STARTing postgraduate scholarship applications (STEP 1)

STEP 1 (S): Set expectations

The very first thing to do is to situate the proper mindset by addressing misconceptions. 

Misconception 1: I'll get a scholarship within the year of my first application

Accept that no matter how impressive your credentials are, it will not be easy to get a full scholarship on the first try. 

This is especially true for fully-funded international scholarships for masters because, 

a) the competition at this level is higher

Many professionals see a master's degree as either an opportunity to shift career fields or a gateway for a higher position, so on top of academic-oriented individuals, there's a broader range consisting of transdisciplinary candidates.

b) the available scholarships that give full financial support is very limited

Usually, fully-funded international scholarships for masters have specific target candidates (e.g. changemakers, innovation-specific)

and

c) applying for scholarships is a skill that improves over time

A scholarship application requires a lot of ideation (refining your visions and plans), essay writing, communicating with referees, and interviews (selling your perspectives). All of these are hard to nail the first run. You'll learn from your mistakes along and as you polish them, each application would be more specific, clear, and therefore convincing.

So if you are planning to do a postgrad, especially abroad, it's better to start preparing as early as possible. 

It took me two years of preparations and trying after successfully securing a full scholarship for a master's.

Misconception 2: Grades are everything

Your undergraduate grades and awards may give you brownie points but there are more important criteria than grades when it comes to scholarships.

Scholarship funders would want to be sure that you have enough grit to excel (or at least survive) in an academic setting, hence the need for transcripts.

However, experience, essays, and interviews are the ultimate deciding factors that will give rise to the cream of the crop.

You will have to convince them that you are the one they are looking for - your grades won't do the talking.

Misconception 3: "They will fund me because this is my dream!"

Although yes, there are philanthropic scholarship fundings out there, they often have visions to fulfill.

They will not fund everyone simply to support personal dreams, but those need to be aligned with the kind of "future" they are imagining. 

So before submitting an application, make sure you know and understand the purpose of the scholarship provider and what exactly are their target priorities.

"They will fund me because this is my dream!"  "They will fund me because I can contribute something after."