See how to write a scholarship application letter for yourself, for a student or for a friend. Whether you have gotten a local or international scholarship opportunity to further your education, you must provide a scholarship application letter to the scholarship provider(s) to earn their trust on why you deserve the support and funding for your schooling.
In most cases, a well-written scholarship application letter is the first and most important thing you need to secure a scholarship opportunity, as there are so many other students like yourself who may still be battling for a spot. Hence, it is advised that as a student, you should learn the right way to excellently write a scholarship application letter.
That being said, we will dish out the basic information and everything in between to help you write the best application letter to win the hearts of scholarship providers you come across. So, without wasting much of your time, let’s dive in, shall we?
A scholarship application is a document that students in search of funding usually send to scholarship providers, which may either be individuals, organizations, or institutions, to further their academics either locally or internationally.
It usually includes why the student or applicant is applying for the scholarship, the impacts the funding can have on their academic pursuit, etc.
However, while scholarships may have different requirements, applicants can use a similar format to write brilliant application letters clearly defining their personal information, skills, and expertise and share reasonable thoughts on why they deserve the scholarship.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a scholarship application letter:
Before you start writing, research the scholarship you’re applying for. Understand its criteria, goals, and values. This will help you tailor your letter to match the scholarship committee’s interest.
Use a formal business letter format. Include your name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and email address at the top. Then, add the date and the recipient’s name, title, organization, address, city, state, and zip code.
Begin with a formal salutation, addressing the recipient by title and name. For example, “Dear Mr. Smith” or “To the Scholarship Committee.”
In the opening paragraph, introduce yourself and mention the scholarship you’re applying for. Briefly state your educational background and your passion for the field of study.
Divide the body of the letter into two or three paragraphs. In each paragraph, address different points:
Share any relevant experiences such as volunteer work, internships, or research projects that align with the scholarship’s values.
Provide concrete examples and anecdotes to support your claims. Show, don’t just tell the committee why you’re a strong candidate.
Explain how the scholarship will contribute to your educational and career plans. Be specific about the programs, courses, or opportunities you intend to pursue.
Summarize your key points and express gratitude for the opportunity to apply. Reiterate your interest in the scholarship and your willingness to provide any additional information if needed.
Use a formal closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name. Sign your name above your typed name if submitting a printed letter.
Proofread the letter carefully for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. You might consider having someone else review it as well.
Follow the scholarship application instructions for submission. If submitting online, attach the letter in the required format.
Here is a guide template you can carefully construct later for your use:
“[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Scholarship Committee’s Name]
[Name of Scholarship Program]
[Scholarship Organization/Institution]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Scholarship Committee’s Name],
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the [Name of Scholarship Program] offered by [Scholarship Organization/Institution]. As an aspiring [your field of study or career goal], I am excited about the opportunity to further my education and contribute to my community. I am highly motivated and dedicated to achieving my academic and professional goals.
I am currently [briefly mention your current educational status, e.g., a high school senior or a college freshman] at [Your Current School/College], where I have consistently maintained a [GPA/grade range] in [mention your major/minor if applicable]. My academic achievements reflect my strong work ethic and determination to excel in my studies.
In addition to my academic achievements, I am actively involved in [mention any relevant extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or community service]. These experiences have shaped my passion for [related interests] and have taught me the value of [relevant skills or qualities].
I am applying for the [Name of Scholarship] because [mention why this scholarship is important to you, how it aligns with your goals, and how it would impact your education]. The financial assistance provided by this scholarship would greatly alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education and allow me to focus more on my studies and personal growth.
Enclosed with this letter are my [required documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.]. I am grateful for your consideration of my application and would be honored to be selected as a recipient of the [Name of Scholarship]. Thank you for providing students like me with the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
Please feel free to contact me at [your email address] or [your phone number] if you require any additional information or clarification. Once again, I express my sincere gratitude for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Enclosure: [List of enclosed documents]
Here is an example of a scholarship application letter you can evaluate and redesign for your use:
John Doe
123 Elm Street
Springfield, IL 12345
JohnDoe214@email.com
(555) 123-4567
August 29, 2023
Ms. Emily Johnson
Smithson Scholarship Program
Harmony University
456 Oak Avenue
Harmony, CA 67890
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Smithson Scholarship Program offered by Harmony University. As an aspiring environmental scientist, I am excited about the opportunity to further my education and contribute to my community. I am highly motivated and dedicated to achieving my academic and professional goals.
I am currently a high school senior at Springfield High School, where I have consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA. My academic achievements reflect my strong work ethic and determination to excel in my studies.
In addition to my academic achievements, I am actively involved in the school’s Science Club and serve as the president. I have also volunteered at the local nature reserve, where I conducted environmental research and organized community clean-up events. These experiences have shaped my passion for environmental conservation and have taught me the value of teamwork and leadership.
I am applying for the Smithson Scholarship Program because it aligns perfectly with my career goals and aspirations to make a positive impact on the environment. The financial assistance provided by this scholarship would greatly alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education and allow me to focus more on my studies and personal growth.
Enclosed with this letter are my transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a copy of my research project. I am grateful for your consideration of my application and would be honored to be selected as a recipient of the Smithson Scholarship. Thank you for providing students like me with the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
Please feel free to contact me at JohnDoe214@email.com or (555) 123-4567 if you require any additional information or clarification. Once again, I express my sincere gratitude for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
John Doe
Enclosure: Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation, Research Project
Check out more examples here
N/B: Remember that you can always twerk your application letter to what best suits you or meets the scholarship requirements.
In summary, writing a scholarship application letter is not much of a big deal. What is expected of you is that you provide relevant information centered around your academics, focus, goals, achievements, and suitability for the scholarship.
Your application letter should be tailored to the scholarship criteria, emphasizing how you stand out and why you deserve the opportunity. Finally, ensure to finish up with a sincere closing expressing appreciation for consideration.
