Most common documents requested for scholarship application

Qualifying for a college or university grant is just as crucial as applying for a degree program, so proceed with caution. Scholarships are exclusively given to students who have excelled academically, so either plan ahead or be realistic about your chances.

Have you ever been overjoyed to learn about a fantastic scholarship opportunity for which you are a perfect fit, only to be stymied by the lengthy list of supporting documents you must submit? Many merit-based scholarships (those based on academic accomplishment or other abilities) cannot be regarded "done" simply by filling out the application. True, any application that is not 100 percent complete would be rejected, but what if the application process could be made more efficient?

We at izaranet.com pore through hundreds of scholarships every day, and while the requirements for each program vary widely, we want to make the application process easier for you by advising that you keep these often required documents on hand. We kindly recommend that you start by establishing a folder labeled "Scholarships Document" and begin gathering the documents listed below, which are more highly likely to be requested for a scholarship application overseas. Drop them in your folder when you locate them so they are all in one place and your next scholarship application process can be ideally less stressful.

1) Completed scholarship application form

Each scholarship provider all have their own application form to complete; we recommend double-checking and accurately filling out all components of that registration form. Never leave any blank space on it.

2) A copy of your passport or national identification card

Because most scholarship providers demand a passport during registration, possessing a passport before applying for a scholarship is preferable to merely having a national identity card. Only a copy of the main page of your passport, which contains your picture and personal information, is often required.

3) Copies of transcripts/diplomas

You will always be required to submit a transcript of records from the most recent school you attended or are presently attending (high school if you apply for a Bachelor degree or Bachelor diploma and records if you apply for a graduate Master course). The transcript of records is a photocopied document listing all of your courses, grades, and credits earned in each. Your schools or faculty's official signature and stamp should appear on this document.
*If you want to apply for an Erasmus scholarship, you should have completed two semesters of studies.

4) Proof of English language proficiency (or other additional language)

The most common language utilized as the medium of instruction for scholarship granting is English, which is a worldwide language followed by the language spoken in the chosen country. A proof of language proficiency is always required to demonstrate the candidates' linguistic abilities.

The following are a handful of them:

  • English language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge
  • Spanish language proficiency: DELE
  • French language proficiency: DELF or DALF
  • German language proficiency: DSH, TestDaF, OSD, telc

5) Statement of purpose/Letter of motivation

A "statement of purpose," which introduces us to the admission committee, is another essential document for a scholarship application. It is also known as a motivation letter because it explains our goals, ambitions, abilities, and areas of interest. This statement should be one-page long and roughly 400 words long, in which we explain why we applied to the particular degree program and how it links to our future studies and job aspirations.

It is critical to be honest in this statement/letter of motivation and not to exaggerate anything. We should also give a quick overview of our qualifications and how they relate to the degree, we have chosen.

6) Letter of recommendation (1 or 2)

A recommendation letter informs scholarship providers about our intellectual and motivational abilities in relation to a certain academic program. As a result, it must be provided in conjunction with our application form. Submit the recommendation letter in accordance with the institution's requirements. One recommendation letter is usually sufficient, but some institutes may want more, therefore we must examine the requirement for the number of letters. If necessary, a letter of recommendation from a supervisor or teacher should be submitted, as it contains information on our academic development and achievements.

7) CV (Curriculum Vitae)/Resume

A CV or resume, together with other essential documents, is required for a perfect scholarship application. It contains extensive information about our abilities and interests. Even if we do not have any professional experience at the time we apply for a scholarship, we can simply include all of our academic accomplishments, hobbies, interests, and social skills. Include all languages we know (including language certificates), but be honest about our degree of ability; include computer skills, volunteer work, and any other courses we have taken (even short courses), especially if they are related to our field of study. Make sure not to exaggerate or overstate our abilities here. Simply be consistent and concentrate on qualities that will help us stand out to scholarship providers.

8) Research proposal or study plan

Along with the application forms, most applicants must submit a research proposal for a doctoral program or a study plan essay for a Master's program.

Additional documents that may be requested

Essay

In addition to the motivation letter, you may be asked to produce an essay on a certain topic, usually linked to the scholarship. Consider what personal accomplishments you have that might qualify you for the award. What are your plans after you complete your scholarship studies? Follow the essay's outline as asked, and make sure you do not go over the word count by too much.

Portfolio

Students applying for art, design, and other related degrees are required to submit a portfolio, which should include artistic work and projects. When it comes to demonstrating abilities for an art degree, a portfolio is significantly more or equally important than the GPA score.


Parents' financial information, including tax returns

A medical report/ health evaluation form

A medical certificate is frequently requested to ensure that the applicant is in excellent health and eager to study abroad with the scholarship. Occasionally, the scholarship donor will send you a form to fill out. An authorized medical clinic/hospital from your home country should sign these documents.

Tips before sending all the required documents for a scholarship application:

  • Before sending the application form and all other documents, double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
  • Do not go above the word limit for any area of the application or any additional documents you might be asked to write.
  • Only send the documentation that has been requested.
  • Before mailing the application, it is recommended that you create a complete copy of it.
  • Keep in mind the specific date by which we must provide all of the needed documents, and make sure you do not miss it.