10 Scholarship CV Tips to Stand Out and Secure Funding

10 Scholarship CV Tips to Stand Out and Secure Funding

A well-crafted scholarship CV can be the key to securing a scholarship and making a strong first impression on selection committees. Whether you’re applying for an academic, merit-based, or need-based scholarship, your scholarship CV must highlight your achievements, skills, and aspirations in a compelling way. In a post shared by an X user, he talks about how your CV is a strategic highlight reel.

CV Tip: Tailor Your CV for Scholarships

When applying for scholarships, your CV isn’t just a list of jobs.

It’s a strategic highlight reel. That means:

Remove:

— Saheed Kolawole (@temabef) March 20, 2025

Here are 10 essential tips to help your scholarship CV shine:

1. Tailor Your CV to the Scholarship

Avoid a generic CV. Carefully read the scholarship requirements and tailor your CV to emphasise relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Align your content with what the selection committee is looking for.

Job experiences that don’t support your academic journey (e.g., unrelated retail or hospitality jobs, unless they show leadership or responsibility).

Outdated high school achievements (unless very significant).

— Saheed Kolawole (@temabef) March 20, 2025

2. Keep It Concise and Well-Structured

Your CV should be clear, easy to read, and no longer than two pages. Use well-defined headings, bullet points, and a professional font to ensure readability.

3. Start with a Strong Personal Statement

Begin with a short personal statement that summarises who you are, your academic background, career aspirations, and why you’re a strong candidate for the scholarship. Make it engaging and specific to the scholarship.

4. Highlight Academic Achievements

Scholarship committees want to see your academic excellence. List your qualifications, grades, relevant coursework, awards, and distinctions in reverse chronological order.

5. Showcase Leadership and Extracurricular Activities

Beyond academics, your involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, volunteer work, and community engagement can set you apart. Demonstrating initiative and teamwork adds weight to your application.

✅ Add or Emphasize:

-Research projects (even if informal or class-based)
-Volunteering and community impact
-Leadership roles in school, organizations, or online communities
-Any awards, fellowships, or shortlisting

— Saheed Kolawole (@temabef) March 20, 2025

6. Emphasise Research and Work Experience

If applicable, mention internships, part-time jobs, research projects, or publications that align with your field of study. Highlight how these experiences have prepared you for your academic and career goals.

7. Use Action Words and Quantifiable Results

Use strong action verbs such as “led,” “achieved,” “initiated,” and “developed.” Where possible, quantify your accomplishments (e.g., “Organised a charity event that raised $5,000 for underprivileged students”).

8. Include Relevant Skills

Mention skills that align with the scholarship’s focus. These may include language proficiency, technical skills, research abilities, or problem-solving capabilities. Keep them relevant and well-structured.

9. Proofread and Format Professionally

Grammatical errors and poor formatting can diminish your credibility. Proofread multiple times, or ask someone to review your CV. Ensure consistent formatting, proper spacing, and professional layout.

10. Attach Strong References

If the scholarship requires references, choose credible referees—such as professors, mentors, or employers—who can vouch for your skills and potential. Ensure they are informed about your application and can provide a strong recommendation.

Final Thoughts

A scholarship CV isn’t just a document; it’s your chance to tell your story, showcase your strengths, and prove why you deserve financial support. Following these tips increases your chances of standing out and securing that coveted scholarship. Take the time to craft a CV that truly represents your potential, and you’ll be well on your way to success!