How do I Apply for a Scholarship?

The competition for scholarships and grants to study in the UK is very strong. Most grant-making organisations will insist that you meet some very strict requirements. If you do not meet all the requirements for a grant, then your application will not be considered.

When you apply for a grant remember:

• You must apply for your grant at least one year before your course starts. Deadlines vary, so you must check that you know what the deadline is before applying.
  
• Your application should be clear and concise. You should use the grant-making body's application form if it has one.
  
• The majority of the grant-making bodies will only give small amounts of money, which will not cover the full cost of a course.

First find out whether the organisation you are approaching has an official application form. If it does, send off for one, requesting also a copy of the guidelines for applicants. Make sure you answer all the questions that are asked.

If the organisation you are approaching does not have an application form, send them:

• a brief Curriculum Vitae
  
• a covering letter, giving full details of the course you intend to study (i.e. where you intend to undertake the course, whether you have received an offer of a place, etc.), how much money you require and what for and details of whom you have already approached and with what result
  
• references from a college tutor or other independent person

Bearing in mind that you are competing with a huge number of other people for limited resources, try to ensure that your application:

• meets ALL the selection criteria
  
• is strong, concise and clearly argued
  
• is well presented
  
• meets the appropriate deadlines

Many organisations take a long time to process applications, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of the period of intended study (about a year ahead if possible). Make sure you know whether or not the grant covers support for your family or dependants if it is intended that they will join you.

Remember that the costs of maintenance -rent, heat, light, food, clothing, travel- will be very high and separate from tuition costs. UK Government grants are not available to overseas students for this purpose.

If you do a lot of careful research to find out which are the appropriate organisations, study the organisation's guidelines carefully to ensure you are eligible and present a strong case, your application may not always be in vain.

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