A scholarship is a type of funding awarded to individuals based on academic merits while others have been awarded to students who excelled in sports or extra mural activities.
Scholarships can be awarded on a once-off basis or can be awarded to students annually. To receive a scholarship on an annual basis, the recipient usually needs to meet predetermined requirements to continue receiving the funding.
Being awarded a scholarship can be extremely beneficial, as they cover most of the costs associated with your education. This includes covering your registration fees, school fees, boarding fees, cost of books, stationery costs and uniform costs.
Scholarship recipients may also be given access to support, mentorship, career coaching, and extra classes.
There are several scholarships which students can apply for. Due to the benefits associated with being awarded a scholarship, individuals try and ensure their applications are perfect in demonstrating why they are deserving of the scholarship.
Here Are Mistakes To Avoid When Applying For A Scholarship:
Not Submitting All The Required Documents
Students are often required to submit documentation or proof to demonstrate that they qualify for the scholarship. Ensure you have all the information and documentation to complete the application form. These documents would include proof of identification, report cards, recommendation letters etc.
Not Acing The Scholarship Application Essay
Many scholarships require applicants to write an essay detailing why they should be awarded the scholarship. This essay is your opportunity to highlight why you should be awarded the scholarship instead of the one hundred other applicants.
Scholarships have selection criteria, and your scholarship application essay should demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria.
Not Doing Your Research
A useful tip is to do research on the entity awarding the scholarship. Being able to relate an entity's goals to your personal goals and ambitions can be advantageous for your scholarship application.
Some scholarships may require students to participate in an interview with a panel to determine whether or not they will be awarded a scholarship.
If you are called to participate in an interview with a scholarship panel, make sure you review everything you submitted to the panel as you may be asked to elaborate. You may also be quizzed about the entity providing the scholarship.
Missing The Application Deadline
When applying for a scholarship, take note of the deadline by which your applications must be submitted. Missing an application deadline could result in your losing out on the scholarship, even if your application covered all the bases and would have resulted in you being awarded the scholarship.
There are several funding opportunities available to students in South Africa. Information on these opportunities including bursaries, scholarships and student loans can be found on the Bursaries Portal.
