Scholarship Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

A scholarship application is often very difficult, and knowing what a scholarship committee wants to hear is daunting. However, it’s important to remember that writing a cover letter for a scholarship is similar to writing a cover letter for any job, but instead of highlighting your work history and career goals, you’re highlighting your academic accomplishments and academic record. If you’re hoping to make the application process a little easier for yourself, then you can use this cover letter example to ace the scholarship program.

One of the best ways to write your scholarship application cover letter is to look at a great cover letter and write yours using it. Here’s a scholarship cover letter sample you can use to write your own.

Dear Scholarship Committee,

When I saw that there was a scholarship for future researchers with chronic illnesses, I immediately knew I had to apply. All throughout high school, I have struggled with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a complex genetic condition that currently has neither a cure nor even an established gene that is known to cause the condition. It causes problems like joint instability, generalised pain, and chronic fatigue. I and millions of other people deal with this condition, which has stumped many career experts in the medical field.

This is exactly why I decided to get a college education in so-called rare diseases. My academic excellence has been hard-earned, and even college education is far out of reach for many of those who struggle with this condition. However, I know that my lived experiences can help widen the field of study and potentially bring relief not only to myself but also to others who live with even worse daily symptoms than I do.

This particular scholarship would do wonders in helping me pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, which I hope to use to move into this field and help others. I look forward to sitting down and discussing my research interests with you so I can move forward with this scholarship organisation.

Best regards,

Tina Barber

You can use this scholarship cover letter as a model on which to base your own letter.

Start your cover letter off with your contact information, including your phone number, in the header. Address the letter to a specific person if possible, rather than using a generic term like “To whom it may concern.” In this example, the applicant has addressed it to the “Scholarship Committee,” likely indicating that more than one person is reading it. From there, here’s how you can use this cover letter format.

First paragraph: Introduce yourself with a hook
This cover letter starts by explaining why the applicant is applying. She states what the application is for – researchers with chronic illnesses – and then goes on to explain her own chronic illness, as well as why research in this field could be beneficial. This immediately positions her as the best candidate for the scholarship, as not only does she fit the criteria, but she showcases that research is badly needed in this area.

Second paragraph: Give more information about how you’re the best fit for the scholarship
The next paragraph moves on to more detailed information about why this applicant is the best fit for this scholarship. She mentions that many people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome have a more difficult time with their diagnoses than she does and that she hopes to help everyone affected by it, not just herself. She also mentions that she’s hoping to study rare diseases specifically, which is often neglected by researchers in the field.

Third paragraph: Call to action
In the closing paragraph, the applicant offers a call to action, stating that she looks forward to sitting down and discussing her research plans with the scholarship committee. She indicates that the financial assistance from the scholarship would be extremely helpful and offers a professional sign-off.