Introduction
Securing funding for a PhD dissertation can be a challenging but crucial step in academic pursuit. A well-crafted scholarship letter is essential for standing out among applicants and demonstrating your commitment to your research. This guide provides 16+ sample scholarship letters tailored for PhD dissertation funding, covering various scenarios and styles to help you craft a compelling application.
1. General Scholarship Request Letter
Dr. Emily Carter
Department of Physics
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138
October 15, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the prestigious University Scholarship for my PhD dissertation research in quantum mechanics. My proposed study, “Exploring Quantum Entanglement in Low-Temperature Systems”, aims to contribute groundbreaking insights to our understanding of quantum physics.
With a GPA of 3.8/4.0 and a proven track record of academic excellence, I am confident in my ability to leverage this scholarship to produce high-impact research. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how this funding will directly support my dissertation work.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the academic community with your support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emily Carter
2. International Student Scholarship Letter
Mr. Liam Chen
International Relations Office
University of Oxford
Oxford, OX1 2JD, United Kingdom
November 2, 2023
Dear Mr. Chen,
I am an international PhD candidate in economics at the University of Oxford, focusing on “The Impact of Global Trade Policies on Developing Nations”. I am writing to apply for the International Student Scholarship to support my dissertation research.
As a recipient of the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence in my first year, I am eager to continue my research, which has already been recognized at the annual Economic Development Conference. This scholarship would enable me to conduct critical field research in Southeast Asia, a vital component of my study.
I sincerely appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the global academic community with your support.
Yours faithfully,
Mr. Liam Chen
3. Dissertation Completion Scholarship Letter
Dr. Sophia Patel
Graduate School Office
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305
December 10, 2023
Dear Dr. Patel,
I am a fifth-year PhD candidate in chemistry at Stanford University, nearing the final stages of my dissertation, “Synthesis and Applications of Novel Nanomaterials for Renewable Energy”. I am writing to apply for the Dissertation Completion Scholarship to support the remaining research and writing phase.
My research has already resulted in two peer-reviewed publications and a pending patent application. This scholarship would provide the necessary resources to complete my experiments and ensure the timely submission of my dissertation.
I am deeply grateful for your consideration and hope to contribute to the field of renewable energy with my work.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sophia Patel
4. Field-Specific Scholarship Letter
Ms. Isabella Rossi
Astronomy Department
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA 91125
January 5, 2024
Dear Ms. Rossi,
I am a third-year PhD candidate in astronomy at Caltech, focusing on “Stellar Formation in Dwarf Galaxies”. I am writing to apply for the Astronomy Research Scholarship to support my dissertation work.
My research involves advanced observational techniques using the Keck Observatory, and this scholarship would enable me to conduct a critical observing run next semester. I am confident that this support will allow me to make significant contributions to our understanding of galaxy evolution.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I am eager to contribute to the field of astronomy with your support.
Sincerely,
Ms. Isabella Rossi
5. Teaching Assistantship Scholarship Letter
Mr. Noah Kim
Computer Science Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA 02142
February 8, 2024
Dear Mr. Kim,
I am a second-year PhD candidate in computer science at MIT, focusing on “Machine Learning Algorithms for Medical Diagnosis”. I am writing to apply for the Teaching Assistantship Scholarship, which would allow me to balance my teaching responsibilities while advancing my dissertation research.
As a teaching assistant for “Introduction to Machine Learning”, I have developed a passion for mentoring undergraduates and contributing to the academic community. This scholarship would provide the financial support needed to dedicate sufficient time to both my teaching and research obligations.
I am grateful for your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to continue my contributions to both teaching and research.
Sincerely,
Mr. Noah Kim
6. External Funding Scholarship Letter
Dr. Charlotte Lee
Environmental Science Department
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
March 12, 2024
Dear Dr. Lee,
I am a fourth-year PhD candidate in environmental science at UC Berkeley, conducting research on “Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Ecosystems”. I am writing to apply for the External Funding Scholarship to support my dissertation fieldwork.
I have already secured partial funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), but additional support is needed to complete my research. This scholarship would cover critical expenses such as field equipment and data analysis software.
I am excited about the potential to contribute to climate change mitigation strategies and am grateful for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Charlotte Lee
7.Merit-Based Scholarship Letter
Mr. Alexander Brown
Electrical Engineering Department
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
April 3, 2024
Dear Mr. Brown,
I am a third-year PhD candidate in electrical engineering at UT Austin, focusing on “Advanced Power Electronics for Renewable Energy Systems”. I am writing to apply for the Merit-Based Scholarship to support my dissertation research.
With a cumulative GPA of 3.9/4.0 and a first-author publication in the IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, I am committed to producing high-quality research. This scholarship would enable me to focus fully on my dissertation without additional financial burdens.
I am eager to contribute to the field of renewable energy and am grateful for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mr. Alexander Brown
8. Need-Based Scholarship Letter
Ms. Mia Garcia
Social Work Department
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL 60637
May 6, 2024
Dear Ms. Garcia,
I am a second-year PhD candidate in social work at the University of Chicago, focusing on “Interventions for Homeless Youth in Urban Areas”. I am writing to apply for the Need-Based Scholarship to support my dissertation research.
Despite my commitment to this critical area of research, I have faced financial challenges that have impacted my ability to conduct fieldwork. This scholarship would provide the necessary resources to complete my study and contribute to evidence-based social work practices.
I am deeply grateful for your consideration and hope to make a positive impact in my community with your support.
