As the cost of education continues to rise, many students are looking for ways to fund their graduate studies. While student loans are available for some institutions in some countries, they are not always suitable for all and sundry, are burdening, and oftentimes are difficult to repay.
One option is to apply for an international graduate scholarship, which can provide financial assistance for tuition, living expenses, health insurance fees, and other academic costs.
Not only do international graduate scholarships allow you to study for free, but they also come with great opportunities and open doors to networking with professionals in your discipline.
Now that you are excited to embark on your international scholarship journey, do you have what it takes?
I know you are thinking, "So what does it take?", "How do I bag this scholarship award?", or "Am I even eligible?"
These and all other questions are demystified in this article in a bid to help you prepare effectively for your scholarship pursuit. You can also read how to stay motivated and bounce back from scholarship rejections.
Scholarship application, like any other life goal, has its basic dos and don'ts. It is an interesting learning experience. However, the competition for these scholarships can be fierce, and it's important to have a strong application to stand out from the crowd.
In this article, I explain 11 tips to help you win an international graduate scholarship.
Find scholarships in your field of study
There are many scholarship opportunities available for students pursuing graduate studies in specific fields. Use scholarship search engines and databases to find scholarships in your area of study. Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram groups also offer subject-specific scholarship posts you can benefit from.
There are scholarship programs that are field specific and there are those which are non-field-specific. Whether you are interested in graduate studies in the STEM fields or the humanities and social sciences, there are hundreds of scholarships in all areas.
Start early
Many scholarship programs have early application deadlines, so it's important to start preparing your application as soon as possible. This will give you plenty of time to research the scholarship program, gather your application materials, and make any necessary revisions.
For some scholarships, submitting an early application increases your chance of success. Otherwise, start early but take your time to ensure your application is thoroughly filled and attended to.
Research the scholarship program
Before you apply, make sure you thoroughly research the scholarship program you're interested in. This will give you a better understanding of the program's requirements, selection criteria, and values, which can help you tailor your application to meet their needs.
For most graduate scholarship programs, you may be required to go through an interview or to communicate with a potential advisor. This paves way for some levels of interaction and gets you acquainted with the graduate program you are applying for.
Focus on your strengths
When writing your scholarship essay, focus on your strengths and accomplishments, and how they make you a better candidate for the scholarship. Highlight any leadership, academic, or community involvement that demonstrates your potential to succeed in graduate school and beyond.
It is also not bad to showcase a challenge you faced in your previous training and what you did to turn the situation around. You may also want to link your previous milestones with your career interest as well as how your intended graduate program is a bridge between them. Mention anything you feel is worth being heard. It is your golden opportunity to sell yourself.
Be concise and clear
Your scholarship essay should be concise and clear, with a strong thesis statement that communicates your goals and qualifications. Use simple language and avoid jargon or complex terminology that may confuse or distract the reader.
Engage your essay readers, in this case, the scholarship selection committee. Keep sentences short, simple, and straightforward. Be honest and truthful about any information you include therein. Remember the scholarship selection committee are humans too. Ensure the flow of your essay is top-notch.
Get feedback
Before submitting your application, get feedback from past scholarship winners (this is particularly indispensable), trusted friends, family members, or academic advisors. They can help you identify any areas for improvement, and provide valuable insights on how to make your application stand out.
Getting timely support and feedback from past scholarship winners, dear applicant, is invaluable. This is because past scholarship winners are your easiest plugs not only to understand the application process but also to help you avoid application errors and mistakes new applicants always fall into.
- Also read how to study effectively and efficiently to ace your exams.
Follow the guidelines
Be sure to carefully follow the scholarship program's guidelines and instructions. This includes formatting, word count, and any specific requirements for the application materials. Provide clear data and particulars during the application.
Of particular importance are the documents required to be sent as hard copies to a designated mail address or to be uploaded online.
Final undergraduate degree grade, CV, statement of purpose (SOP), research statement, official or unofficial transcripts, and a means of identification are common requirements.
Some graduate programs request meeting a language proficiency level as well as providing graduate aptitude test results such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
You should pay attention to country requirements, especially if your documents require evidence of verification or authentication from authorities within your country and sometimes from the authorities of the recipient institution's country.
Lastly, if your documents are to be uploaded in a particular format, ensure to upload the correct format and use a checklist to verify if you have completely and appropriately done that.
Be unique
Every applicant's profile and prospects are varying. Try to make your application unique and memorable. Highlight your individuality, experiences, and perspectives that make you stand out from other candidates. Do not limit your expression of interest too. Trust me, you are going to be found wanting if you just copy your essay from the internet.
So be original. Tell your story. Express your ability. Try to also highlight your academic weakness, if there is one, or any technical skill you lack as your opportunity for improvement. This also shows your readiness for graduate school challenges that often come with surprises and yes, you are going to have to deal with those from time to time.
Showcase your passion
Show enthusiasm and passion for your field of study in your scholarship essay. Highlight your research interests and career goals, and explain how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Align your technical abilities with your potential tasks in the research group you are vying for.
Potential applicants often struggle to find research interests that really suit their passion and interests.
As a golden piece of advice, do not jump into a research area you are not really conversant with, ever, unless you are the type that can survive learning new skills and knowledge efficiently.
It is better to take time and get into a research area you really fit into than to apply and be selected for a graduate research area you don't really fit well.
Provide evidence
Use specific examples and evidence to support your claims and demonstrate your qualifications. This can include academic achievements, research experience, or volunteer work.
Graduate school application is similar to job applications to a very large extent. You may be offered a teaching or research assistantship. Think about what you may have to highlight from your past works in a bid to justify why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised research position.
Be persistent
Finally, don't give up if you don't win a scholarship on your first try. Most of us didn't bag it on the first try too.
Reapply if you feel you are still suitable for the same scholarship but apply for other scholarships elsewhere, lest you put all your eggs in a basket.
Use feedback from previous applications to improve your future submissions. Check previous applications against best practices and expert advice.
If rejection happens repeatedly, you may want to seek an explanation from the scholarship organization's contact persons to avoid previous mistakes and improve your subsequent submission.
In summary, start early, do your research, showcase your strengths, and stay persistent – and you could be on your way to funding your graduate studies with an international scholarship.
Winning an international graduate scholarship can be a challenging but rewarding process. By following these 11 tips, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your academic goals.
Good luck!
- Also read the 24 signs that job isn't right for you.
This is an insightful piece, very detailed. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the positive feedback! We're glad our tips worked for you. Your support means a lot. Let us know if there's anything specific you'd like to see in the future.
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