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Things to Prepare Before Applying a Scholarship

Getting a scholarship for an overseas study is a competitive process. This is because many people like you want the scholarship, but not all can be awarded. The cholarship money is simply not enough to fund all at once. Also, the scholarship providers want to ensure that only the best, well prepared applicants are selected and so the money is spent rightly and efficiently to what it is intended for. So, you have to be a winner!

Lots of people have won scholarship. You hear this every time. But how have they done this good job? Are they luckier or more superior or intelligent than others? No, they are not! If you ask them about the winning secrets are, they may simply give you the following lists: things to prepare or consider before applying a scholarship.

Academic certificate and transcript

Soon after graduation, do not wait. Obtain your original academic certificate and transcript, and make some copies of them. You need to certify them and, remember, that people at university are some times going somewhere when you need their signatures. More importantly, you need to translate both your academic certificate and transcript. Check around, there maybe some people have done the same. This will ease the task. If not, they are yours anyway. When you are done, it is wise to get other people to see them. They may give you valuable inputs, even correcting misspelled course names. Again, you need signatures of dean and rector on the translated version of your academic certificate and record.

Research proposal

You need to decide earlier which study route you are going to undertake – course or research or both. If you prefer a course-based study, you do not need a proposal. But if you are going to do a research, you definitely need a research proposal.

Good research proposal require time and energy to construct. So it is always better to prepare it earlier. Basically, the proposal will not be much different to the one you have done previously in your research as part of your undergraduate study. This will include background, objective, problems or questions to answer, hypothesis, methodology, and references. These are the essences of a proposal. For more on research proposal, read here and here

When you are done with those basic requirements, ask suggestions from others. When the application is open, check if the scholarship provider requires a bit more to what you have prepared.

Letter from intended university and supervisors

Download application form from the university website and fill it before send it back to the university. The university will respond you and issue you with a letter of acceptance. You may indicate in the form that you will begin your study next year, waiting for a scholarship which you are now struggling for. Most likely they will issue you with a conditional acceptance. They will keep reissuing this until you succeed with your scholarship application.

While your are in the website, go to your targeted department or school to find your potential supervisor. Even, this needs to be done first before filling in a admission form. The reason you will not studying in this university unless you have got an academic staff willing to supervise you. So get their email address, and make contacts with them. In the first time, you just need to introduce yourself, mention your academic background and your research proposal, and ask if he/she is available to supervise you. If they are busy because there are many students already under their responsibilities, don’t panic. Ask him/her if they know people around there who are still able to take additional students.

The good with the letter from university and supervisor when you have them at hand is that you can attach them to your application form and present them to the interviewers. These letters will increase your chances of winning the scholarship because the interviewers will so impressed that you are better prepared and have taken more advanced steps compared to other candidates. Read more..

Scholarship Applications that Win!

by Bill Reynolds at FreSch!

Tip #1. ATTENTION TO DEADLINES

Try and have your application arrive EARLY as possible, absolutely not after the deadline date! I like to send applications with a “return receipt requested” or “registered” to make sure they get there. I think that this also conveys a positive characteristic about the sender.

Tip #2 START YOUR APPLICATION WITH A “THANK YOU” COVER LETTER

Sample Packet Cover Letter

1111 WinOne Street

Pensacola, Fl 32503

9 September 1999

Mary Smith, President

Whatever Scholarship Committee

Orlando Central Parkway

Orlando, Florida (zip code)

Dear Ms. Smith,

This letter is an introduction of myself, (your name), and my desire to participate in the (whatever it is called) Scholarship Program. I have been accepted to (Name of your College) for the 1999 fall term.

I would like to thank you and the (whatever) Scholarship Committee for supporting college bound students with an opportunity for financial assistance through your scholarship program. Enclosed you will find my application form, high school transcript, ACT results, letters of recommendation, and other pertinent information. Again, thank you for your interest on my behalf and for the youth of our state.

Respectfully,

(your name)

Tip #3 ANSWER THE “MAIL”

While this seems obvious, you must construct your application to make it EASY for the committee to see that you have provided every thing that was required. I like to provide items in the order that they are listed in the application. If possible, do not mix items on the same page. In another tip I am going to tell you to add extra items that were not requested to give your application that something extra. However, DO NOT add extra items if you are specifically told not to add anything extra. This means that you can not follow directions if you add items when your are forbidden to do so.

Tip #4 ADD EXTRA ITEMS TO YOUR APPLICATION (if not forbidden).