Sincerely,
Ms. Mia Garcia
9. Interdisciplinary Scholarship Letter
Dr. Ethan Hall
Interdisciplinary Studies Program
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
June 10, 2024
Dear Dr. Hall,
I am a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program at the University of Michigan, focusing on “The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Philosophy”. I am writing to apply for the Interdisciplinary Scholarship to support my dissertation research.
My research combines methodologies from computer science and philosophy, aiming to address ethical concerns in AI development. This scholarship would enable me to collaborate with researchers across departments and produce a comprehensive, interdisciplinary dissertation.
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to this emerging field and am grateful for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ethan Hall
10. Conference Travel Scholarship Letter
Ms. Aria Singh
Biology Department
Yale University
New Haven, CT 06520
July 15, 2024
Dear Ms. Singh,
I am a third-year PhD candidate in biology at Yale University, conducting research on “Gene Editing Techniques for Crop Improvement”. I am writing to apply for the Conference Travel Scholarship to present my research at the annual Plant Biology Conference in Paris.
My research has yielded promising results that could significantly impact agricultural sustainability. Presenting at this conference would provide valuable feedback and networking opportunities, but I require financial support to cover travel and registration expenses.
I am eager to share my findings with the global scientific community and am grateful for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ms. Aria Singh
11. Dissertation Proposal Scholarship Letter
Mr. Lucas Brooks
Psychology Department
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90095
August 20, 2024
Dear Mr. Brooks,
I am a second-year PhD candidate in psychology at UCLA, focusing on “Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Anxiety Disorders”. I am writing to apply for the Dissertation Proposal Scholarship to support the development of my research proposal.
My proposed study aims to develop and test a novel intervention that could significantly improve treatment outcomes for individuals with anxiety disorders. This scholarship would provide the necessary resources to conduct a pilot study and refine my proposal.
I am committed to advancing mental health research and am grateful for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mr. Lucas Brooks
12. Minority Student Scholarship Letter
Ms. Jasmine Martinez
Engineering Department
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA 30332
September 5, 2024
Dear Ms. Martinez,
I am a third-year PhD candidate in engineering at Georgia Tech, focusing on “Designing Accessible Technologies for Individuals with Disabilities”. I am writing to apply for the Minority Student Scholarship to support my dissertation research.
As a Latina in STEM, I am passionate about creating inclusive technologies that improve quality of life. This scholarship would enable me to conduct user-centered design research and develop prototypes that address the needs of individuals with disabilities.
I am deeply grateful for your consideration and look forward to contributing to this important field.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jasmine Martinez
13. Research Assistantship Scholarship Letter
Dr. Daniel Kim
Chemistry Department
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI 53706
October 10, 2024
Dear Dr. Kim,
I am a fourth-year PhD candidate in chemistry at UW-Madison, focusing on “Synthesis of Biodegradable Polymers for Environmental Applications”. I am writing to apply for the Research Assistantship Scholarship to support my dissertation work.
As a research assistant in the Polymer Chemistry Lab, I have gained valuable experience in materials synthesis and characterization. This scholarship would allow me to focus on my dissertation research and contribute to the development of sustainable materials.
I am eager to continue my research and am grateful for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Daniel Kim
14. Community Engagement Scholarship Letter
Ms. Zoe Taylor
Public Health Department
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD 21218
November 15, 2024
Dear Ms. Taylor,
I am a third-year PhD candidate in public health at Johns Hopkins University, focusing on “Community-Based Interventions for Chronic Disease Management”. I am writing to apply for the Community Engagement Scholarship to support my dissertation research.
My research involves collaboration with local community organizations to develop and implement interventions that address health disparities. This scholarship would provide the necessary funding to expand my outreach efforts and evaluate the impact of these interventions.
I am committed to improving public health outcomes and am grateful for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ms. Zoe Taylor
15. International Collaboration Scholarship Letter
Dr. Lila Ahmed
Economics Department
University of London
London, WC1E 7HU, United Kingdom
December 12, 2024
Dear Dr. Ahmed,
I am a fourth-year PhD candidate in economics at the University of London, focusing on “Global Economic Policy and Multilateral Trade Agreements”. I am writing to apply for the International Collaboration Scholarship to support my dissertation research.
My research involves collaboration with economists at the World Bank, aiming to develop policy recommendations that promote equitable global trade practices. This scholarship would enable me to conduct research at the World Bank headquarters and engage in international discussions that inform my dissertation.
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to global economic policy and am grateful for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lila Ahmed
16. Final-Year Dissertation Scholarship Letter
Mr. Julian Sanchez
Sociology Department
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
January 8, 2025
Dear Mr. Sanchez,
I am a fifth-year PhD candidate in sociology at UC Berkeley, focusing on “The Sociological Impact of Immigration Policies on Family Dynamics”. I am writing to apply for the Final-Year Dissertation Scholarship to support the completion of my research.
My dissertation has reached its final stages, and this scholarship would provide the necessary resources to complete my data analysis and writing. I am eager to contribute to the sociological understanding of immigration policies and their effects on families.
I am deeply grateful for your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to complete my dissertation with your support.
Sincerely,
Mr. Julian Sanchez
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling scholarship letter for your PhD dissertation requires careful attention to detail and a clear articulation of your research goals. These 16 sample letters provide a variety of templates and approaches to help you tailor your application to different scenarios and funding opportunities. Remember to emphasize your academic achievements, research objectives, and the potential impact of your work. Best of luck with your scholarship applications!