You want to study abroad. That dream does not come cheaply, and for many international students a scholarship is the only way to get there.
So why are so many scholarship applications sent straight to the bin?
In this article, we’ll share the ten most common mistakes students make with their scholarship application. They may seem like commonsense – so make sure you avoid them if you want your application to succeed!
1. You don’t qualify for the scholarship
Let’s set some realistic expectations. Every scholarship – and there are a gazillion of them out there – has very specific requirements. So don’t bother applying if they require a straight-A student and you generally get C’s. Or if the scholarship is for Nigerian citizens, and you are from Singapore. Or if the scholarship is for post-grad students and you’re studying a diploma. It’s just not going to happen, and you’ll be wasting your time.
And of course, there’s no point in applying for a university scholarship if you haven’t yet been accepted for that program!
2. You forgot to research all the options
It takes time to prepare a good scholarship application, and the first step is research. You need to know all the options available to you and get as much information as you can on what each scholarship is looking for.
Almost every university and college has some kind of scholarship or bursary system – usually based on merit and always very competitive.
There are many other scholarships available, including private foundation ones (such as the Fulbright), international government agency ones (such as British Council) and your own government. Contact your local Department of Education for more information.
3. You only applied for one or two scholarships
Apply for as many as you qualify for! That gives you more chance of success. Yes, it takes time, as you need to write each application specifically for that scholarship – but you want the money, right?
4. You left it until the last minute
As well as research, you need time to get organised. Find some appropriate referees and let them know what you need them to do and say. Arrange for the required documentation such as transcripts – they may need to be certified. There’s no point in sending off the application unless it is complete, so don’t run the risk of forgetting something important.
5. You missed the deadline
This is surprisingly common. Every scholarship has a different deadline, so don’t assume they all fit to the same intake schedule. Once that deadline passes, it’s over. And if you do submit it late, it doesn’t reflect well on your organisational abilities.
6. You didn’t answer the question
The scholarship committee has designed the questions to find out whether you have the abilities they are seeking. So don’t answer a question about how you overcame an obstacle with a comment about your amazing high school results. If you fail to follow the specific directions or answer the questions fully, the committee assume you have just submitted the same copied and pasted application to every scholarship. Straight to the bin, I’m afraid.
7. You fell for a scholarship scam
Yep, you didn’t win the scholarship because it never actually existed. Beware of online sites offering ‘guaranteed’ scholarships for a small fee, or agencies that want your bank information or money in advance. You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship. So don’t do it.
8. You lost your audience on the first page
If you’re applying for a post-graduate or research grant, don’t assume your reader will understand every technical detail of your planned PhD. Avoid the jargon and acronyms – unless you’re willing to explain them. Ask yourself, would my mum understand it? And if you’re not sure, get her to read it first.
9. You forgot to check your grammar
And your spelling too. Some committee will put your application on the reject pile if it has just one spelling mistake. It needs to be perfect, and it demonstrates your language ability too.
10. You didn’t get it proof-read
As some friends and family to check it over for spelling mistakes, structure and whether the questions are answered. It’s also good to show it to your referees, as they’ll then know what abilities to emphasise if they are asked for a referral.
If you need any more advice on scholarships, chat to one of our student counsellors. You’ll find more articles on available scholarships on this blog.
Oops!
Here are some real mistakes students have made with their scholarship applications:
- Mailed the envelope, without the application
- Used impossible-to-read fancy font
- Used completely illegible handwriting
- Sent their arrest record in as a referral
- Submitted a baby photo as their ‘recent’ picture
- Forgot to include their name and address
Tags: Scholarships
I am Gulzar working as a sports and physical education officer at a well recognized university of Pakistan (COMSATS)Abbottabad Campus.
want to continue my study in the same field if the related courses are available in Australia UK US or any other country where I could get any scholarship.
Waiting for any positive response from your end
Regards
Gulzar
Dear sir, I have written in this kind of column several times but failed to get enven a reply.However, I would like to get sholarships for public health, public Administration, Education, Human resources, Project planning at masters level. Please, help.
i m softweare engineer. i m want spelization od java
language.
Dear
i ever submitted request to get scholarship special for master ”economy finance”in australia but till now i never get it,maybe for another country.please
I have found these news letters guiding for the newcommer like me. People tell it is very difficult to go abroad high cost associated. But many people have gone without spending much. Just using their minds how?
Sir, I have finished my Masteral degree specializing in Philosophy at the University of Sto.Tomas Manila. I would like to pursue my doctoral degree. What are the requirements for scholarship program? Hoping for your reply as soon as possible.
Thank you very much and more power.
i will graduate from senior high school in indonesia this year.
i’m interested to study in australia after this. but that is still impossible for me without a scholarship. does anyone can help me to find a scholarship of architecture course for undergraduate?
all i know there is just a few scholarship for undergraduate and that was really competitive.
i need a help. give me some advice to my email please.it would be useful.
thank you.
Good day! I have graduated a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications major in Journalism from Western Mindanao State University. I would like to pursue a masters degree. What are the needed documents for a scholarship program. hoping for your reply the soonest possible.
Thank you very much for your assistance.
GOODY AFTERNOON, I GRADUATED WITH A DISTINCTION IN ACCOUNTING. I’M (OND) ORDINARY NATIONAL DIPLOMAL HOLDER. I SISH TO OBTAIN MY Bsc IN THE SAME COURSE. PLEASE WHAT ARE THE BASIC THINGS NEED FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME.
HOPE TO SEE YOUR REPLY SOONEST.
THANKS.
dear sir/ mam
I have completed my BSc textile engineering at a well recognized Bhauddin Zakariya university Multan, Pakistan.