This is where you get to be creative to find ways and things that present you in a positive light to the selection committee. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Write a short essay on MY EDUCATION/CAREER GOALS. Try to keep to one page but no more than two.

2. Write a paragraph or two on how this scholarship award will help you reach your education/career goals.

3. My son’s guidance counselor gave him a paper that congratulated him on being in the top 10% of his class and acknowledged his hard work to get there. We included this because it put him in a “positive light” and his hard work at his academics was recognized.

4. Before my son reached his 18th birthday, he registered for the Military Draft as required for all males when they reach the age of 18. He received a letter from the draft board congratulating him for doing his civic duty prior to his 18th birthday. You guessed it, this was also one of our “extra items”. A lot of scholarship committee members have military backgrounds or see this as good citizenship for this applicant.

5. One of the best extra items is a letter of acceptance for admission to “any” college. If the scholarship application is not for a specific college, you will be able to use the award at “any” college. You do not have to use it at the college you used in your application. Later you can get more college acceptance letters and when your make your selection you can notify the scholarship award committee of where to send the award. Therefore, any letter of acceptance shows that your are serious but it does not “lock” you into using the award at that college.

These are just a few examples to get you thinking. I would limit my extras to three or four at the most. Too many and you “sour” your application. Again, MAKE SURE you are not forbidden to add extra items before you do so.

Be creative to find things that make you look good and share them with the committee.

Tip #5 PERSONALIZE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

This is a tip that conveys you took the time to make this application special. When you have a letter of recommendation addressed to the specific organization or person that is administering the application process it says that you took the time and effort to make this letter “Special” for them. If all you have is a letter that starts “To Whom It May Concern”, it is better than nothing. But if you can personalize the letter it says you cared to send the very best.

SUB TIP #5a Offer to do the work for the writer of your letter of recommendation. For example, you want to apply to twenty scholarship programs. When you ask someone to write you “1″ letter of recommendation they say sure. When you say you need twenty letters they say “sorry” I don’t have the time. Once they write you one letter, ask if you can put it on the computer so the TO ADDRESSEE can be personalized for each application and your writer only has to “sign their name twenty times”. Now your writer is happy to help you because you have done the work and make it easy for them to help you. If they have nice letter head, ask for blank copies to be used in this process.

SUB TIP #5b This is an “ADD EXTRA ITEM/s” when the application does not require a letter of recommendation.

SUB TIP #5c Try and get three to five letters of recommendation in your files. This will let you pick and choose which one or ones to send in for a specific application. I would never send more than three for an application unless the directions ask for more. I will cover some tips to give your recommendation writer in a later TIP.

TIP #6 – PROOF READ ALL MATERIALS and NEATNESS IS A MUST When you write anything you must use correct grammar and spelling. If you have a problem in this area ask your English teacher to help you with proofreading your essay, cover letter, extra items you have included, and even letters of recommendation prepared by others. When there are hundreds or thousands of applications to review, correctness and neatness become the first screen out factor. Only when the “pile” is smaller does the content of your application start to become a factor in the selection process.

TIP # 7 – SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION IN A CLEAR PLASTIC FOLDER

Now that your application is complete, the final “presentation” tip is to place all of your items in a clear plastic folder, with a slide locking binder. I like the cheap clear ones so that your “Thank You Cover Letter” (Tip #2) is on top. For that final “touch” I also like to include a wallet size picture of the student in the lower left side of your packet. The next item/s in you application packet are those required in the application (Tip #3 Answer the mail). Next I add any extra items (if not forbidden) and finally I place any letter(s) of recommendations.

If “extras” are forbidden, you should consider NOT using a plastic folder, however, this can be a judgement call on your part. Read the application carefully again regarding extras. Some judges feel the plastic folders “give them more work” (to remove the applications from the plastic folder) while others have no problem with it, even though they may forbid extras. I know, this can be confusing!

Your application packet is a great looking presentation of YOU, don’t mess it up by folding it to fit a small envelope. Use an 8X10 type envelope so your application arrives looking great. Consider sending it “Return Receipt Requested” so you know it arrived!

Visit here for more scholarships tips!

