You should have a fear of rejection while applying for a scholarship because if you will think about it then you will spend more time to prepare all required documents carefully for your submission. As you know scholarships are not only offered to outstanding students but if those talented students do not gather all required documents for scholarship application then they get rejected so easily and this is where average students who take their application submission process seriously win those scholarships.
So, you should create your chances of getting the scholarship way ahead of time by preparing all required scholarship application documents and this article jots down a list of documents needed to be submitted along with your scholarship application so lets get an insight of it:
Which Documents Are Required to Apply for a Scholarship in 2023?
Lets start discussing the documents you would need to submit with your scholarship applications for the next batch of 2023-2024 admissions worldwide:
1- Scholarship Application form:
Before anything, students have to fill out the scholarship application form. This needs to be filled out accurately and completely. Before submitting, double-check everything for avoiding any errors.
2- Passport or Identity Card (ID) Copy:
Make sure that your passport contains a date of expiry that is at least six months after you arrive at your college. You are either required to submit a copy of your passport or ID card for identification purposes. You only need to upload the scanned copy of the first page of your passport where all your details are mentioned.
The letter of intent (LOI) is an academic document required sometimes in scholarship application submissions; requesting the reasoning of the candidate’s inclination towards a specific scholarship, or academic course.
4- Copies of Academic Transcripts/Degrees/Diplomas:
You are supposed to attach a copy of the transcripts and degrees of the degree programs you completed whereas in case if you are applying for a bachelor program then you may have to submit the records of your high school diploma and transcript an each of these documents must be original and should contain the stamp of the issuing institutions however photocopies are mostly not acceptable.
5- Scores of Language Proficiency Tests:
Applicants are also required to submit proof of their English language proficiency (or the language that they will be taught during their degree program) so now following are widely acceptable English language tests for some of the languages:
- English: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.
- Spanish: DELE
- French: DELF, DALF, etc.
- German: OSD, DSH, telc, etc.
Usually, there is only one recommendation letter that the students are asked to submit. But, in some cases, they will be asked to get two people to write a recommendation letter for them. These people can be the applicant’s teachers, professors, or employers. These are the people who oversaw the student while he/she was studying or working. This lets the scholarship committee see the student in the light of others and helps them better understand the student’s potential and intellectual capabilities.
7- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Letter of Motivation:
The SOP or motivation letter is usually a one-page academic document in which you explain the reasons for choosing the specific school, college, or University. It also explains how enrolling in a particular degree program aligns with your future goals and prospects. Be honest and state your qualities and capabilities in a reasonable tone.
8- CV or Resume for scholarship:
A resume is required even if the applicant doesn’t have any work experience to speak of. He/she can list her skills, qualifications, hobbies, voluntary experience, etc. If you know multiple languages, list them. If you have taken any language proficiency tests, list them as well. Be sure to mention your proficiency level if you haven’t taken any language tests. Any courses that you may have done should also be added to your resume.
9- Test Score Certificates:
Any aptitude tests or standardized tests that you have taken are also sent to the scholarship committee along with your scholarship form. These tests may be GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, etc. Students with high scores in such tests are likely to get a scholarship however the final decision is taken by counting in all the factors and taking into consideration the applicants’ overall profiles.
Optional Documents for Scholarships Applications in 2023:
Given below is a list of documents that are usually not required from a student, but in some cases, students have to submit those documents.
1- A Scholarship Essay (Study Plan) or Research Proposal:
In addition to the SOP, you may be required to submit an essay, talking about your personality, qualifications, research objectives, and future aims. This has to be drafted carefully, with facts, and honestly. Remember the word count and do not exceed it.
2- Your portfolio:
Students applying for an art or design degree program will be required to submit a portfolio demonstrating their work. For the purposes of a scholarship, a portfolio holds much more weight than an applicant’s CGPA as it is a more realistic deciding factor.
3- Medical Report:
A medical report or health evaluation form can also be asked for from an applicant. This would be signed by an authorized body and will be translated into the official language of the country to which you are applying. The translator should be licensed or authorized to provide translations for such purposes. Original documents will also accompany the translated versions.
Remember:
- Avoid grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos in all of your documents and the scholarship application form.
- Avoid submitting unnecessary documents that weren’t asked by the scholarship provider.
- Keep the word limit in mind and remember not to exceed it.
- Submit the scholarship form and all the documentation before the deadline and be sure not to miss it.