The need for finding scholarships you qualify for cannot be overlooked due to the financial cost of higher education in recent times. Scholarships have been a good way to alleviate such a burden on students and also make education more accessible to the less privileged in our society. Scholarships are usually financial awards granted to people on various bases, some include academic qualifications, financial needs, demographic background, special talents or skills, field of study, etc.
The benefits of winning a scholarship are numerous, in addition to covering the total cost of your education, most scholarships provide high stipends for the beneficiary. However, finding a scholarship that suits your qualifications is difficult due to the limited number of scholarships available and their competitive nature. Therefore, this article will explore how to find, scholarships that you qualify for.
Understanding scholarships
Before finding the scholarship to apply, you must understand the various scholarships available. Some of these include:
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded based on merits or qualifications. These include academic qualifications, leadership qualities, volunteering work, community engagements, specific accomplishments, etc.
2. Need-Based Scholarship
These scholarships are awarded based on the candidate’s inability to provide financial assistance. Scholarship providers ask candidates to prove their inability by providing documents.
3. Demographic-Based Scholarship
These scholarships are awarded to a specific group based on their demography. These include marginalized groups like women and people with disabilities.
4. Subject-specific Scholarship
These scholarships are awarded to people in specific fields of study, like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Business, Arts, Education, Psychology, Law, etc.
5. Local and Community Scholarship
These are awarded by businesses or organizations to people in a specific community or location.
6. Institutional Scholarship
These are awarded by schools, and big organizations to usually attract candidates with high academic potential across the world.
Strategies for finding scholarships you qualify for
Some of the strategies for finding scholarships you qualify for are discussed below.
1. Start early and be organized
The first and most important step is to start the process early. Starting early will let you gather all the necessary documents required for your application. Most scholarship requires strict deadlines which all applicants must adhere to. Gathering the necessary documents usually takes time and is very stressful. Therefore, starting early will help you craft a good application. In addition, stay organized through the application process by tracking your whole application per process and time.
2. Use scholarship search engines effectively
Utilize scholarship search engines effectively. These platforms provide access to various scholarships and help the applicant filter them based on what they want. This can save the applicant a lot of time in the application process.
3. Research on Institutional Scholarships.
Most colleges and universities offer scholarships to prospective applicants. Search on the websites of institutions that offer your subject of interest and look for scholarship opportunities they provide. Moreover, contact the admissions committee, financial assistance team, and program coordinators to make inquiries on the financial assistance their institutions provide.
4. Check for government and Cooperate Scholarship
Governments, Cooperate organizations, Non-Profit Organisations, usually provide scholarships as part of their social responsibilities. Similarly, companies also provide scholarships to people living in the area they are located within. Visit their website and search scholarships based on your qualifications, look out for their requirements, application process, deadlines and act accordingly.
5. Check with community organisations
Most organisations within communities provide support for students pursuing higher education. Check with your local authorities, and also attend community gatherings and programs to network and ask questions about scholarships available.
6. Leverage professional Associations
Most professional associations assist members seeking to pursue higher education. Seek for such associations in your field of study and enquire about requirements to join. Ask the executives of your professional associations for available scholarships and how to access them. Similarly, connect with senior professionals and receive guidance and education on how to navigate your career paths.
7. Utilize Social media and Online Networks
The essence of social media platforms in finding scholarship cannot be over-emphasized. Search for institutions, organizations, and communities that offer scholarships and follow their social media platforms on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. They usually announce new scholarship opportunities on such platforms. Once you follow them establish your presence by liking, commenting, and sharing their post. Also, build networks with people who are beneficial to your scholarship endeavor.
8. Review Eligibility Criteria
Despite other reasons, the main reason most people do not win scholarships is because they do not match the eligibility criteria. Review all the eligibility criteria for all scholarships you want to apply and ensure you are well qualified. Review things like the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) required, professional experience needed, number of recommendation letters required, research experience required, minimum field knowledge you must have, etc. Once you possess the minimum requirements craft your application.
9. Craft a good application package
Now that you know the scholarship to apply, craft a good application. Organize your application materials very well. Gather all the documents required into one folder. Write a good essay, draft a good Curricular Vitae (CV), and ask teachers and mentors how to make your application stand out.
10. Apply for multiple scholarships
Getting a scholarship is not easy and requires a lot of time and work. In addition, scholarships are very competitive, therefore, to increase your chances, apply to multiple scholarships you qualify for. Make sure you craft a good application for each scholarship you want to apply. The best way to do this is to track each application and know what must be done at each time and stage of the application process.
11. Follow up on your application
Be careful with this step since certain scholarships do not accept that from their applicants. Most scholarships will send you a message after completing the application process. Kindly track your application by checking messages regularly so that you will know the outcome of each application.
12. Show gratitude to the provider
After the results of your application are known, show gratitude to the provider no matter the outcome. Thank them for accepting and considering your application. Once you win the scholarship thank the provider and reiterate your commitment to help the provider achieve their aim.
