application letter scholarship experience

• 12 Scholarship Application Letter Samples (PDF, DOC)

Published: 03 May 2024 Scholarship Application 7,772 views

A scholarship application letter is a formal letter written by a student to an organization that provides financial assistance to support a student's education. Scholarships are available to students of all levels of education, from high school to postgraduate level.

If you're a student, applying for scholarships is one of the best ways to fund your education and a well written scholarship application letter is required to help you get one.

In a scholarship application letter, you will be expected to provide useful information about your accomplishments as a student and why you think you're a deserving candidate.

Before you start drafting your scholarship letter, review the requirements for the scholarship. This will help you have a better understanding of the ideal candidate the scholarship committee requires. You'll also know the credentials and information to include in your letter.

In this guide, we will discuss how to write a good scholarship application letter, a good application letter format and also provide 12 scholarship letter templates for you to download in pdf format.

What is a Scholarship Application Letter?

A Scholarship Application Letter is a formal letter a student writes to a scholarship committee to persuade them to be considered for a scholarship opportunity.

In a scholarship application letter, students are required to highlight their academic achievements as well as relevant skills and experiences that may not be outlined in their resume.

How to Write a Scholarship Application Letter?

Writing a scholarship application letter requires thorough understanding of the steps to write a good application. 

If you want to learn how to write the best scholarship application letter that will guarantee a positive response from the scholarship review community, follow the steps below;

Always start your scholarship application letter with a professional salutation.

Keep your letter short, a good scholarship letter typically ranging from 300 to 500 words. 

Ensure you give a clear reason for applying for the scholarship.

Always introduce yourself properly

Write about your relevant academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities, and any skills you may have.

Explain why you need the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your academic and career goals.

Write about your long term goals and close your letter with a strong conclusion summarizing key points in the letter.

Proofread your letter before submitting. You can give your letter to a friend to proofread for you- good scholarship application letters do not have typos or grammatical errors.

Always thank the scholarship committee for taking their time to read your letter and consider you for the scholarship.

Follow the correct scholarship letter format 

Application for Scholarship Format

To write a good scholarship application letter, you have to be familiar with its structure.

Following the right scholarship format will help you compose your letter in a better way. A scholarship application letter has six major components which includes; the header, the salutation, introduction, the body, the conclusion and the closing. 

The body of the letter contains the most important details required by the scholarship committee and it is usually divided into 2 or 3 paragraphs.

Here, we'll discuss the different components of a scholarship application letter. Keep reading to find out more.

Header: The header is the first part of a scholarship application letter located at the top of the letter.  It should include your complete contact information such as your name, address, phone number, and email address.

You can also include the title of the letter typed in a bold font.

Salutation: Next is a professional salutation to begin the scholarship application letter. Examples of salutations you may use include; "Dear Scholarship Committee" “Respected Sir/Ma” or "To Whom It May Concern."

Introduction: After the salutation is the introductory paragraph. This is the official first paragraph of the letter where the scholarship applicant is expected to briefly introduce themselves and state the purpose of the letter.

The introduction can be written in three to five concise sentences. 

An important tip to keep in mind when writing your introduction is to keep things as straight to the point as possible.

Body: the body of a scholarship application letter is where the main content lies. In the body of the letter, you'll provide details about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant experiences that will convince the scholarship committee to grant you the scholarship.

As we discussed earlier, the body of a scholarship application letter can be divided into 3 paragraphs. Let's discuss each of the paragraphs.

First Paragraph: in the first paragraph, write about your academic achievement and record. You can outline all the degrees you have gotten and their grades, you can also highlight your future plans for your academics.

Second Paragraph:   The second paragraph details your work experience and extracurricular activities that may be relevant to the scholarship.

Third Paragraph:   In the third paragraph, you can go a little further to explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic goals and why you deserve the scholarship.

Conclusion:  The conclusion should be a strong statement summarising why you are a good fit for the scholarship. It should highlight key points you have made in the previous paragraphs and should fit into 2 or 3 sentences.

Lastly, thank the scholarship committee for their time and consideration in one sentence.

Closing:   Always end your Scholarship Application Letter with a simple closing remark, like "Yours Sincerely" or "Kind Regards.” 

It is important to keep your closing as professional as possible. The scholarship application letter is a formal letter so you want to avoid using any form of informal or casual remark or language.

