If you plan to study abroad, you are doing the right thing. Earning a degree in a new country helps you experience a different culture and even change the way you view the world at large. But the truth remains that studying abroad is not cheap. You need money, and lots of it, to make it work. However, through scholarships, you can reduce ff financial burden and fulfill your educational dreams with minimum stress. Scholarships have always been a lifesaver for many international students.
However, with scholarships come lots of paperwork. You will be required to provide several documents before you are allowed to step into the new country. Does it look stressful already? Don’t worry, for we’ve compiled a full list of the 20 most common documents you might be asked to submit before to get a scholarship.
Don’t forget that our list may not include everything, yet we have listed 20 of the documents that are common with scholarships abroad based on our experience and research. Always find time to check if you are required to present extra documents, depending on the kind of scholarship you are pursuing.
20 Essential Documents for Scholarships Abroad
Now here are 20 important documents you must keep close when pursuing a scholarship:
Scholarship Application Form
Your application form is one of the first and foremost documents for any scholarship. Ensure that you fill it out carefully without mistakes. All the details must be accurate to avoid embarrassment or rejection. Don’t forget to pay attention to deadlines and any additional information required on the application by the institution you are applying to.
Official Academic Transcripts
Your transcripts are official documents that contain your academic performance, together with courses you took and the grades you earned. Ask for your academic transcripts from your previous school or university. Make sure you do it early enough as some institutions need time to process your transcripts. Collection of transcripts may come with some costs. So make sure you are financially ready to make the request.
Standardized Test Scores
Although not all will require this, some scholarships will request your standardized test scores such as the SAT, ACT, GMAT, or GRE. If it is applicable to your case, make sure you register for the exams early and write them on time. Remember you may be required to submit this document together with your application. Ensure that your SAT, ACT or GMAT scores are ready before the application deadline.
International Passport
Your passport is your ticket to leave your home country for another country. Without it, you will not be allowed to study abroad. So, keep your passport close. If you don’t have it yet, apply for it. If your passport is expiring soon, apply for renewal to avoid the stress that comes with issues like this.
Proof of Financial Support
Your proof of financial support is a document that indicates that you are financially prepared to live in the new country. This document shows that things like living expenses not covered by the scholarship will be taken care of by you. You may also be expected to present documents like bank statements, scholarship award letters, or sponsor letters. So keep your eyes open for additional documents like these.
Letter of Acceptance
Some scholarships may require proof of acceptance or acceptance letter from your university abroad. If you don’t have it in hand, request it from your university immediately after you’ve been admitted.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
This is where you have the opportunity to show who you are and what you are made of. Make sure you utilize this chance to shine like the stars. SOP is an essay where you state your academic goals, why you need that scholarship, and how studying abroad will help you achieve your dreams. While preparing this document, give it the best you have.
Letters of Recommendation
You will need good recommendation letters from your professors, advisors, or employers to back up your application. Pick recommenders who can write well and sufficiently speak on your academic abilities, work ethic, and other relevant things about you.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
This is a document that lists your academic background, work experience, skills, and achievements. Prepare your CV/resume to highlight skills and experiences relevant to the scholarship.
Proof of Language Proficiency
Many scholarships require that you present proof of English language proficiency. The accepted proof of language proficiency are TOEFL and IELTS. Pay attention to the minimum marks you are expected to have in the tests.
Research Proposal
Some scholarships are research-based programs that might require you to write a research proposal. A research proposal is a written or typed document that outlines your proposed research topic, methodology, and the outcomes expected.
Awards and Recognition
You may have received academic awards, scholarships, or recognition for extracurricular activities. Create a document to highlight these achievements during application. But first check if it is part of the requirements or it can give you an edge over other applicants.
Letters of Motivation
Some scholarships might ask you to write a separate letter of motivation. This document explains your motivations for choosing to study abroad.
Essay on a Specific Topic
You may be given several topics to choose from and write an essay on them. If the scholarship requires an essay on a specific theme or topic, take time to give it your best. It might help you stand a better chance to receive the scholarship.
Portfolio (if applicable)
If you are pursuing scholarships in fields like art, design, or creative writing, you may be asked for a portfolio showcasing your work. This can be a powerful asset for you success.
Letters of Recommendation in Host Language
If your program is in a non-English speaking country, some scholarships might request recommendation letters written in the host language.
Proof of Health Insurance
Many programs need proof of health insurance coverage throughout your studies abroad. Make sure to provide an up-to-date medical history.
Vaccination Records
Many foreign countries take health matters seriously. Make sure that your vaccinations are up-to-date for the country you are going to for study. Complete the required vaccinations and don’t skip anyone.
Additional Information
Some scholarships might request extra documents depending on their program or selection criteria. Always carefully read the scholarship website to understand what might be needed.
Translated Documents
If your documents are not in English, you might be requested to translate them in English. Use a professional translator or website. Don’t do a shabby job as your scholarship success depends on it.
Essential Tips for Scholarship Success
Having the right documents is the first step to getting a scholarship. However, you need to do more than that to successfully get a scholarship. Here are some essential tips to strengthen your application and increase your chances of getting that scholarship overseas:
Digital Copies
While physical copies are required in some instances, you need to have digital copies of all your documents. They should be readily available in case the institution or embassy requests them.
Start Early
Apply for all the necessary documents and gather them early enough. Obtaining your transcripts, recommendation letters, and translations can take some time. So start early to make them available.
Organize Well
Try as much as possible to keep all documents neatly organized, either physically or digitally, for easy access.
Do Diligent Research
Don’t apply to any scholarships blindly. Do your own research on scholarships from universities, governments, private organizations, and foundations. This will help to understand if they aligns with your field of study and financial capacity.
Meet Scholarship Deadlines
Deadlines are important in scholarship applications. If you miss deadlines, you are automatically disqualified.
Make Your Application Unique
Writing applications exactly as you see them online won’t help you stand out. Read the scholarship descriptions carefully and craft your essays, statements, and CV/resume to highlight how you meet the specific criteria and scholarship goals.
Craft a Compelling SOP
The Statement of Purpose gives you a chance to tell your story and state your academic goals clearly and convincingly. Use this chance to show why you’re a perfect fit for the scholarship and how the scholarship will help you make your dreams come true.
Get Strong Recommendations
Choose recommenders who know you best and can say much about your academic abilities, potential, and qualifications for the scholarship. Make sure to give them relevant information about the scholarship beforehand to guide their letters.
List Your Achievements
Don’t hide your accomplishments unless they didn’t ask for them. List out your awards, scholarships, extracurricular activities, research projects or anything that shows how talented, dedicated, and well-rounded you are for the current scholarship.
Proofread and Edit Thoroughly
Typos and grammatical errors can make you lose a scholarship. If you don’t want that to happen, take time to proofread your application materials thoroughly or have someone else do it for you.
Ask Questions and Seek Guidance
If you’re in doubt, don’t be afraid to call the scholarship providers, advisors, or past scholarship recipients for guidance. There’s always a contact phone number on the scholarship website. Use it when you need more clarification.
Conclusion
Finding and applying for scholarships is a long and competitive process. Don’t let it discourage you, especially if you don’t succeed at your first application. Keep applying, working on your application materials, and learning from each experience. With dedication and complete documents, you will get a scholarship and begin the journey you’ve been dreaming about.
Good luck!