31 Responses to “ British Fully-Funded International Research Scholarships 2009-2010 University of Leeds ”

1. Asfaw Tilahun
   January 21, 2009 at 11:08 am

   I am Asfaw Tilahun from Ethiopia. I have BSc degree in civil engineering with BSc degree. I need fully funded scholarship to continue my master degree. So if there any findings you can contact me by the following address.
   Thanks in advance
   Sincely Yours
   Asfaw Tilahun
   Email:-aasfawt16@yahoo.com
2. TEWELDEBRHAN GEBRU
   January 28, 2009 at 12:21 pm

   Hello dears,
   I’m Teweldebrhan Gebru from Ethiopia, one of the developing countries in Africa. I’m graduated with BED in physics from HARAMAYA University. I’m instructor presently in one of the Ethiopians’ universities called GONDAR UNIVERSITY. I’m seeking full free scholarship to study for Msc. in COPUTUATIONAL PHYSICS or other related fields in your institution for 2009/10. I need your help how to get it. Please send me the necessary requirement. Thank you.

   TEWELDEBRHAN GEBRU

   ADRESS.

   gebruteweldebrhan@yahoo.com
3. DERESSE
   January 31, 2009 at 7:52 am

   I’m Deressefrom Ethiopia, one of the developing countries in Africa. I’m graduated with Bsc in Medical Laboratory technology from Jimma University. I’m instructor presently in one of the Ethiopians’ universities called Hawassa UNIVERSITY. I’m seeking full free scholarship to study for Msc. in clinical microbiology or immunology or other related fields in your institution for 2009/10. I need your help how to get it. Please send me the necessary requirement. Thank you.
4. Kindie Alebachew
   February 4, 2009 at 9:27 am

   my name is Kindie Alebachew from Ethiopia, one of the developing countries in Africa. I’m graduated with Bsc in Computer science and IT from Arba Minch University in july,2008.Currentlty,I’m instructor of Mekelle University,Ethiopia. I’m seeking full free scholarship to study for Msc. in Computer Science and Related fields in your institution for 2009/10. I need your help how to get it. Please send me the necessary requirement. Thank you.
5. Francois
   February 4, 2009 at 3:32 pm

   i fell very proud for the great job you are doing
6. Francois puemi
   February 4, 2009 at 3:50 pm

   my dear

   I am puemi francois from CAMEROUN. I was graduated with BSc in physical science from university of DOUALA,Cameroun in 2004. this year i have completed my Bsc in MARINE ENGINEERING from the regional MARITIME university in ACCRA GHANA. I am seeking full or partly scholarship to study for MSc. in marine ingineering and related fields in your institution for 2009-2010

   hopping to hear you soon. thanks
7. Kidane Desta
   February 8, 2009 at 9:05 am

   Febrary,2009
   Kidane Desta
   e-mail: d.kidane@yahoo.com

   I am from Ethiopia , I am studying a bachelor science in Applied statistics at Hawassa university and I certain that I will graduate with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 in July 2009, then after I would like to study master program in any related field at your university.
   So, is it possible to apply by my current GPA to the specified deadline,30 April, 2009 for the scholarship. If so, I need some information about the admission and application form , weather I send by e-mail or by post.

   I hope your responses will comfortable to me

   thank you
8. Yasin Mohammed
   February 10, 2009 at 5:39 am

   I am 25 years old, I had B.A in Economics from Bussines and Economics Fucalty of Bahar dar University,Ethiopia, I graduate with commulative GPA of 3.46 in 2006 .After my Graduation starting from July 2006-June 2007,i was working as planning and programming Expert in Omereyee Educational and Medical Foundation, Charitable organization and starting from July 2007 untill now i am working in Flora Eco power as Head of Community Support and Trainning coordinator
9. tewodros berhanu
   February 11, 2009 at 12:57 pm

   hi!there

   i am tewodros from ethiopia bright young boy but poverty is limiting my capability.
   Help me find a scholarship for a post graduate Degree, in sport science or related Disciplines .

   Sincerely
10. Jagvir Dixit
    February 20, 2009 at 7:47 am

    I am from India and presently working as Associate Professor (Agricultural Engineering) in India itself. I want to persue P.hD programme in Agricultural Engineering specifically in Energy with full scholarship. please suggest me for the same
    sincerely yours
11. Adugna Kassa
    February 25, 2009 at 8:22 am

    Dears sir / Madam

    I am nationlity is an Ethiopian , I have get in the Addis Ababa univerisity schoole of fine arts and design ofter attending for four years.
    I would like to apply the study scholarship for artists to develop skils and knowledge so please give me this chance.

