THE RIGHT WAY OF FINDING A SCHOLARSHIP TO STUDY ABROAD

University staff will look for inquiries which are not just-scholarship driven. They receive a lot of these from students are missing the other criteria which they’ll need to study abroad. Plus it’s hard to form an attachment to or paint a picture of a student who is just asking about scholarships. These sorts of enquiries lack the personality which will make an admissions staff member sit up, take notice and want to help you. You should also ensure your enquiry isn’t too broad; be specific (e.g. ask about specific courses or scholarships to show you’ve done some research). Take this opportunity to ask any other questions you have too to show that you’re researching studying abroad thoroughly. This can be something big or something small which you were wondering (for example you might ask about accommodation options or about a specific course).

Be careful with the tone and language of your enquiry. You should avoid sounding like you’re demanding anything or that you expect anything from the university – this will sound rude and hostile, and these are not the characteristics which you want to associate yourself with. It’s understandable that the difference in languages can result in some tone being lost or something being misconstrued, so be extra careful. Some applicants in the past have requested that the university send them information or even call them personally. This is simply not possible for a busy admissions office with so many enquiries passing through each day; if they want to get in touch with you, they will and you’ll have the opportunity to provide your contact details if they can get in touch with you. Plus it also gives off the impression that you’re lazy and not prepared to do the necessary work yourself if you demand that they do the work for you or ask a broad question.

Universities also receive many long, long messages where students talk about their hardships and struggles as if this will convince them to award a scholarship on this alone. As unfortunate as these circumstances might be, universities only have so much budgeted for financial awards each year. Don’t think that you’re original with your story either – it’s likely a university staff member has heard every kind of story. Plus many students sadly try to scam universities with such tall tales so universities are more cautious about such messages.

Universities do offer scholarships to those from underprivileged backgrounds around the world, but they have processes in place to apply for these and can only provide so many opportunities each year. Remember, they have no obligation to offer you anything – it’s important you understand this and go about your scholarship search in a logical, practical manner.

Without making your enquiry or message too much longer than it needs to be, it’s useful to mention anything which demonstrates that you’re a serious applicant (as opposed to someone messaging on the off-chance of getting a scholarship with no previous research or serious thought). Mention briefly your highest academic qualifications (not every academic qualification you’ve ever had), your English language test scores and any other impressive academic awards you’ve received. This can all show that you’re a legitimate applicant.

Even though your enquiry may be a short message, you should make sure that your English is of a high standard. Poor spelling, grammar or punctuation will put off an admissions officer. Also the tone should be polite and formal, avoiding slang. This is the first contact you’ll be making with an institution so you need to make a good first impression to ensure the chain of communication continues from their side. Being able to speak, write and understand English to a high standard is an important requirement of studying at an institution overseas – there’s no getting around it!