I want to continue my study in the same field if the related courses are available in Australia how I can get any scholarship?
Waiting for any positive response from your end
Regards
engr.M.waqas
HI
I will finish my master in conservation and restoration of historical building&site. at this month and I would like to continue my study in PhD out of my country(Iran). how can I get a scholarship or . . . & how can i find best curse in this field around the world.
I’m very seriously to have chance study in broad, specially in Australia. I hope some time my dream come true and taking for the curriculum competence. Please help me…
I really want to get a scholarship. I want to study abroad.plz help me.i want to study in austrailia.
Hi,
I will be completing my foundation in IT and Mathematics at the end of this year(2009) and I am interested in doing my Degree studies in France………Therefore as part of my course I am Also Taking French lessons, but due to the financial constraints my family is facing I won’t be able to persue my career without a scholarship….Please Help!
Dear sir/Madam
Respectfully,
let me to express my appreciate, I have doctorate degree in pharmacy in Iran and I would like to study medical in Canada.I need to get scholarship. merely, I love medical because I think for being best physicians,I should study medical in addition pharmacy.
would you mind letting me to ask you help me to get scholarship.I have creative mind and …
kind regards
Dr. Ali
Dear I applied many times but I didn’t get any Scholarship may be they are jocking us or other matter but I want to ger full scholarship for higher education in abrod in good universities for M.phil or PHD.
Please tel me how can I apply for get scholarship and what is the right way to apply?
I realy want to study abroad. Especialy in UK.
I don’t have enough finance to study here. I want you to invite me on a scholarship program. i would be very glad.
Thanks
please advice me about the criteria of scholarship
Dear sir
I m working in a renound bank . Now I want to study on modern banking . Have there any opportunity for scholership in Australia ?
Plz inform me . Selim
I want to join bible collage.Iwant to get visa from you
Good day!!
I am BSC Accounting graduate & has a post graduate studies in DENRM (Diploma in Environment & Natural Resources from University of the Phils. open University. I would like to study in any university in Australia or Canada, whenever & wherever possible..This desire of mine cant be possible if you will not help or assist me, find one.
i am from ethiopa particularly ,wollo university and i am athird law student andthen i had want to learn more
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I needed some help , What is the difference between a lottery scholarship and a merit scholarship?
how i can get the scholarship everybody who is serving in the sector!
i had want to learn my LLM DEGREE IN YOUR INSTITUTION,WILL YOU ADVICE ME PLEASE!
I am going to finish my studying in master of nursing in the philippines but I really want to continue my education Ph.D in nursing in Australia. is there any opportunity to me?
kindest regards and best wishes to you
I want to study abroad but I don’t have enough finance to study here. I want you to invite me on a scholarship program
Hi,
I am from Philippines, please help me to study abroad. I am BS in Computer Science graduate and I really wanted to master my course and learn more of my field.
Hope you will grant me a scholarship to study either in Australia or London. Your help is a great foundation to achieve my goals and to succeed on my chosen field.
Thank you & best regards,
Donna
I really want to get a scholarship. I want to study abroad my English is very pool.plz help me.i want to study in austrailia.
Joe
I am Mohammad Jan From Pakistan. And studying Bechlor of Engineering in BUET Kuzdar.I want to studying ME in aboard. But my financel are not sport me. I want to join scholarship programe. Please invite me and i wait for your reply.
Thanks and Best Regards,
Mohammad Jan
I am Muhammad Junaid working as a Sub Engineer at a well recognized farm of Pakistan.
want to continue my study in the same field if the related courses are available in Australia UK US or any other country where I could get any scholarship.
Waiting for any positive response from your end
Regards
Muhammad Junaid
iam santhoshkumar studing in stockholm 2 yrs mastercourse in mental health and suicide prevention . basicaly iam a nurse in india . i want to continue my studies in sweden . if i get ascholarship for my living expenses in stockholm i completed my course
i have finished my highshcool insomalia,iwant tocontinue my study in abroad because my countryisgoin now war youcan know what is going on and iwoul liku to improve my english so that, iwoul like to get shcolarship of ingeneering or any else fucalty.ican not continou my courses becouse my financail isnot alawed me to continue please helpme iwoul liketoget my shcolarship uk sweden australia usa or any ather country ican get this scholar thank you
I want to do a P.H.D. course in Corrosion Eng.in the U.K., where can I do this course.
I would like to apply for a scholaraship to do
my masters in Australia. Pls assist me.I am 55years old . I have city and Guilds Higher Diploma in E& E and Telecommunications .I am at
present an instructor at an institute in Penang.
Thank you very much.
Does japan offer engineering courses?
If do, what r they?
and how do i apply 4the scholarship?
Venerable Sir/Madam,
I am from Pakistan,now working in U.A.E as security officer.i want to study further and my HRM form abroad. is there any scholarships available in finland?please let me know.
efuusive thanks for your response.
Highly obliged
sajjad pakistan
im in bs software engineering i want scholarshiop
I am doing undergraduate course in Biotechnology, and i want to do postgraduate on the same from singapore or U.K.
I am from middle class family so i my parents can’t afford much. so I need scholarship. I would be really thankfull if you help me.
waiting for reply.
thanking you,
Rislyn Debbarma.
i m student of mba marketing and i need scholarship for higher studies in abroad in same discipline
Pls let me know of any possible opportunites.
I have completed m.sc.and have given IELTS with 5.5 Band I had applied for business managment in canada SPP project for this May intake. I want scholarship for further studies.kindlyguide on that!
I have completed m.sc. and applied in business managment programme in canada spp project i want scholarship,will you pls help me!