Scholarship Application Letter Writing Format

A good scholarship application letter is required to follow a simple letter format that is easy to read and understand by the scholarship provider. 

Here, we'll share a simple format for your scholarship application letter.

Always use a professional font like Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial

Use a font size between 10 and 12 points.

Your margins should be 1 inch on all sides, this makes your work easy to read.

Use single-spacing within paragraphs and double-spacing between paragraphs.

Avoid using a casual or informal tone in your Scholarship Application Letter.Also avoid the use of slangs or cliche words.

The scholarship application letter should have a formal tone.

Always include your name and contact information at the top of the scholarship application letter and introduce yourself in the first paragraph 

Ensure you address the letter to the appropriate person or committee. Of you do not know who to address it to, use a generic term like ‘ Dear Sir/Ma’ or ‘Dear Scholarship Committee’ 

Scholarship Letter Template 

Here are 12 scholarship letter template for you.

Application for Fellowship Sample Letter 

Fellowship Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Government Scholarship 

Government Scholarship Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Grant Scholarship 

Grant Scholarship Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Masters Scholarship 

Masters scholarship sample letter for download, application letter for nursing scholarship , nursing scholarship sample letter for download, application letter for phd scholarship .

PhD Scholarship Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Undergraduate Scholarship 

Undergraduate Scholarship Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Scholarship Grant 

Scholarship Grant Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Scholarship to Mayor

Scholarship to Mayor Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Scholarship in University 

Scholarship in University Sample Letter for download

Application Letter for Scholarship for Poor Students

Scholarship for Poor Students Sample Letter for download

Application for Scholarship to Principal

Scholarship to Principal Sample Letter for download

Application for Merit Scholarship Sample

Merit Scholarship Sample Letter for download

Do’s and Don'ts your Scholarship Application Letter

Here are some do's and don'ts to guide you as you draft your scholarship application letter.

Do not use the same application letter for every scholarship application 

Do not paraphrase your CV

Do not quote others in your letter

Do not write about your flaws or deficiencies

Do not use slangs or informal language 

Do not wait until last minute to submit your application letter 

Do keep a positive tone

Do be concise 

Do be honest

Do avoid typos or grammatical blunders 

Do proofread

Do proper research before drafting your letter

Do highlight your accomplishments 

With these scholarship application letter templates, you stand a chance at getting that scholarship you've always wanted. Download a template today and edit it the way you like.

Latest Scholarship Tips

• Best Universities for Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria 2024
• IT Schools In Lagos
• 20 Best Courses to Study in Nigeria 2024
• Federal Government student loan qualification, application and repayment
• How to Print JAMB Examination Slip 2024
• List Of NYSC Orientation Camps In Nigeria
• List Of Bauchi State Scholarship Accredited Centers And Their Locations 2024
• Canada Work Permit Visa Fees in Nigeria 2024
• Moniepoint Account Opening – How to Open Moniepoint Account
• How much is Canada Visa Fee in Nigeria 2024

Top Scholarships

• Ruth Titilayo Foundation 2025 Undergraduate Scholarship for Nigerian Students
• Egbe Omo Yoruba 2024-2025 Empowering Nigerian Students for Success Scholarship
• WAAW Foundation 2024 Undergraduate Scholarship For African Female Students
• Rotary/DEWEF 2024-2025 Scholarship For Nigerian Undergraduate Students
• Lusail University Qatar 2025 Scholarships for Undergraduates Students
• Mohamed Bin Zayed University 2025 Fully Funded Scholarship For International Students
• DAAD 2024-2025 Fully Funded AgEcon Scholarships For Developing Countries
• Maastricht University 2025 Global Studies Scholarship for Undergraduate Students
• Tulane University 2025 Sub-Saharan Africa Leadership Awards (Full Tuition-Fee)
• Applications for the 2024-2025 MIT Emerging Talent Certificate in Computer and Data Science Program

Scholarship Tips

• Scholarships by Category
• Postgraduate
• Undergraduate
• College School
• Research Grant
• Entrepreneurs
• Graduate Programme
• Scholarships by Country
• United Kingdom
• United States
• South Africa
• Switzerland

