12 Scholarship Application Letter Samples (PDF, DOC)

Are you finding it difficult to write your scholarship application letter? You’re not alone. Many students struggle to put their thoughts into words when applying for scholarships. 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.

A good application letter introduces who you are, highlights your achievements, and shows why you deserve the award. Winning a scholarship, big or small, can be life-changing, especially if you need financial support for your studies. 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 strong scholarship application letter, provide a suitable application letter format, and offer 15 scholarship letter templates for you to download in PDF format. We’ll also share simple tips and examples to help you write a strong, convincing letter that stands out from the rest.

Table of Contents

1. What is a scholarship application letter?

2. How to Prepare for a Scholarship Application

3. What are the categories of a Scholarship application?

4. Themes of a Scholarship Application Letter

5. Parts of a scholarship application letter

6. Tips for Writing a Good Application Letter

7. Scholarship Letter Format

8. Scholarship Application Letter sample pdf

9. Conclusion

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. This letter is usually submitted along with other important documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, or financial statements. Its main purpose is to convince the committee that you are a strong candidate who meets the scholarship’s requirements and will make good use of the 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 

Parts of a Scholarship Application Letter

A well-written scholarship application letter follows a clear structure. Each part plays an important role in helping the selection committee understand who you are and why you deserve the award. Here’s a simple guide to what you should include:

1. Header

The header goes at the top of your letter and contains your personal and contact details. This helps the committee reach you easily.

Include:

• Your full name

• Home address

• Email address (make sure it’s professional and active)

• Phone number

Example:

Jane Doe  

123 Balogun Street, Lagos, Nigeria  

[email protected]  

+234 801 234 5678  

2. Date

Write the date you are submitting the application.
Example:

October 27, 2025

3. Recipient’s Details

If you know who to address the letter to, include their name, title, and institution. If you don’t, you can simply write “Scholarship Committee” or “Selection Panel.”

Example:

The Scholarship Committee  

University of Oxford  

Oxford, United Kingdom  

4. Salutation

Start your letter with a polite greeting.

Examples:

• Dear Scholarship Committee,

• Dear [Programme Name] Selection Panel,

• Dear Sir/Madam, (if you don’t know the recipient’s name)

5. Introduction

Your introduction is your first impression, keep it short and clear. State who you are, what scholarship you are applying for, and what you’re currently studying (or plan to study).

Example:

My name is Jane Doe, a final-year student at ABC College. I am writing to apply for the [Name of Scholarship] to support my studies in Environmental Science at the University of Oxford.

6. Body Paragraphs

This is the main part of your letter where you explain your background, achievements, motivation, and need for the scholarship. You can divide it into several short paragraphs:

a. Academic Background and Achievements

• Briefly describe your educational journey and accomplishments.

• Mention awards, academic honors, or relevant extracurricular activities.

Example:

I have consistently maintained top grades throughout my studies and was recently awarded the Best Student in Biology. Beyond academics, I have also served as the president of my school’s science club, where I helped organize community clean-up projects.

b. Motivation and Career Goals

• Explain why you chose your field of study.

• Share your career ambitions and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Example:

I have always been passionate about environmental sustainability and hope to work in renewable energy development. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies and contribute to solutions that address climate change in my community.

c. Financial Need (if applicable)

• If the scholarship is need-based, briefly describe your financial situation.

• Be honest and respectful, focus on how the support will help you achieve your goals.

Example:

My family has faced financial challenges, and funding my university education has become difficult. Receiving this scholarship will relieve that burden and help me concentrate fully on my academic work.

d. Skills, Leadership, or Community Involvement

• Mention skills, volunteer work, or leadership roles that make you a strong candidate.

• Show how you have made a positive impact.

Example:

As a volunteer with Green Earth Initiative, I’ve led environmental awareness campaigns in local schools, inspiring younger students to care for the planet.

7. Conclusion

In your closing paragraph, restate your interest in the scholarship and explain briefly how it will support your goals. End by thanking the committee for their time and consideration.

Example:

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. It will help me reach my educational goals and continue making a positive difference in my community. Thank you for considering my application.

8. Formal Closing

End your letter politely with a professional closing phrase, followed by your name.

Examples:

Sincerely,  

Jane Doe  

or

Yours faithfully,  

Jane Doe.

How to prepare for a scholarship Application

A strong scholarship application takes time, but by following the right steps, you can make yours stand out from hundreds of others. The key is to plan early, stay organized, and present yourself in the best possible way. From researching the scholarship and gathering your documents to writing well-structured responses, every step plays an important role in your success. So let's get started!

