UCL undergraduate scholarship

Ive recently realised UCL is giving out scholarships for international students.

At first I thought its something like the ivy league financial aid. But the fact they give only 23 of these every year, and academic merit is considered, suggests this is more like a scholarship than a financial aid.

For those of you who got the scholarship, how did you get it? Any tips and advice for getting the scholarship?

Reply 1

MeFamile

Securing a scholarship at UCL, especially for international students, is a significant achievement given the competitive nature of these awards. Here’s a breakdown of strategies and advice to strengthen your application:
Understand the Scholarship Criteria
UCL scholarships are highly competitive, often awarded based on a combination of academic merit, personal achievements, and a compelling application. Take the time to carefully review the eligibility requirements and selection criteria outlined for the specific scholarship you're applying for.

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Academic Merit: Ensure your grades and academic achievements stand out. Scholarships like these are often given to students with exceptional academic performance. Highlight awards, distinctions, or outstanding projects you’ve worked on.

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Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement that reflects your aspirations, how the scholarship aligns with your goals, and why you are an ideal candidate. Include specific examples of your achievements and future ambitions.

Tailor Your Application
Focus on showcasing qualities that align with UCL’s values and the objectives of the scholarship. Here are some points to consider:

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Impact: Demonstrate how you plan to contribute to your field of study and society at large. If you’ve participated in volunteer work, community service, or impactful projects, be sure to emphasize those experiences.

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Leadership: Highlight any leadership roles, extracurricular activities, or initiatives where you’ve taken the lead.

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Global Perspective: As an international applicant, showcasing how your background and experiences can bring diversity and a unique perspective to UCL can be a key advantage.

Perfect Your Supporting Documents
Your application should include all required documents, and they should be error-free and impactful:

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Academic References: Obtain glowing references from teachers or mentors who can vouch for your capabilities and character. Make sure they understand the scholarship's importance and tailor their recommendation accordingly.

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Resume/CV: Keep it concise but highlight accomplishments, relevant skills, internships, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your all-around capabilities.

Prepare for the Numbers Game
As you mentioned, only about 23 scholarships are awarded each year, meaning competition is fierce. Here’s how to stand out:

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Be Genuine: Avoid generic or overly rehearsed applications. Your passion, sincerity, and individuality should come across strongly.

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Additional Achievements: If you have awards, unique projects, or international exposure, emphasize them.

Final Tips from Previous Applicants

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Early Preparation: Start preparing your application well in advance to avoid last-minute errors and ensure every component is polished.

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Seek Feedback: Have your personal statement and application reviewed by mentors, teachers, or someone experienced in scholarship applications.

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Apply for Multiple Opportunities: UCL may have other scholarships you qualify for, so don’t limit yourself to just one application.

Take the Next Step
While academic merit plays a significant role, UCL is also looking for students who will make an impact, both during their time at the university and beyond. Your application is your opportunity to tell your story, so make it memorable, authentic, and compelling.
If anyone else reading this has successfully secured a UCL scholarship, feel free to share your tips and insights—every bit of advice counts. Best of luck with your application!