Special Fundings

• Women Scholarships
• Study Abroad
• Partially Funded
• Fully Funded
• Innovation Network
• Innovation Exchange
• Innovation Awards
• Innovation Fellowships
• Innovation Funding
• Innovation Challenge
• Innovation Programme
• Government grants
• Scholarships by School
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Cambridge
• University of Ghana
• University of Pretoria
• Oxford University
• Harvard University
• University of Oxford
• University of Toronto
• University of London
• University of Cape Town
• Scholarships by Sponsor
• Mastercard Foundation
• German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• United Nations
• MTN Foundation
• African Union
• Access Bank PLC
• The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Scholarship Categories

• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Masters Scholarships
• Postgraduate Scholarships
• PhD Scholarships
• Study Abrod Scholarships
• NGO Scholarships
• JAMB CBT Centers

Scholarships By

• Scholarships by Course
• Scholarships by State
• Scholarships Gender

Other Locations

• Study Abroad Scholarships
• Scholarships for African Students
• Scholarships in UK
• Scholarships in Canada
• Study Abroad Community

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how to write the best scholarship application letter.

Applying for scholarships seems overwhelming, especially when it comes to writing application letters. Can anyone give tips or share examples of what makes a scholarship application letter stand out?

Writing a compelling scholarship application letter can indeed feel like a daunting task. However, by following strategic steps, you can make your letter engaging and persuasive to the scholarship committee. Here's how:

1. Write a compelling introduction: Start your letter by introducing yourself and stating which scholarship you're applying for. It's essential to grab the reader's attention right away.

2. Connect your goals to the scholarship: After the introduction, talk about your academic and career goals, making sure to connect these goals to the scholarship. For example, if you're applying for a scholarship for art students, discuss your plans to pursue a career in the arts and how the scholarship will support these goals.

3. Discuss your achievements: This is where you highlight your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Be sure to connect these achievements to the qualities the scholarship committee is looking for, which usually includes leadership, community involvement, and academic capability.

4. Show your need: Be honest about your financial need without sounding desperate. Make the reader understand that the scholarship will help you achieve your potential and make a meaningful contribution to the community.

5. Express gratitude: Always close your letter by thanking the committee for considering your application, and for investing in students' futures.

One example of a standout application letter could be:

"Dear [Scholarship Committee],

I am a high school senior planning to major in English literature at University X. Over the course of my high school experience, I have developed a deep passion for storytelling and its power to frame our understanding of the world. The ABC Scholarship would help me move forward to pursue this interest at the collegiate level and shape the narratives of tomorrow.

At my high school, I have spearheaded a student-run book club and served as a peer tutor for English. These activities not only helped me fall in love with literature, but also allowed me to hone leadership qualities and foster a community of enthusiastic readers.

My family comes from a low-income background, and although we've been diligent in saving for my education, the tuition fees will undoubtedly present a substantial burden. Securing the ABC Scholarship would help ease this stress and enable me to focus on my academic pursuits without the strain of financial worry.

Thank you for considering my application and for your work to support students like myself. I'm excited about the possibility of furthering my passion for literature with your help.

[Your Name]"

Remember to personalize each application letter and make sure it aligns with the vision and values of the scholarship provider. Finally, check your application for any grammatical errors or typos – attention to detail matters!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

• Applying For Scholarships

How to Write a Scholarship Motivation Letter in 2023

Jennifer Finetti Sep 26, 2022

Get our best scholarship practices, insights & tips delivered to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

A scholarship motivation letter can make or break your application. This is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge before an in-person interview. Motivation letters are not required for every application. Yet when they are necessary, they are critical. In this guide, we will provide tips for writing a scholarship motivation letter.

What is a scholarship motivation letter?

A motivation letter is like a cover letter you may include with a job application and resume. The goal of the letter is to explain:

• Why you are a good candidate for the scholarship
• What you plan to do with the education you receive.

Review committees often use motivation letters to narrow down their pool of applicants. Then they assess the rest of the application from the candidates they like best.

Motivation letters are usually required for graduate-level scholarships. Sometimes, you may need to write one for specialty programs at a bachelor’s level too. If you have the option to include a motivation letter with your scholarship application, take it. This may be the only chance you have to wow the review committee.

The fastest path to earning scholarships

Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships.

Motivation letter for scholarship applications – general guidelines

Usually, the application will not specify how long your motivation letter should be. You will need to use your best judgment to write a concise motivation letter. The letter should include:

• The most important elements of your resume
• Your education
• Your professional experiences and plans for the future.