1. Do Your Research

Before writing your application letter, learn as much as you can about the scholarship and the university offering it. Understand their values, goals, and what kind of students they are looking for. This will help you tailor your letter to match what they want.

2. Know Your Strengths and Achievements

Take time to reflect on your skills, achievements, and experiences that make you a strong candidate. Think about your academic results, leadership roles, volunteer work, or personal challenges you’ve overcome. Use these to show why you deserve the scholarship.

3. Use a Valid Email Address

Make sure you include an active email address that you can access even after finishing high school. Avoid using your school email, as it may expire. Your email is how the university or organization will contact you if you’re shortlisted or awarded the scholarship.

4. Prepare Your Documents

Gather all the required supporting documents early. Make sure your grades for all subjects are listed clearly. Double-check that your documents are complete, accurate, and well-organized.

5. Prepare Your Written Responses

Most scholarship forms ask you to answer personal statement questions. These responses help the university learn more about your goals, motivations, and suitability for the scholarship.

Write your answers in a document first so you can:

• Check spelling and grammar

• Ensure you meet the word count

• Save your work safely

Before submitting, ask a parent, teacher, or friend to review your answers for errors.

What Are the Categories of Scholarship Applications?

Scholarships come in different types, each created to support students based on their abilities, needs, or background. Understanding these categories can help you find the ones that you qualify for:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-Based Scholarships are awarded to students who have shown exceptional performance in academics, arts, sports, or leadership. If you have high grades, strong extracurricular involvement, or special talents, you may qualify for this type of scholarship.

2. Need-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are for students who need financial support to continue their education. Applicants usually provide information about their family income or financial situation to show that they truly need assistance.

3. Identity or Demographic Scholarships

These scholarships promote diversity and inclusion. They are often offered to students based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or minority status. For example, some scholarships are designed specifically for women in science or students with disabilities.

4. Field or Subject-Specific Scholarships

Field or Subject-Specific Scholarships are for students who plan to study in a particular area such as engineering, medicine, education, or the arts. Organizations often use these to encourage more students to join certain careers or industries.

5. Geographic or Location-Based Scholarships

These are meant for students from a specific region, state, or country, or for those planning to study in a particular location. For instance, some universities offer scholarships only to local students or to international students from developing countries.

6. Institutional, Private, and Government Scholarships

• Institutional Scholarships: Offered directly by universities or colleges to attract talented students or reward high achievers.

• Private Scholarships: Funded by businesses, non-profit organizations, or charitable foundations.

• Government Scholarships: Provided by local or national governments to help students access higher education, often including international study opportunities.

7. Athletic Scholarships

Athletic Scholarships are awarded to students who excel in sports and are willing to represent their school or university in athletic competitions. They usually cover tuition and may include other benefits such as training support or accommodation.

Tips for Writing a Good Application Letter

Writing a strong scholarship application letter is about more than just listing your achievements, it’s about telling your story and showing what makes you unique. Here are some helpful tips to guide you:

1. Be Authentic

Let your true personality shine through your writing. Share what you’re passionate about, what drives you, and what your goals are. The selection panel wants to see you, not a rehearsed version of who you think they want.

2. Tell a Story, Not a CV

Your personal statement should read like a story, not a résumé. Instead of listing achievements, describe the experiences behind them, what you learned, how you grew, and why they matter to your future.

3. Keep It Strong and Simple

Be clear, concise, and focused. Stick to the word limit and make sure each paragraph answers the question directly. Use short sentences and smooth transitions to make your writing easy to follow.

4. Stay Relevant

Answer each question carefully and only include information that supports your points. Avoid unnecessary details or unrelated experiences. If supporting documents are required, make sure they directly back up your achievements and claims.

5.  Check Your Spelling and Grammar

Good writing leaves a strong impression. Review your work for errors, use full sentences, and avoid bullet points. You can use apps like Grammarly to help you catch mistakes and check the flow of your story.

6. Think About the Bigger Picture

Show that your goals go beyond personal success. Explain how the scholarship will help you make a difference in your community, your field, or even globally. Scholarship panels love candidates who are motivated to create positive change.

7. Take Breaks if you need to

If you need a break while writing, save your application and return to it later. Most online application systems allow you to come back within 30 days.

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.

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

2. Use a font size between 10 and 12 points.

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

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

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

6. The scholarship application letter should have a formal tone.

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

8. 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.

Don'ts 

• 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's

• 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 

Conclusion

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.