Introduction
A well-crafted scholarship letter for a PhD program is essential for securing funding and demonstrating your commitment to your academic and professional goals. This article provides 16 sample scholarship letters that cover a wide range of scenarios, from expressing financial need to highlighting academic achievements. Each letter is professionally formatted and includes realistic details to serve as a template for your own applications.
When writing your scholarship letter, remember to emphasize your academic background, research interests, and long-term career goals. Tailor each letter to the specific scholarship program and highlight what makes you unique. Use these samples as a guide to craft compelling, personalized letters that stand out to selection committees.
1. General PhD Scholarship Request Letter
123 Oak Street
Springfield, IL 62704
United States
October 15, 2023
Scholarship Committee
University of Illinois
456 Maple Avenue
Springfield, IL 62703
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the PhD scholarship program at the University of Illinois. As a passionate researcher in the field of renewable energy, I am eager to contribute to innovative solutions for sustainable development. My academic background in engineering and my research experience make me a strong candidate for this program.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research facilities. I am confident that the scholarship will enable me to focus fully on my studies and make meaningful contributions to the field.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
John Doe
2. PhD Scholarship Application for International Students
789 Pine Road
London, NW1 7QP
United Kingdom
November 2, 2023
International Scholarships Office
University of London
321 Regent Street
London, NW1 8WF
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the international PhD scholarship at the University of London. As an international student from the United Kingdom, I am eager to pursue my doctoral studies in economics and contribute to global economic development. My academic achievements and research experience make me a strong candidate for this scholarship.
I am particularly interested in your program because of its global perspective and renowned faculty. The opportunity to study in a diverse and inclusive environment will greatly enhance my academic and professional growth.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
3. PhD Scholarship Letter of Intent
456 Elm Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
United States
December 10, 2023
Graduate Admissions Committee
University of Chicago
789 Oak Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the PhD program in computer science at the University of Chicago. My academic background in computer science and my research experience in artificial intelligence make me a strong candidate for this program. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the cutting-edge research being conducted at your institution.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry leaders. I am confident that the scholarship will enable me to focus fully on my studies and make meaningful contributions to the field.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Michael Johnson
4. PhD Scholarship Application for Research Excellence
321 Maple Street
New York, NY 10001
United States
January 5, 2024
Research Excellence Scholarship Committee
Columbia University
456 Pine Road
New York, NY 10002
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the research excellence scholarship for the PhD program in environmental science at Columbia University. My academic background in environmental science and my research experience in climate change make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. I am eager to contribute to the innovative research being conducted at your institution.
I am particularly interested in your program because of its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research facilities. The opportunity to work with renowned faculty and contribute to global environmental solutions is truly exciting.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Emily Davis
5. PhD Scholarship Application for Teaching Assistantship
654 Birch Avenue
Boston, MA 02134
United States
February 15, 2024
Teaching Assistantship Committee
Harvard University
789 Oak Street
Boston, MA 02135
Dear Members of the Committee,
I am writing to apply for the teaching assistantship PhD scholarship at Harvard University. My academic background in education and my experience in teaching make me a strong candidate for this program. I am eager to contribute to the academic community and gain valuable teaching experience.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on both research and teaching excellence. The opportunity to work with distinguished faculty and contribute to the education of future leaders is truly inspiring.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Sarah Wilson
6. PhD Scholarship Application for Financial Need
987 Cedar Road
Los Angeles, CA 90024
United States
March 10, 2024
Financial Aid Committee
University of California, Los Angeles
321 Maple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Dear Members of the Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to apply for the PhD scholarship based on financial need at UCLA. My academic background in sociology and my research experience in social inequality make me a strong candidate for this program. However, without financial assistance, I would not be able to pursue my doctoral studies.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on social justice and community engagement. The opportunity to contribute to research that addresses social inequalities is deeply meaningful to me.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
David Brown
7. PhD Scholarship Application for Academic Excellence
543 Walnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States
April 5, 2024
Academic Excellence Committee
Stanford University
654 Pine Road
San Francisco, CA 94106
Dear Members of the Committee,
I am writing to apply for the academic excellence PhD scholarship at Stanford University. My academic background in computer science and my research experience in machine learning make me a strong candidate for this program. I am eager to contribute to the cutting-edge research being conducted at your institution.