Motivation letters are usually around 500-1,000 words. Split them into paragraphs for easy reading.

Tailor your motivation letter to fit the sholarship

Your motivation letter should link your future plans with the goals of the scholarship . How will you benefit from continued education in this field? How will you use this knowledge to support the mission of the scholarship provider?

Say that the scholarship is from an agency that supports wildlife preservation. Your letter should explain how you plan to apply your education towards a career in that field.

You also need to establish why you deserve this application more than other applicants. What specific experiences do you have now that set you apart from the rest? What specific plans do you have that will address a current issue in the world? Even if you currently have limited knowledge about the issue, use that to your advantage. Explain how you could thrive with more education and solve even more problems in the future.

The structure of a scholarship motivation letter

Scholarship motivation letters vary by award, but they usually consist of three elements:

• An introduction
• Three body paragraphs
• A conclusion

Your introduction should include your name, level of education and the degree program.

Your first body paragraph should include any work-related experience you have. This can include both paid and unpaid internships. You should show the growth of your career in chronological order. Finally, suggest where your career will go with continued education.

Your second body paragraph should explain what you hope to gain from your education. Think of which problems you aim to solve or uncover.

Your final body paragraph should explain your holistic plans for the future. Some ideas for inspiration:

• You can include extra education you plan to pursue after education.
• You can write about companies or agencies you’d like to work for after graduation.
• You can talk about programs or organizations you would like to develop.

Finally, your conclusion should re-emphasize why you are a good candidate for the scholarship.

What NOT to include when writing a scholarship motivation letter

Your scholarship motivation letter should be well-written with no grammar or spelling errors. Use a professional tone and advanced phrasing (no slang). Provide specific examples about your past, present and future. Stay away from vague generalizations. Vagueness suggests a lack of care or knowledge. Neither of  these are impressive to a scholarship review committee.

Some final tips

Writing a motivation letter for scholarship applications takes time and commitment. Plan what you will say in advance, and allow at least three days to write the letter, review it, step away from it and edit it. This extra time will provide the best chance of success with your application.

A Sample Scholarship Motivation Letter

Julie Moore 9876 Smith St. Stillwater, OK 74074The Scholarship Committee 123 Learning Rd. Suite 4A Oklahoma City, OK 73127

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Julie Moore and I am a third year student at Oklahoma State University. I am currently pursuing a five-year Bachelor of Architecture Degree. My plan is to follow up with a one-year master’s degree after I graduate.

In high school, I worked extensively with my local Habitat for Humanity branch to help build homes for low income families. I learned about the construction process from the ground up, and I discovered the importance of function in architectural design. The homes we built during my four years as a volunteer were never extravagant. They served their purpose and became a beacon of hope for their owners.

My education has been focused on this mindset: function over form, stability over showmanship. I have enrolled in several classes that crossover to the Architectural Engineering major. My goal is to have a comprehensive view of how design meets structure. I have worked on three extra-credit residential design projects under the supervision of my architecture professors (Dr. X and Dr. Y). This helped speed up my research and education.

My goal is to become an architect to create accessible, affordable housing opportunities in underprivileged communities. Living in a college town, I have seen countless rental properties available. Yet there are few homes for sale that are affordable enough for college students and first-time buyers. This is the case in many towns throughout America, especially areas with a low standard of living. I want to create neighborhoods that include affordable starter homes. This would enable low and middle-class families to build equity, avoid excessive debt, and create financial stability for their futures.

This summer, I will intern with  LMNOP Architects. Upon completion of my master’s degree, I hope to continue there as I further develop my skills. After working under acclaimed residential architects Suzan Craft and Peter Wood, I would like to open my own architectural firm focused on developing inexpensive, high-quality housing. I also would like to work with Habitat for Humanity again, this time as an architect instead of a general laborer. I believe firmly in their mission to build “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” I appreciate your consideration. With your help, I can continue my schooling in architecture and design to bring accessible homes to those in need.

Sincerely, Julie Moore

• Scholarship Essay

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

Related Stories View All

Tennessee Lottery Scholarship Program (TELS)

Common Essay Topic: Describe a Time When You Experienced Failure. How Did That Failure Impact You?

How to Write a Great 250-Word Essay

Get started with scholarshipowl.

Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships