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How to Get Multiple Scholarships: Strategies for Success

Paying for higher education can be challenging, but multiple scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden. While getting even one scholarship is an achievement, securing multiple scholarships—local, national, or international—is not only possible but also a smart financial strategy. It requires planning, consistency, and a proactive mindset.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through practical steps and powerful strategies to win more than one scholarship, boost your chances, and maximize your financial aid potential.

1. Start Early and Plan Ahead

One of the golden rules of winning scholarships is to start early. Many prestigious scholarships open applications 6 to 12 months before the academic year begins.

Why early planning matters:

  • Gives you time to gather strong recommendation letters

  • Allows you to write compelling essays

  • Helps you meet early or rolling deadlines

  • Enables you to apply for both need-based and merit-based scholarships

Tip: Create a scholarship calendar with deadlines, eligibility, required documents, and status updates.

2. Cast a Wide Net – Apply Broadly

Don’t limit yourself to one or two scholarships. Apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for. There are thousands of awards offered by governments, universities, private organisations, and NGOs.

Types of scholarships you can mix and match:

  • Merit-based scholarships (academic, sports, arts)

  • Need-based financial aid

  • Program-specific scholarships (STEM, medicine, arts, etc.)

  • University-based scholarships

  • Country-specific or regional scholarships

  • Minority and gender-based scholarships

  • Private or corporate scholarships

Tip: Use scholarship portals like:

  • Scholarships.com

  • DAAD (Germany)

  • Commonwealth Scholarship Portal

  • Scholarship Positions

  • Fastweb

  • Chevening.org

  • Opportunities For Africans / For Youth / For Muslims, etc.

3. Craft Unique and Strong Application Materials

You’ll often reuse similar content (resume, personal statement), but don’t submit generic applications.

Make every application personal and specific.
Here’s how:

  • Tailor your personal statement to each scholarship’s theme and values

  • Highlight your achievements relevant to the scholarship goal

  • Use real-life experiences and future goals to stand out

  • Proofread and edit before submission

Pro Tip: Use a compelling opening in your essays. Show impact, don’t just list accomplishments.

4. Maintain a Strong Academic and Extracurricular Profile

Scholarship providers look for well-rounded individuals. So:

  • Keep your grades consistently high

  • Take part in community service, volunteering, or leadership roles

  • Build a portfolio if you’re applying for creative fields

  • Stay active in extracurriculars that align with your field of study

5. Get Powerful Recommendations

Recommendations can make or break your application. Choose referees who know you well and can write specific, strong, and sincere letters.

Tip: Give them your resume and scholarship details in advance so they can tailor their letter to fit the context.

6. Apply for Scholarships That Allow Stacking or Combination

Some scholarships prohibit combining funding, but many allow co-funding. Before applying, check:

  • Is the scholarship exclusive or can it be combined with others?

  • Will the funder reduce your award if you get another one?

Examples:

  • Some university-specific scholarships can be stacked with government-funded ones like Erasmus or Fulbright.

  • Private or departmental grants often complement tuition fee waivers.

7. Keep Track of Every Application

Use a spreadsheet or digital tracker to monitor:

  • Scholarships applied

  • Deadline

  • Status (submitted, pending, accepted)

  • Required documents

  • Result date

This keeps you organized, avoids missing deadlines, and helps you apply year after year.

8. Make Use of Guidance Counselors and Scholarship Advisers

Whether you're in high school, university, or applying internationally, always consult:

  • University international offices

  • School counselors

  • Scholarship coordinators

They often know less-advertised scholarships or local opportunities you might miss.

9. Master the Art of Rejection and Reapply

Even the best applicants face rejection. Don’t be discouraged. Many scholarships allow reapplication in the next cycle.

Learn from feedback, improve your essay, and try again.

10. Look Beyond Your Home Country

If you're willing to study abroad, your scholarship opportunities multiply. Countries like:

  • UK (Chevening, Commonwealth)

  • USA (Fulbright, Knight-Hennessy)

  • Germany (DAAD)

  • Japan (MEXT)

  • New Zealand and Australia (NZ Manaaki, Australia Awards)

…offer full scholarships covering tuition, living costs, and airfare.

Final Words: Be Strategic, Be Persistent

Securing multiple scholarships is about strategy, preparation, and persistence. With a mix of local, national, university, and international applications, many students have successfully reduced or eliminated tuition fees altogether.

Remember: Each application is a chance to tell your story, and every effort brings you closer to your dream education.