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Applying to every scholarship you find may seem like a good idea, but it often wastes time and energy. A better approach is to apply to just a few scholarships that fit you well. This can improve your chances of winning an award.
This advice follows the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 Rule. In scholarship applications, it means you should focus on the 20% of available scholarships that will give you an 80% chance of success.
Here is an example to make it clear.
You are an African, particularly a Nigerian, looking for a scholarship for a Masters in Development Studies in Germany. After searching, you find 10 scholarships open to Africans for study in Germany.
Based on the advice above, you would concentrate on applying to 2-3 scholarships that offer you higher chances of success. The question then is: how do you choose which scholarships to apply for?
You can answer this by considering the following criteria:
1. Among the 10 scholarships, which ones are specifically targeted to Nigerians?
2. Among the 10, which ones match your qualifications?
3. Among the 10, which ones prioritize the study programme you are applying for?
The ideal scholarship is one that is targeted specifically to Nigerians, whose eligibility requirements match your qualifications, and if possible, whose priority programs include Masters in Development Studies or related programs.
Applying to a scholarship that matches your citizenship, qualifications, and interests generally gives you better chances. Also, applying to only a few scholarships gives you more time to write a strong scholarship application letter, complete all requirements, and submit on time.
This advice is not a rule; you are free to apply to more scholarships if you think it will increase your chances. The main point is to make sure you apply for scholarships that are matched to you, not just any scholarship that comes along.
Browse through our categories to find scholarships that are best matched to you!