Are you thinking of pursuing education in the UK but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. Year on year, tens of thousands of students worldwide aim at having their higher education in the British universities.
But let’s be real, education in the UK neither comes cheap. That is where scholarships come into play a very busy role in helping deserving students to fulfill their part of the bargain of going to school. Those are the tickets made of gold: just like in Willy Wonka’s factory, these opportunities can help you make your dreams come true and study in the best universities at an affordable price.
However, the question that may likely be coming to your mind is; how does one win this prestigious award? Yes, it is possible but as the saying goes, nothing in life is easy, it’s all a matter of degree of difficulty.
Thus, in this guide, we are going to explain what it means to qualify for scholarships in the USA and how to do that. Well then, sit back and take a cup of tea or cookies (yes, sadly you will need to start drinking tea in the UK).
How to Qualify for Scholarships in the United Kingdom
Here, I shall provide a step by step guide on how you can get scholarships in the United Kingdom:
Know What’s Out There
Before you can even think of applying for any of them the first thing that you must determine is the various scholarships that are available. The UK is one of the many countries that can provide students with a great variety of opportunities. Some big ones include:
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
But don’t stop there. Some of the universities also have their own Scholarship programs as well. The major scholarships include the following. – Sit down for a day or two and make a list of all the scholarships which would suit your circumstances.
Check if You’re Eligible
Of course, every scholarship has its own rules or guidelines that need to be followed once a student is awarded the scholarship. Some are given for particular countries, and others are presented for particular subjects. Some will look at your grades; however, others will also consider features such as:
- The level of your English language proficiency
- Your work experience
- Your future plans
Pay attention to the details. It would be useless joining for something which does not even meet the requirements for one to join.
Get Your Grades Up
Let’s not beat around the bush – grades are important a lot. When it comes to scholarships in the United Kingdom, most of them would like to see high grades. This is also the right time for those who are still in school to concentrate and plan on how to pass your exams. If you have ever been in college and you graduated, then perhaps retaking some of the examinations that you sat for could mean a higher score.
Polish Your English
The majority of the scholarships in the United Kingdom will require you to demonstrate the proficiency of English. Most often, it involves passing an IELTS or TOEFL exam or any other similar test that checks the level of foreign language proficiency. Start practicing early. You must read English books, watch English TV programs, and talk with friends, classmates or colleagues who are fluent speakers of the language. Every little bit helps.
Build Your CV
What people often do not know about scholarships is that they are not only a measure of performance, of one’s capacities, or of one’s aptitudes. Employers expect competent candidates who will not just waste their opportunity but instead be well-rounded individuals on the job. Get involved in:
- Volunteer work
- Sports teams
- Student clubs
- Part-time jobs
These experiences demonstrate leadership, working in a team, determination, and passiveness – all things which are attractive to the scholarship committees.
Writing a Perfect Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your opportunity to stand out. Tell your story. It is also important for you to justify why U. K as a country should be the destination of your study. What are your goals? How are you going to utilise this scholarship in an effort to achieve the following key goals:
Be honest and passionate. Do not be vague and do not use the kinds of expressions that are used by everyone else. They should be specific especially where the author is making allegations that are supported by tangible evidence. And please, please do not miss spelling it right to perfection or incorrect in any way possible.
Get Great References
Letters of recommendation are usually requested when applying for most scholarships. Choose your referees wisely. Choose other people who can provide great references, such as teachers or bosses who understand you well. Let him or her use a lot of time writing the letter and perhaps, you may wish to jog their memory of your accomplishments.
Apply Early (and Often)
Do not rush at the time applying for the scholarship because you would be advised to apply early. It is crucial to know that many scholarships require applications to be submitted well before the beginning of the academic year, and some may even be limited to a first-come, first-served basis.
Moreover, it is recommended to apply early enough so that you can correct any error seen or combine other documents in case they are required.
And please remember that you may apply for a number of scholarships as you wish. In fact, you should. It is simply a matter of applying for as many vacancies as possible; the theory being that the more applications one sends in, the better the chances of securing an interview.
Prepare for Interviews
Well done or congrats if you manage to secure an interview. Yes, but don’t stop there; do not ge used to that comfort. You should gather as much information as possible about the scholarship and the person who is going to interview you. Try out the commonly asked questions with a friend. And on the day, be yourself. They want to see the true aspect of the human being, not a dummy who has practiced for hours before the examination.
Don’t Give Up
Listen, let me tell you the truth – no beating around the bush here. Scholarship is not a joke at all since the process of getting it is extremely demanding. You might face rejection. But never mind, it is better to fail in an important project than to succeed in some sweaty work. It’s important to note that the purpose of application was to learn from the experience, refine it and strive again. For your information, most people today who are famous in their various fields today had to struggle before they made it.
Education in the United Kingdom is an exciting experience. As the saying goes, ‘hard work pays,’ and if added to perseverance and a dash of fortune, then the dream of being among the winners of scholarships is not very far from being achieved.
So do not wait any further, get yourself going by taking the first step. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.https://scholarships.recruitday.com.ng/hotels-in-canada-for-foreigners/
