Introduction
Securing a postgraduate scholarship is a significant achievement that requires careful preparation and a well-crafted application. A critical component of this process is the scholarship letter, which serves as an opportunity to present your academic credentials, personal aspirations, and career goals to the selection committee. This guide provides 16 sample scholarship letters tailored for postgraduate execution, covering a wide range of scenarios and academic disciplines.
These examples are designed to demonstrate the key principles of writing an effective scholarship letter. Each letter is structured to highlight the applicant’s strengths, align their goals with the scholarship program, and convey genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Whether you’re applying for a master’s degree, PhD, or professional certification, these samples will serve as a valuable resource to guide your writing process.
Remember, the scholarship letter is often the first impression you make on the selection committee. By leveraging these examples, you can ensure your application stands out and demonstrates your readiness for postgraduate studies.
1. Academic Excellence Scholarship Letter
123 Maple Street
Springfield, IL 62704
United States of America
October 15, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
University of Illinois
1401 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Academic Excellence Scholarship for the upcoming academic year. As a high-achieving student with a GPA of 3.9/4.0 in my undergraduate studies, I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the academic community at the University of Illinois.
My academic record is complemented by my involvement in research projects and leadership roles within student organizations. I am particularly drawn to the university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research, which aligns perfectly with my career aspirations in data science.
I am eager to contribute to the university’s mission of fostering innovation and academic excellence. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to the university community.
Sincerely,
Emily J. Carter
2. Financial Need Scholarship Letter
456 Oak Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
United States of America
October 16, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
Northwestern University
633 Clark Street
Evanston, IL 60208
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Financial Need Scholarship to support my postgraduate studies in public health. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, I have faced numerous financial challenges throughout my academic journey.
Despite these challenges, I have maintained a GPA of 3.7/4.0 and actively participated in community service initiatives. My long-term goal is to address health disparities in underserved communities, and this scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve that goal.
I am deeply committed to giving back to my community and am eager to contribute to the university’s mission of fostering social responsibility. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
David M. Thompson
3. Merit-Based Scholarship Letter
789 Pine Road
Los Angeles, CA 90024
United States of America
October 17, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
University of California, Los Angeles
405 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the Merit-Based Scholarship for the MBA program at UCLA. With a undergraduate GPA of 3.8/4.0 and a GMAT score of 720, I am confident in my ability to excel in the program and contribute to the academic community.
My professional experience includes five years of leadership roles in the technology industry, where I successfully led cross-functional teams and drove innovation. I am particularly drawn to UCLA’s emphasis on entrepreneurial leadership, which aligns with my career aspirations.
I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to contribute to the university’s mission of fostering innovation and academic excellence. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Sarah L. Johnson
4. International Student Scholarship Letter
101 Maple Lane
Toronto, ON M5V 3L9
Canada
October 18, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
University of Toronto
27 King’s College Circle
Toronto, ON M5S 1A1
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the International Student Scholarship to support my postgraduate studies in environmental science. As an international student from Canada, I am eager to contribute to the university’s diverse academic community and bring a unique perspective to the program.
My academic record includes a GPA of 3.6/4.0 and participation in international research projects. I am particularly drawn to the university’s emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship, which aligns with my career aspirations in climate change research.
I am committed to contributing to the university’s mission of fostering global understanding and sustainability. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Michael T. Brown
5. Community Service Scholarship Letter
202 Oak Drive
Houston, TX 77030
United States of America
October 19, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
University of Houston
212 E. Cullen Building
Houston, TX 77204
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Community Service Scholarship to support my postgraduate studies in social work. My academic and professional journey has been driven by a deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations, particularly in the area of mental health advocacy.
My involvement in community service initiatives includes volunteering at local shelters and organizing awareness campaigns. I am eager to further my education and expand my impact through the university’s rigorous academic programs.
I am confident that the scholarship will enable me to continue my work in addressing social inequalities and promoting community well-being. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Jessica R. Wilson
6. Leadership Scholarship Letter
303 Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98101
United States of America
October 20, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
University of Washington
1410 NE Campus Parkway
Seattle, WA 98195
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the Leadership Scholarship for the MBA program at the University of Washington. As a seasoned professional with seven years of leadership experience, I am eager to further develop my skills and contribute to the academic community.
My leadership experience includes managing cross-functional teams and driving strategic initiatives in the technology industry. I am particularly drawn to the university’s emphasis on innovative leadership, which aligns with my career aspirations in entrepreneurship.
I am confident that the scholarship will enable me to leverage my experience and contribute to the university’s mission of fostering leadership excellence. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Smith
7. Research Scholarship Letter
404 Cedar Avenue
Boston, MA 02134
United States of America
October 21, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
Harvard University
1350 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Research Scholarship to support my postgraduate studies in biomedical engineering. My academic and professional journey has been driven by a passion for innovative research and its application in addressing global health challenges.
My research experience includes working on cutting-edge projects in medical device development and publishing papers in reputable scientific journals. I am particularly drawn to Harvard’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research, which aligns with my career aspirations in medical innovation.
I am eager to contribute to the university’s mission of advancing scientific knowledge and improving global health outcomes. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth M. Davis
8. Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Letter
505 Maple Court
Atlanta, GA 30307
United States of America
October 22, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
Georgia Institute of Technology
225 North Avenue NW
Atlanta, GA 30332
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship to support my postgraduate studies in computer science. As a member of an underrepresented group in STEM, I am committed to advocating for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
My academic record includes a GPA of 3.5/4.0 and active participation in diversity initiatives. I am particularly drawn to Georgia Tech’s emphasis on creating an inclusive academic environment, which aligns with my career aspirations in tech policy.
