Here are the important documents you need to secure a fully funded scholarship.
There are several important documents that you may need to secure a fully funded scholarship, which may vary depending on the specific scholarship and the organization offering it. Some of the documents that you may be asked to provide include:
An Academic CV
This should outline your education, work experience, skills, research experience , voluntary experience and any other relevant qualifications or achievements. Sometimes depending on the scholarship type, you might add more sections to your academic CV. Highlighting academic achievements, work experience, skills, and extracurricular activities. Do not include your nationality, your marital status, your religion etc.
Transcripts
You may need to provide transcripts from your high school, college, or university showing your grades and coursework.
Letters of recommendation
Some scholarships may require letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or other professionals who can speak to your abilities and potential. You have to be very careful with this one because it carries heavy point during scholarship evaluation time. Don’t allow your recommender to use a generic recommendation letter for you. It should be personalized to the things you have done. Sometimes it depends on the scholarship type, some scholarship type emphasis on your voluntary skills and leadership skills, then that means your recommendation letter should be towards that line and not focused on education part. So it all boils down to you understanding the type of scholarship or funding you want to apply because it will help you understand how to personalize these documents. If you are still in school, please make sure to make friends with your lecturers and teachers and supervisors especially if you are targeting scholarships and funding because you will definitely need their help during your application.
Personal Statement or Essay
Many scholarships will ask you to write a personal statement or essay explaining your goals, interests, and why you think you are a good candidate for the scholarship. Sometimes some scholarship might be evaluated with the admission application in other words no separate application. That means your admission statement or purpose or personal statement will be the same that will be used to evaluate your eligibility for funding or scholarship, so in this case you need to figure out a way to fit in both. I have constantly shared SOP that many scholars used to get scholarship and funding, don’t just screenshot and keep but read it consta to understand the rule they used to arrive to that.
Test Scores
Some scholarships may require you to submit scores from standardized tests such as the ACTUAL/SAT, GRE/GMAT or English Proficiency Test Scores Like IELTS/TOEFL.
Research Proposal or Study Plan
This is especially crucial for research-based programs, outlining research interests, methodologies, and goals.
Recommendation Letters
At least two letters from professors or employers providing insights into your abilities and character, emphasizing your qualifications for the scholarship.
Motivation Letter or Letter of Intent
Explaining your interest in the program and scholarship, or detailing your intentions and future goals.
Statement of Purpose
Elaborating on your career path, academic interests, and rationale for choosing a specific program or field of study.
Academic Degrees and Transcripts
Copies of degrees and transcripts to showcase academic performance.
Passport
Copy for identity verification and proof of nationality.
Character Certificate
Usually from a previous institution, attesting to your behavior and ethics.
Bank Statement
Some scholarships may require proof of financial status.
Medical Fitness Certificate
Assurance of physical and mental fitness for the program.
Passport-Sized Photos
Required for various application processes.
Scanned Copies of All Documents
Facilitates online applications and serves as a backup.
Note: Some scholarships may require additional documents.