If you’re an Indian student thinking about studying in the UK, you should know that you might be eligible to apply for a scholarship, this blog is here to help you understand just what that scholarship is and how to give your best shot at being awarded one.

The University of Portsmouth has five scholarships available each year to students from India. Each scholarship is worth a £5000 discount towards your tuition fees and is offered in partnership with the British Council.

One of our students from India, Glady, had this to say about her experience here at the University of Portsmouth and how the GREAT scholarship helped her:

“The GREAT Scholarship has helped pay towards my tuition fees, which was particularly helpful in year one when I was settling into life in the UK and learning how to manage my budget. Gaining the scholarship has also helped with my confidence and it is definitely key in making my first-year experience very memorable.” – Glady Jennifer Munigety

So, how do I get a scholarship?

To find out the more intricate details of how to apply and whether or not you’re eligible, please go here.  When you apply for a GREAT scholarship, you’ll be asked to provide a 500-word statement, this statement is the key to getting that scholarship and it’s the primary thing you’ll be judged on when you apply.

We asked the people who judge your applications for what they want to see, and they’ve given us some key pointers for writing a quality statement.

1. Be concise
   Ensure that your statement sticks to the 500-word limit, it can be less or more than 500 words but we don’t advise any more than 50 words either way. Keep your sentences clear and to the point, meandering stories will not be appreciated.
    
2. What makes you an interesting student?
   Answer this question, explain what makes you a unique and interesting student. What new angle or perspective can you bring to the university and your studies? Explain your passions and hobbies, how they provide you with skills that you can’t get studying, and how those skills can be brought across to the university and course you want to study.
    
3. Why do you want to study that course?
   Explain the reasons why you want to study your chosen course. Everyone who applied for that course has their reasons - why are you different? Can you make a difference somewhere with that degree?
    
4. Avoid stories, quotes, and cliches
   Stay away from incredibly long stories or quotes from famous people. Try and be as original as possible in your statement to really show off who you are.
    
5. Get your statement proof read!
   The last tip here, but probably the most important, get someone to read over your statement. In fact, get several people to read it over. the more the better. If you know anyone who has had to write personal statements before, get them to read it through too. Be ready to accept any criticism and adjust your statement accordingly.
   
   And finally, good luck!