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How to Write a CV That Will Win You a Scholarship

A CV example for scholarship lays out your case for potentially gaining a scholarship. How do you write the best scholarship CV possible?

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CV for scholarship example

cv for scholarship example

CV examples for scholarship

When you apply for a scholarship, there are many different steps you might have to take. Oftentimes, when you submit a scholarship application, you’ll also submit a scholarship CV. A university scholarship CV works slightly differently than a traditional CV, but the general process is very similar. Here’s what you need to know about writing a scholarship CV that scholarship committee members will actually be interested in reading.

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Fields associated with scholarship CV

There are many scholarships that might benefit from a CV – here’s just a few of them:

  • Performing arts degree
  • Pharmacy scholarship
  • Master’s degree
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Professional degree
  • Graduate degree

Whether or not you need a professional CV, however, typically depends on the specific scholarship you’re applying for. Some selection committees use CV, while some request only personal mission statements or another type of form. Just check to see whether the application requests a “scholarship CV” or “student CV”.

Important elements for scholarship CV

A scholarship CV personal statement is different from the personal statement for any other type of CV. That means the CV writing process is necessarily going to have to be different. Every time you write a CV for a scholarship, think about who the scholarship is meant to help, then showcase how you’re the type of person that the scholarship is supposed to help. These are the most common headings that you’ll see in a scholarship application:
 
Contact and Personal Information
 
The first thing to list will be your contact information. Typically, this will go in the same place you would think of as a CV header in another CV format. You’ll want to include your full name, email address, phone number, and links to your portfolio or job networking profiles if you have public-facing handles you’re comfortable showing to a scholarship committee.
 
Work experience/history
 
The work experience section will typically be used for any experiences that you’ve had that a scholarship CV might benefit from. This could include volunteer experience, internship experience, community service, and extracurricular activities, as well as academic activities, including part-time experiences. Remember to list your experience in reverse chronological order, with the most recent activities first.
 
Education
 
Since you’re a student, education is probably going to be the most obvious thing that you can add to a scholarship CV template. Your education section will include your academic accreditations and experience, including your expected graduation date for any education you’re currently pursuing. List graduation honors in the next section.
 
Achievements and awards
 
Next are any academic achievements and awards that you’ve received. For example, if you were part of the honor society or made the Dean’s List, you can showcase it here.
 
Certifications
 
If you’ve gained certifications in specific skills (e.g., certification in specific software) that is pertinent to your field of study, include those here.

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Examples for scholarship CV you can use

One of the best ways to create a great scholarship CV is by seeing other people’s examples. The CVHelp CV examples section has over 50,000 examples available for a wide variety of CV and cover letters. You can also use our step-by-step CV builder to build your scholarship CV.
 

Tips for creating your scholarship CV

  • Only include the information that the scholarship is asking for. Sure, it’s good to look qualified, but adding extra information might lower your chances because it seems like you don’t know how to follow instructions.
  • Use bullets and concise phrases throughout the CV. Bullet points make it easier for a scholarship committee to quickly skim through your document.
  • Proofread your CV multiple times. This helps you avoid easy-to-miss mistakes, which can negatively affect your ability to get a scholarship.
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FAQ: CV for scholarship example

Have questions? We’re here to help.

Do I need to submit a cover letter with scholarship CV?

Typically you’ll need to submit a cover letter alongside your scholarship CV. Check the information about your specific scholarship to see exactly what documents the scholarship committee wants to see from you, and make sure you include only those documents and all of those documents. The cover letter is your opportunity to showcase even more detail as to why you’re deserving of the scholarship in question.

Should I submit a scholarship CV even if I don’t strictly meet the criteria?

It’s typically recommended that you submit to as many scholarships as possible. Even if you don’t meet the exact criteria, the worst that can happen is that the scholarship committee turns down your CV. Above all, avoid exaggerating or lying about your achievements. Lying on your scholarship CV could lead to losing the things you’re bragging about, including leadership roles and even a position as a student at university.

Is it a good idea to change up my scholarship CV for every scholarship?

Yes. You should make sure you’re tailoring your scholarship CV to each individual scholarship so that you’re more likely to meet what the organisation is looking for. Essentially, you’re looking for CV keywords in the scholarship posting, specifically skills and prerequisites that the scholarship demands. Address those requirements in your own CV.

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WRITTEN BY Ho

Ho is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and editor with two decades of experience in content strategy, creation, and development. He holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University and his background includes experience aiding military veterans as they transition to civilian careers.

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