I am particularly interested in your program because of its emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The opportunity to work with renowned faculty and contribute to groundbreaking research is truly exciting.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Robert Taylor
8. PhD Scholarship Application for International Collaboration
765 Cherry Lane
Seattle, WA 98101
United States
May 1, 2024
International Collaboration Committee
University of Washington
321 Maple Street
Seattle, WA 98102
Dear Members of the Committee,
I am writing to apply for the international collaboration PhD scholarship at the University of Washington. My academic background in international relations and my research experience in global governance make me a strong candidate for this program. I am eager to contribute to research that addresses global challenges and fosters international cooperation.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on global perspectives and interdisciplinary research. The opportunity to collaborate with international scholars and contribute to global solutions is truly inspiring.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Lisa Nguyen
9. PhD Scholarship Application for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
321 Orange Drive
Austin, TX 78701
United States
June 10, 2024
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Committee
University of Texas at Austin
654 Birch Avenue
Austin, TX 78702
Dear Members of the Committee,
I am writing to apply for the innovation and entrepreneurship PhD scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin. My academic background in business administration and my experience in startup development make me a strong candidate for this program. I am eager to contribute to research that fosters innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on entrepreneurial spirit and practical application of research. The opportunity to work with faculty and contribute to innovative solutions is truly exciting.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Daniel Lee
10. PhD Scholarship Application for Social Impact
987 Grapevine Road
Dallas, TX 75201
United States
July 5, 2024
Social Impact Committee
Southern Methodist University
456 Elm Avenue
Dallas, TX 75202
Dear Members of the Committee,
I am writing to apply for the social impact PhD scholarship at Southern Methodist University. My academic background in public policy and my research experience in community development make me a strong candidate for this program. I am eager to contribute to research that addresses social challenges and fosters positive change.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement. The opportunity to work with faculty and contribute to meaningful social impact is truly inspiring.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Sophia Garcia
11. PhD Scholarship Application for STEM Fields
543 Peach Street
Atlanta, GA 30301
United States
August 15, 2024
STEM Scholarship Committee
Georgia Institute of Technology
321 Pine Road
Atlanta, GA 30302
Dear Members of the Committee,
I am writing to apply for the STEM PhD scholarship at Georgia Institute of Technology. My academic background in mechanical engineering and my research experience in robotics make me a strong candidate for this program. I am eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in the STEM fields and advance technological innovation.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on interdisciplinary research and state-of-the-art facilities. The opportunity to work with renowned faculty and contribute to groundbreaking research is truly exciting.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Olivia Martinez
12. PhD Scholarship Application for Humanities
765 Plum Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20001
United States
September 10, 2024
Humanities Scholarship Committee
Georgetown University
321 Maple Street
Washington, D.C. 20002
Dear Members of the Committee,
I am writing to apply for the humanities PhD scholarship at Georgetown University. My academic background in history and my research experience in cultural studies make me a strong candidate for this program. I am eager to contribute to research that deepens our understanding of human culture and society.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and critical analysis. The opportunity to work with distinguished faculty and contribute to meaningful scholarship is truly inspiring.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
William Clark
13. PhD Scholarship Application for Environmental Science
321 Cherry Lane
Portland, OR 97201
United States
October 5, 2024
Environmental Science Committee
Oregon State University
654 Birch Avenue
Portland, OR 97202
Dear Members of the Committee,
I am writing to apply for the environmental science PhD scholarship at Oregon State University. My academic background in ecology and my research experience in conservation biology make me a strong candidate for this program. I am eager to contribute to research that addresses environmental challenges and promotes sustainability.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on ecological preservation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The opportunity to work with faculty and contribute to meaningful environmental solutions is truly exciting.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Jessica Rodriguez
14. PhD Scholarship Application for Public Health
987 Almond Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
United States
November 15, 2024
Public Health Committee
Johns Hopkins University
456 Elm Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21202
Dear Members of the Committee,
I am writing to apply for the public health PhD scholarship at Johns Hopkins University. My academic background in epidemiology and my research experience in infectious diseases make me a strong candidate for this program. I am eager to contribute to research that addresses public health challenges and improves global health outcomes.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on evidence-based research and global health initiatives. The opportunity to work with renowned faculty and contribute to meaningful public health solutions is truly inspiring.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Laura Hernandez
15. PhD Scholarship Application for Business Administration
543 Walnut Road
Philadelphia, PA 19101
United States
December 10, 2024
Business Administration Committee
University of Pennsylvania
321 Maple Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Dear Members of the Committee,
I am writing to apply for the business administration PhD scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania. My academic background in finance and my research experience in corporate strategy make me a strong candidate for this program. I am eager to contribute to research that advances business practices and fosters economic growth.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and real-world application of research. The opportunity to work with distinguished faculty and contribute to meaningful business solutions is truly exciting.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Matthew Anderson
16. PhD Scholarship Application for Art and Design
987 Olive Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
United States
January 5, 2025
Art and Design Committee
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
456 Pine Road
Chicago, IL 60612
Dear Members of the Committee,
I am writing to apply for the art and design PhD scholarship at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My academic background in fine arts and my experience in multimedia installation make me a strong candidate for this program. I am eager to contribute to innovative artistic research and push the boundaries of creative expression.
I am particularly drawn to your program because of its emphasis on experimental art practices and interdisciplinary collaboration. The opportunity to work with faculty and contribute to groundbreaking artistic research is truly inspiring.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Emma Taylor
Conclusion
These 16 sample scholarship letters for PhD programs demonstrate a variety of approaches and styles to suit different applicant needs. Each letter emphasizes key elements such as academic background, research interests, and career goals, while also highlighting what makes the applicant unique. By tailoring your letter to the specific scholarship program and institution, you can create a compelling and personalized application that stands out to selection committees. Remember to emphasize your strengths, express your enthusiasm for the program, and clearly articulate how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic and professional aspirations.