    thank-you
12. dereje danbe
    February 25, 2009 at 11:58 am

    Dear sir/madam,
    my name is Dereje Danbe and i am 25 years old. I am graduate of 2007 with bachlor of science in statistics from hawassa university. now i am working in one of the ethiopian university as a instructor.i would like to sudy my msc in biostatistics or related field of study. learning from this county will bring radical chang and makes me very skill full with my field of syudy. hopping to hear from you soon.
    thank you very much
    my e-maile: derejedanbe@yahoo.com
13. Rajen Upadhyay
    March 5, 2009 at 2:21 pm

    Dear Sir,
    I am Rajen Upadhyay and i am 28 years old. presently i am working as a lecturer in history in Sikkim(India).i would like to persue my Ph.D from England and need a scholarship.please suggest me so that i can do my studies in england.

    Thanking you sir,
    yours sincerely,
    Rajen Upadhyay
14. Tewodros Eyob
    March 12, 2009 at 11:25 am

    Hi, I’m tewodros eyob from ethiopia,presently working as
    as assitance lecture in Gondar university which is one of
    universities of Ethiopia.i would like to persue my master
    in your country,hence i need fullfunded scholarships,i
    would be very glad if i get chance to study abroad ethiopia

    thank you
    Tewodros Eyob
15. Habitamu Asifawu
    March 26, 2009 at 10:19 am

    I am geraduating class student at Hawassa university (Ethiopia)with economics fild of study and in the feture I want to upgraed my knowlage with the same fild of study. because of this Iwant to have shcolarship in your contry for MA program. if my application for this program get acceptance in your country plsea contact me with this e-mail address. http://www.besai@yahoo.com

    tankyou for all your help and have nice accadamic year
16. sajal chowdhury
    March 27, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    dear sir,
    i am a student of architecture.my university name Bangladesh university of engineering and technology[BUET].i have just finished my b.arch from my university.my thesis topics was “design approach of energy efficient garments factory in view of comfort and daylight”now i would like to persue my further research degree on energy efficient building technology from England and need a scholarship i know,your help will be pathway to my future progress.thanks a lot.
    my email – sajal_c@yahoo.com
    sajal chowdhury
    BANGLADESH
17. Abdolmotaleb Hajati
    March 31, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    Dear Sir
    I’m A. Hajati from Iran university of Science and Technology. My B.S was about mining Eng. And my M.S was mineral processing. I’m looking for PhD position fully scholarship about mineral processing subject in leeds university.
    I study about some research working and some of your project subjects. I think that some research area is my interesting area. I’m interesting to spend my PhD period in comminution, modeling and optimization, separation (gravity, physical and chemistry and Nano/Bio), and environment aspects related to mineral processing industry. But I’m looking for a novel subject about separation/optimization that it was be a problem in industry. I have some new idea, but I want to know your supported PhD subjects by some companies or a university.
    Please consult me about themes (subjects, funds and etc) in your university.
    I’m looking to hearing from you.
    With the best regards,

    A. Hajati
    Mining Group
18. Abdenur Ahmed
    April 11, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    Dear / Sir

    I am an Ethiopian having LLB with CGPA of 3.57. Currently I am in Oromia institute of justice and professionals training and research center as a trainee. I also have another BA degree in foreign language and literature (English Education) together with six years of teaching experience from elementary to preparatory classes. Yet I want to upgrade my educational level to second degree (LLM) or any second degree related to my field of study. But I could not upgrade my qualification to LLM due to shortage of money. Because I used my resources exhaustively being a family man snatching from the mouths’ of my kids during my first degrees study. Therefore, I couldn’t stretch my hands farther to help myself. Please would you help me in realizing my dreams?

    With best regard

    Abdenur Ahmed

    From Ethiopia
19. Sultan Abda
    May 26, 2009 at 11:56 am

    Hi, I’m Sultan Abda from ethiopia,presently working as
    as assitance Researcher in Ethiopian Agricultural Inistitute which is the oldest research Inistitute in Ethiopia.i would like to persue my master on veterinary immunology or Molecular Biology in your country, hence i would be very glad if i get chance to study abroad ethiopia.

    thank you
20. sisay tadesse
    July 2, 2009 at 11:46 am

    my name is sisay tadesse ,am living in ethiopia ,am 28 years old male ,i have BSC dgeree in nursing from central university college ,i am working now in NGO in the nutrition department ,so that i want to educat in masters of public health or in nutrition ,if you have free scholarship for ethiopia ,my phone number +251-912-04-24-93 (mobile )
    thanks i will expect fat reply for my requeast
    sisay for ethiopia
21. Behzad Alaeddini
    August 28, 2009 at 11:33 am

