Writing a Scholarship Application Cover Letter

Are you applying for a scholarship and wondering how to write a cover letter?

A cover letter can really make a difference as you apply for competitive scholarship funds. It improves your chance of convincing a scholarship committee/evaluation board that you’re the best candidate to receive their financial assistance.

Governments and universities around the world value high-performing students and they try to make sure that they attract them to undertake study in their country.

What is a cover letter for a scholarship application?

A cover letter for a scholarship application is a document that could make or break your need for financial aid.

It can be considered as an introduction about you to the admission committee. It’s meant to provide extra context around your application as regards your strengths, unique experience, past academic and professional achievements, motivation, passion, and goals.

Just saying, it’s the space where you express why you’re a good fit for this scholarship and what makes you stand out from other applicants.

To convince the admission committee, students can touch on their future research or work plans and explain how it supports the values and objectives of the organization.

How to write a cover letter for a scholarship?

Writing a cover letter for a scholarship is easy when you understand the required structure and format. If the application form doesn’t require any specific guidelines or writing prompts, go with a “classic” structure of a cover letter as follows:

1. Start with an interesting introduction that states your name, why you’re writing the letter, and the specifics of the scholarship application.
2. Sum up your main ideas into 2 to 3 well-structured paragraphs. Every paragraph should have one main idea. Keep it brief as it shouldn’t be lengthy.
3. Be personal as this is the only way the committee can get to know you outside of the application. Also, this is your chance to stand out from those who may have the same educational background as yours. Try not to be too emotional, though.
4. Use formal language and ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical mistakes.
5. Be sincere and use a tone that conveys gratefulness for their support.
6. Conclude with a “thank you note” to the reader for their time and consideration and suggest a follow-up action if they have any other questions.
7. Read your letter out loud and edit if needed.
8. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or teacher to review your letter with a fresh eye.

How long should a scholarship cover letter be?

A good cover letter for a scholarship application should be no longer than one page.

Remember that admission officers have too many cover letters to read, and they won’t be able to dwell on your letter for a long time.

How to end a cover letter for a scholarship?

After demonstrating your story, skills, and experience, try to leave the reader on an upbeat note through:

• Ending on a positive note.
• Sealing the deal with a call to action. Try to invite the committee to contact you and show that you are enthusiastic about their support like “I would welcome a meeting to discuss my application in more detail and hope for your assistance in this matter”.
• Using a thankful tone at the end to show the committee you are worthy of their investment like “Best regards”, “Sincerely” or even “Thank you for considering me for your scholarship”.

Always stay motivated regardless of how many cover letters you have been writing. Try to remain inspired during the process.