Do you know about all the important documents checklist you need before applying for a scholarship? Indeed, applying for a college or university scholarship has become equally important as applying to a degree course therefore you have to pay attention and you have a lot of responsibilities to do before applying. As we already know that scholarships are offered for students with excellent academic records, therefore, students who are capable must prepare for getting one, but we know that winning a scholarship is not an easy task at all. So for winning a scholarship, we have to fulfill some of the eligibility criteria in order to be capable of scholarship.
One of the most common things you can do is that you should discuss with a student who has already won a scholarship or discuss with an expert who should have some knowledge about scholarships. Most of the documents that you give for getting admission to a university are required for applying for a scholarship too. So if you want to apply for a scholarship, then beforehand you will have to prepare some essential documents for that too. So for getting to know about those essential documents you have to follow this article and read till the end.
All Important Documents Checklist You Need Before Applying for a Scholarship
1. Complete application form
The application form is one of the most essential documents required for applying for a scholarship. The first step for applying for a scholarship is to fill out the application form completely and accurately. Make sure that you have filled all the sections of the application, otherwise, your application will be rejected. The application form is a very important part of winning a scholarship. So be careful with it and after fulfilling it, submit it to their official email address. If you don’t know how to write an application letter, read the step by step guide here.
2. Copy of passport & ID card
Another important document for a scholarship is a copy of your passport or identity card. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months when you depart. The copy of the main page of your passport, which contains your photo and personal information is a must. If your photo is not attached to your passport, then it will be rejected so be careful.
3. Copies of diplomas/transcripts/certificates
Gather your school diploma and high school diploma in case you have graduated, photocopy them, and then submit. And if you are applying for a graduate degree like a Masters or Ph.D. degree, then make sure that you have the copies of your certificate or diplomas if not then you will not be eligible for it. Or you can add your achievements’ copies too if you don’t have them then it does not matter but if you give, then it will be better for you. Make sure that all the diplomas and transcripts have the official stamp and signature from your school.
4. Purpose statement or letter of motivation
This is an essay and it must contain only one page, which should be at least 400 words in which you have to describe your personality, your aim, explain the reason that you have applied for the scholarship, why it is important for you, and how it relates to your future studies and career. While writing the statement of purpose, you must be honest and genuine. You should briefly discuss your best qualities and how they fit the degree that you have selected.
You can check it out here: how to write a personal statement
5. 1/2 Recommendation letters
Usually, you have to submit only one recommendation letter, but for some degrees, you will have to submit more than one recommendation letter. A recommendation letter is written by one of your teachers, director, or person that supervised your work and know you very well. Usually, teachers have to write a recommendation letter for the students in order to apply for a scholarship. In this letter, your teacher has to discuss your best qualities, skills and your work. They will have to exaggerate your skills and talent. This letter gives the scholarship provider more information about your qualities, skills, and work. check Recommendation Letter Sample.
6. CV(Curriculum vitae)/Resume
In a resume, you simply give all your personal information in detail to the scholarship committee. You will have to write down your personal information like your name, Father’s name, address, phone number, and email address. And you can include all your study experiences, hobbies, interests, achievements, and skills. Most importantly, you have to include all the languages that you can speak. Even you can include the certificate of your achievements and language certificates too. But be honest with your language proficiency. Add computer skills, volunteering work, social works, and even short courses that you have completed and are very helpful for you. Read the sample CV/Resume.
7. English proficiency certificate with standardized test scores
You must have the proof of the English language proficiency to move ahead and it is a must. Or if you have the proficiency proof of other languages too, then it will be better.
English, it can be IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge.
Spanish: DELE
French: DELF/DALF
So these tests are required for getting the certificate of mentioned languages.
SAT, ACT, GRE, GPA, and other test scores can be an essential factor when the scholarship committee decide whom to give the scholarship to.
8. Other additional information needed while applying for a scholarship
- Financial details
- A medical report or health report (it must have a valid signature of a medical hospital on it.)
- Translation of the documents in case they are in any other language other than English. But you have to submit both the original and translated one to the scholarship committee.
- Check your application form and other essential documents for grammatical errors before you tend to submit them.
- Only submit the required documents and don’t send any additional things.
- keep in mind the deadline for the application. And try to submit the required documents and application form before the deadline.
- Don’t exceed the word limit given for any section of the application or for any documents you may have to write.
- Try to send in the form they have asked if they have asked to submit the documents and application form in the form of pdf, then you have to send in the same way. They can ask in these forms: (PDF, jpg, and many more).
Bottom Line
So these were all the important documents checklist that is required while applying for a scholarship and students must be careful about them. If we have missed any other document to mentioned please let us know in the comment section. Also, comment down what you want to read next. And please stay tuned for more articles and updates.