    I am from Iran and presently working as Associate Professor (food science Engineering) in azad university of Iran .I am 32 years old, I had Master`s degree in agricultural engineering – food science and technology from university of Tehran ,Iran , I graduate with commulative GPA of 3.37 in 2002 .I’m looking for PhD position fully scholarship about food processing engineering subject in university.
    please if you have free scholarship for me ,my e.mail : beh_ala@yahoo.com .
    best regards .
    Behzad Alaeddini
    sincerely yours
22. Dr Zewdie Mulissa
    August 30, 2009 at 8:56 pm

    I am Dr Zewdie Mulissa(MD)from Ethiopia. I Graduated 2 and1/2 years
    back from Jimma University Ethiopia.By now I want to study MPH and I would be thankful if you give me a chance to study in your instituition.My mail address is zmulissa@yahoo.com and thanks in advance.
23. Biressaw Serda
    September 16, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    I am graduated with a degree “Doctor of Veterinary Medicine” (DVM) from Haramaya University, Ethiopia and Lecturer in the University having a dream to continue MSc degree in your institution in my home base department possibly in like MPH, vet.microbiology, Biochemistry…
    Please forward any related information to my address: biressawserda@yahoo.com

    Thanks in advance!
24. pius siakwah
    September 17, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    I am pius siakwah from ghana. I did my first degree in Geography and resource development fron university og ghana, legon and had first class with 3.8. Currently reading my Mphil in development Geography at university of oslo and will complete in June, 2010. I intend to do my Phd after here and would grateful if you can provide me with some vacant positions.
    My e-mail; piussiakwah@yahoo.co.uk
25. abraham almaw
    September 24, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    This is Abraham Almaw from Ethiopia, I have bsc in statistics from univerisity of Gonder with greate distinction and i’m working in Dilla univerisity as instructer.Now i’m highly seeking free scholarship in your country to develope my knowladge in related feilds.please forward any relevant information.
26. abraham almaw
    September 24, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    This is Abraham Almaw from Ethiopia, I have bsc in statistics from univerisity of Gonder with greate distinction and i’m working in Dilla univerisity as instructer.Now i’m highly seeking free scholarship in your country to develope my knowladge in related feilds.please forward any relevant information.

    my e-mail is abrish2862.yahoo.com
27. Nguyen Hang
    October 24, 2009 at 2:10 am

    I’m Hang and i come from Viet Nam (Asean -one of the developing countries in Asia ). I graduated from Viet Nam maritime and had worked in 4 year as marketting assitance in shipping line. I really wamt to eanter this course and wish to get free scholarship . If you have pls contact to me as emaail adrres and send requirment documents.
    email” kirakiratim@gmail.com”
    Thnks so much and hope receive your reply soon,
28. BEREKET TAYE
    October 26, 2009 at 10:32 am

    Hello, I am Bereket Taye from Ethiopia.I graduated from Addis Ababa university Faculty of veterinary medicine in July 2008. Currently I am working in Bedelle regional labratory as a parasitologist. And now I am highly interested to pursue my education in Msc level in related fields so as to acquire more knowledge and make my dream true. I hope you will respond me very soon.
    Thank You in advance!!!
    Bereket Taye(DVM)
    P.O.BOX 120197 Addis Ababa,Ethiopia
29. dr.abdelmonem i. elkhateeb
    October 27, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    I am prof.of general surgery, Assuit university,faculty of medicine,Assuit, EGYPT. I lookfor tow to three months as scholarship in the field of laparoscopy or hepatic surgery.My M.D. THESIS WAS IN experm.auxiliary liver transplantation and Iteach general surgery in the faculty of medicine . I AM INTERESTED IN HEPATIC SURGERY AND LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY.waiting for your kind reply. thanks
30. tsegaye
    November 4, 2009 at 5:29 am

    i am tsegaye from ethiopia having bachelor of degree in chemistry form jimma university in 2008 with remarkably good CGPA currently i am a full time assistant instructor in mizan tepi university one of the newly established univeristy in ethiopia by now i want to apply masters degree in any of chemistry fields
    if you have acess please help
    thank you in advance
31. Kansite Gellebo
    December 23, 2009 at 8:00 pm

    I am Kansite from Ethiopia. I was graduated with bachelor degree in history with great distinction status. I want to do my masters degree in ethnography. Would you please afford me?
    Kindly yours!