We give you 10 practical tips to writing a winning scholarship application.

1. Eligibility

• Read the scholarship requirements thoroughly. Make sure that you fulfil all the requirements listed. Most scholarship providers are very particular about the student they present the scholarship to.

2. Complete the application in full

• Do not leave blanks. If information is requested, it must be important to the organisation in their selection process. Failure to comply may often result in your application being rejected.

3. Read instructions

• Provide everything that is required. You may be penalised for things you’ve missed out. However, don’t give things that aren’t required.

4.   Legibility

• Candidates are often disqualified because of illegible handwriting. Always type your application. If you really have to write, do it neatly and legibly.

5. Personal and specific

• Write an essay that gives a good and lasting impression. Share personal experiences and always be honest and sincere.

6.   Be on track

• Make sure that you give yourself enough time to complete the application and submit it by the deadline stated. Late applications are not entertained.

7. Initial your application

• Write your name and identification card number on every page of your application paper. Stapled pages may come loose and with the hundreds of applications they receive, it may just get mixed up with another. Don’t risk it.

8. Back-up

• In case something goes wrong or your application goes missing, you can reproduce one right away.

9. Question

• If you are facing difficulties in the application process, don’t be afraid to ask. It is better to know than to be oblivious about it.

10. Proofread

• Grammatical errors and spelling errors among others would get your application thrown out. Therefore get someone to proofread it for you, so that they can catch the mistakes that you may have missed.

• Application and interview tips