I am eager to contribute to the university’s mission of fostering diversity and inclusion. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Daniel S. Lee
9. Entrepreneurship Scholarship Letter
606 Oak Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701
United States of America
October 23, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
University of Texas at Austin
201 West 21st Street
Austin, TX 78712
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the Entrepreneurship Scholarship for the MBA program at the University of Texas at Austin. As a passionate entrepreneur with three years of startup experience, I am eager to further develop my skills and contribute to the academic community.
My entrepreneurial journey includes founding a successful tech startup and leading it to profitability within two years. I am particularly drawn to the university’s emphasis on entrepreneurial innovation, which aligns with my career aspirations in venture capital.
I am confident that the scholarship will enable me to leverage my experience and contribute to the university’s mission of fostering entrepreneurial spirit. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Sophia G. Martinez
10. Global Health Scholarship Letter
707 Pine Street
New York, NY 10001
United States of America
October 24, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
Columbia University
2960 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Global Health Scholarship to support my postgraduate studies in public health. My academic and professional journey has been driven by a commitment to addressing global health disparities, particularly in the area of infectious disease prevention.
My experience includes working with international health organizations and leading public health initiatives in developing countries. I am particularly drawn to Columbia’s emphasis on global health research, which aligns with my career aspirations in international health policy.
I am eager to contribute to the university’s mission of improving global health outcomes. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Olivia B. Green
11. STEM Scholarship Letter
808 Cedar Lane
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States of America
October 25, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
Stanford University
450 Serra Mall
Stanford, CA 94305
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the STEM Scholarship for the PhD program in computer science. As a passionate advocate for STEM education, I am committed to advancing innovation in the tech industry.
My academic record includes a GPA of 3.9/4.0 and participation in cutting-edge research projects. I am particularly drawn to Stanford’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research, which aligns with my career aspirations in artificial intelligence.
I am eager to contribute to the university’s mission of fostering innovation and academic excellence. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
William H. Brown
12. Creative Arts Scholarship Letter
909 Maple Avenue
Nashville, TN 37212
United States of America
October 26, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
Vanderbilt University
110 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37240
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Creative Arts Scholarship to support my postgraduate studies in fine arts. My academic and professional journey has been driven by a passion for creative expression and its impact on cultural development.
My artistic work has been featured in local galleries and exhibitions, and I have taught art workshops in underserved communities. I am particularly drawn to Vanderbilt’s emphasis on fostering creativity and cultural engagement, which aligns with my career aspirations in art education.
I am eager to contribute to the university’s mission of promoting artistic excellence and community engagement. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Ava E. White
13. Environmental Studies Scholarship Letter
1010 Oak Road
Portland, OR 97201
United States of America
October 27, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
Portland State University
724 SW Harrison Street
Portland, OR 97201
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the Environmental Studies Scholarship for the master’s program. As a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, I am committed to addressing the global environmental challenges we face today.
My academic record includes a GPA of 3.8/4.0 and active participation in environmental conservation initiatives. I am particularly drawn to Portland State University’s emphasis on sustainability and community engagement, which aligns with my career aspirations in environmental policy.
I am eager to contribute to the university’s mission of fostering environmental stewardship and sustainability. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Liam C. Adams
14. Business Leadership Scholarship Letter
1111 Pine Street
Dallas, TX 75201
United States of America
October 28, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
Southern Methodist University
6425 Boaz Lane
Dallas, TX 75205
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Business Leadership Scholarship for the MBA program at Southern Methodist University. As a seasoned professional with eight years of leadership experience, I am eager to further develop my skills and contribute to the academic community.
My professional journey includes leading cross-functional teams and driving strategic initiatives in the finance industry. I am particularly drawn to the university’s emphasis on entrepreneurial leadership, which aligns with my career aspirations in venture capital.
I am confident that the scholarship will enable me to leverage my experience and contribute to the university’s mission of fostering business excellence. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Noah J. Wilson
15. Social Justice Scholarship Letter
1212 Maple Lane
Baltimore, MD 21201
United States of America
October 29, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
Johns Hopkins University
3400 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Social Justice Scholarship to support my postgraduate studies in public policy. My academic and professional journey has been driven by a commitment to addressing social inequalities and promoting human rights.
My experience includes working with non-profit organizations and advocating for policy changes at the state level. I am particularly drawn to Johns Hopkins University’s emphasis on social responsibility, which aligns with my career aspirations in human rights advocacy.
I am eager to contribute to the university’s mission of fostering social justice and human dignity. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Charlotte D. Moore
16. Global Business Scholarship Letter
1313 Oak Avenue
Miami, FL 33101
United States of America
October 30, 2023
The Scholarship Committee
University of Miami
1320 S. Dixie Highway
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the Global Business Scholarship for the MBA program at the University of Miami. As a professional with six years of experience in international business, I am eager to further develop my global business acumen and contribute to the academic community.
My professional journey includes managing international trade operations and leading cross-cultural teams. I am particularly drawn to the university’s emphasis on global business strategies, which aligns with my career aspirations in international trade.
I am confident that the scholarship will enable me to leverage my experience and contribute to the university’s mission of fostering global business excellence. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Sophia L. Garcia
Conclusion
These 16 sample scholarship letters demonstrate the key principles of writing an effective postgraduate scholarship application. Each letter is tailored to highlight the applicant’s unique strengths, align their goals with the scholarship program, and convey a genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. By studying these examples, you can gain valuable insights into crafting a compelling scholarship letter that stands out to the selection committee.