WHAT IS SCHOLARSHIP?
According to the Cambridge dictionary, scholarship is the amount of money given by educational institutions like schools, colleges, and universities, to pay for the academic pursuits of the students with great potential but with less financial support. In addition, some scholarships are more flexible, allowing students of all backgrounds to apply regardless of their academic capabilities or financial backing.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS
Both scholarships and grants are types of financial aid; meaning students need not have to pay back the money. Usually, grants are given based on need, and often given to young students who cannot afford the costs of their education. On the other hand, most scholarships are awarded based on academic, athletic, or/and artistic capabilities.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SCHOLARSHIPS & STUDENT LOANS
Unlike Scholarships, Student loans are a type of financial aid that has to be paid back, along with interest. It may differ from other types of loans on the interest rate aspect as it may be significantly lower. Its major benefit is, the repayment schedule may be postponed while the student is still studying.
SCHOLARSHIP DOCUMENTS?
Anyone who meets the application requirements can apply for scholarships. However, one has to choose the right type of scholarship depending on their qualification. Always keep an eye on the deadlines for applying for these scholarships. And also, check if the scholarship is open for students from national, international, or both.
The following are the basic application requirements when applying for scholarships.
1. Application or registration form.
2. Personal essay or letter of motivation.
3. Recommendation letter.
4. Acceptance letter from an academic institution.
5. Official financial statements and proof of low income.
6. Certification of extraordinary academic or athletic achievements.
HOW CAN YOU APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP?
Once you’ve finalized your choice of academic institutions, you can start applying for them by being prepared with the necessary documents.
1. Register for the scholarship by completing online application forms.
2. Regularly check the inbox of your registered email address to make sure you’ve received the confirmation mail.
3. Write a personal statement or essay. There are sufficient samples available online. Only refer to them and take inspiration to come up with your own unique experiences and ideas.
4. Get official proof of your academic, athletic, or artistic achievements. If they are in other languages, get them translated.
5. Or, obtain official proof of your low income or nationality (for region-based scholarships). Again, translate them if necessary.
6. Proofread all documents for errors and mail them to the scholarship provider.