Today we will share a complete guide on How to Get a Scholarship. While deciding to study abroad is already a big decision, finding a scholarship becomes more difficult in that process.
Financial issues are one of the most common reasons behind not going abroad. However, scholarships come here as a rescue. There are many kinds of scholarships. Some are merit-based, some are for experience and work bases, and some are for research.
Each scholarship has different criteria, and requirements to fill. Full-fund scholarships cover everything from fees to study materials and living costs. Some even pay stipends, while some of them cover certain areas of your education.
Search for Scholarships
Most of the time students don't know where to search for scholarships. First, you need to find out what scholarships are available there. You can search on some websites dedicated to scholarships. Such as scholarship.com, Fastweb, College Board, ScholarshipOwl, etc.
You can also go to your desired universities' and department's websites to find out what they are offering. Most universities and departments have individual scholarship programs.
Create a List
After finding the scholarships, make a list of them. Study them in detail, their requirements, benefits, and most importantly your needs. You need to take into account other facts like the country, place, living standards, future plans, etc. Narrow down your choice and create a list.
Make Preparations
Scholarships are a long and hard journey. You should prepare yourself with enough time. Prepare the documents, and go through them to check if they need to be attested. Preparation for any interview or test is needed.
Written Document
You need to write down an excellent Statement of Purpose or SOP and a cover letter to stand out from the crowd. Make it direct, and clear but not too desperate. Show your genuine interest and how you can be valuable to them. You will need to write essays for scholarships. Make them brilliant, and free from grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
Letter of Recommendation
You need to give a reference to someone in your letter of recommendation. It can be people you worked with, your professor, or your mentor in your research. Approach them respectfully and make them understand what you need them to write on your reference letter.
Apply
Read the instructions again and again and fill out the application with patience. Keep the documents ready. Apply carefully.
Improve Skills
Scholarships often need extracurricular activities. They sometimes add points. So try to learn and improve some skills other than academia. It can be leadership skills from some nonprofit organizations, public speaking, organizing, etc.
Required GPA
There is no specific GPA or grade for scholarships. It depends on the type of scholarships you are applying for. However, a stable GPA can be useful. But you don't need to be disheartened if your GPA is not up to mark. Keep searching and working hard on the essay and other skills.
Consult an Agent
There are many factors related to scholarships. There are visa processing, funds, documentation, tests, etc. It will be helpful if you consult someone professional. They can guide you and advise you on what is right for you. You can also ask for help from people you know who have received scholarships.
Keep Trying
Applying for scholarships needs patience. You may not get the acceptance letter on the first try. But you need to keep trying and searching for ways.
Finding a scholarship may sound daunting. But it is worth the effort. The process is long and stressful. Hope our guide for How to Get a Scholarship will make the process easier for you.