Scholarship application: Is a scholarship not something you are interested in? You might want to think again. Throughout CDU, students are able to apply for scholarships for a wide range of reasons. As a result, there are many opportunities available to you. Take a look at CDU’s scholarship opportunities, find the ones that match your interests and consider these eight tips for a successful application.
Occasionally, students receive scholarships for their outstanding academic performance, talent, and passion for the area of study they are studying. As well as recognition for their commitment and vision in their local community, they may also be acknowledged for their involvement in sports or their work placements.
In addition, there are scholarships available to assist students who are struggling financially as well as students who may otherwise be excluded from studying due to their socioeconomic or cultural background or geographical location from studying.
1. Don’t miss the closing dates!
There is no doubt that this is obvious, but it is also very important. A grant of between $1,000 and $25,000 is available to help with your studies (which is paid directly into your bank account) so it pays to make sure you apply as soon as possible. Make sure that you keep track of the deadlines for CDU’s scholarship applications in your diary.
My top tip is to get your application in as soon as possible. As a result, the Scholarships Office will have plenty of time to follow up with you if there is anything else needed to support your scholarship application.
2. Think outside the box
Do you have any accomplishments outside of your studies that may be worthy of recognition?
Good news for high achievers: there’s no shortage of scholarships available, often with options that are specific to the field of study you plan to pursue.
Luckily for those of you whose strengths lie elsewhere, or whose circumstances are a bit different, there are also a number of scholarships available to you. Is there anything you are doing outside of your studies that may merit recognition besides what you are studying? There could be many reasons why you are interested in a career in the construction industry or training to work in a male-dominated field. Perhaps you are a refugee or someone with a humanitarian visa who is studying in order to improve your chances of finding a job.
3. Don’t limit yourself to one scholarship
It is possible to apply for more than one scholarship at CDU, provided that you meet the eligibility requirements for each scholarship. There is a limit of two active scholarships at a time that you can hold simultaneously.
As a result, you should aim high and explore as many options as you can.
4. Know what the panel is looking for
In order to demonstrate how you meet the criteria, you need to provide specific examples.
Each scholarship has a set of individual selection criteria like the SSP scholarship has its own selection criteria that are used to evaluate each application as a result of the application process. It is important that you familiarize yourself with each of these requirements and spend some time thinking about how you can satisfy each one. It would be helpful if you could provide some specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the criteria. Please do not hesitate to submit letters from your references or other documents as part of your application (such as certificates of involvement or letters of recommendation).
5. Do your research on the donor
It is common for scholarships to be funded by a donor who is a person or business that is separate from CDU. Research the donor online and tie some of this information into your application – this will demonstrate to the donor that you have done your research. I think it is even better if you are able to relate this to your own goals and aspirations.
6. Spend some time refining your written statement
It is important to keep your written statement as concise as possible. It is not necessary to use words just for the sake of using them.
The length of your written statement should not exceed 1,000 words, but you should try to make it as concise as you can. Don’t use words just for the sake of using them. The panel has a lot of applications to read, so it would be beneficial for you if you could be as succinct as possible.
Make your application easier to read by using the selection criteria as headings and answering them directly beneath them in your application. When describing your strengths, you should use examples to show (rather than tell) what you are good at.
In addition, you can write a short letter to introduce yourself with your application as an extra tip.
7. Make it personal, but keep it relevant
The panel assessing your application wants to get to know you, not just to evaluate your ability to meet the selection criteria, but also to gain an understanding of who you are as a person.
If you can include personal information in your application, and if the information is relevant to the category of sponsorship you are applying for, then please do so.
The reason that you are studying social work may be because of the difficult circumstances in your childhood, or because your family is involved in motorsports, if that is what encouraged you to study mechanical engineering as a career choice.
8. Consider your competition
Is there anything that sets you apart from the competition? Is there any reason why you deserve or need this scholarship more than your peers?
Consider that if your scholarship is aimed at a specific course, you may have to compete with other applicants in the same field if your scholarship is for a specific course. Is there something that sets you apart from the rest? In your opinion, why do you deserve or need the scholarship more than anyone else? In order to stand out from the crowd, you need to think about how you can demonstrate this.
