detailed answer praising you and your abilities.
Don’t miss the deadline
Always give yourself an extra few days up your sleeve when applying for a scholarship. You may need it if you’re getting your application professionally printed, or if you’re waiting for confirmation from a referee. If you don’t get your scholarship application in on time, that’s tough. The selection panel won’t consider late applications.
Good luck
QS Top Universities Scholarship Application Checklist
*Are you eligible?
*Do you know the deadline?
*Have you got all the necessary information? (this will vary depending on the scholarship application)
Academic record
Proof of finance (or lack of)
Confirmation of your study
*Do your referees know what scholarship(s) you are applying for?
*Have you or a friend/family member proofread your scholarship application?
*Have you submitted your application before the deadline?
Student Survival Guide