6 reliable notes you need to secure a scholarship

You don't necessarily have to get straight As!

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, academic achievement, special talents, interests, or qualities, or other criteria defined by the sponsoring organization or donor. Some scholarships are also awarded on the basis of need.

Scholarships provide much needed financial aid, as well as a certain degree of prestige, for the student honoree and are gifts that don't need to be repaid.

Read about the Malaysian celebrity who received a scholarship to study overseas!

Here are 6 things you need to know before even attempting to apply for a scholarship:

1. Know why you're doing this

Education is essential, but it can also be financially daunting. Even though public universities may offer what seems to be practically free education, there are still matters such as accommodation, food, transportation and even basic hygiene purchases to consider!

2. Know what you want

It is best practice to have a long term plan in terms of career and the life you want to lead after graduation. Scholarship providers usually look for the motivation and drive in you to ensure that you will be not only employable but also really good at what you do.

3. Know where you're going

Some courses are not available in local public universities, which leaves you with no choice but to study them in private institutions or overseas. Some private colleges offer better employment opportunities as they have close ties to the industry you want to work in. Private institutions may also offer scholarships of their own!

4. Know when to apply

Based on your current education qualification, there are seasons wherein scholarships are abundant. If you are SPM/STPM leaver, we encourage you to start your scholarship search and application within January-April as most major sponsors (Maybank, Petronas, Khazanah, Sime Darby, etc) will be available then. Some scholarships are only available after you enrol in the institution and some might even require you to finish first year.

5. Know what to do

Do your research and always read the fine print carefully:

• Is the scholarship provider trustworthy?
• Do they require you to submit a CV?
• What are the terms and conditions?
• Does it require you to study at a specific uni?
• Does it require you to study a specific subject?
• Is it a full or partial scholarship?
• Will there be an interview?
• Do you need to fill an online form or print it and submit by hand or post?
• When is the deadline?

6. Know who you are

...and believe in yourself. That is the main key to success.

You don't necessarily have to be a straight A student to get a scholarship. There are many scholarships out there for students of a certain type, so start thinking of your own demographics. For example: scholarships for women, athletes, minority ethnic groups, etc.

READ ALSO: 8 things you should know about student loans and The 4 most popular education loans with Malaysian undergraduates

Keep an eye out for new scholarships updated daily!