Application advice
Tips on filling in application forms
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Use the check list if one is provided to ensure you have completed all of the requirements
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If a list of documents is requested; supply the documents in the order in which they are requested
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Type your application if possible
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If you are handwriting your application, use the same style of writing and pen throughout the application in neat, legible handwriting
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Only provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV) if this is requested. If a CV is not requested it will not benefit your application
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Do not provide original documents. Please ensure that they are certified copies
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Complete all the sections of the application form
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Do not bind or staple your application
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Date and sign the privacy provisions
Research the scholarship you are applying for
Make sure you get as much information about the scholarship as possible. It is perfectly acceptable to write, call or email the provider of the scholarship to ensure you have full details of application procedures and what will be expected of the successful applicant.
If the scholarship entails a particular project, find out the full objectives and intended methodology of the project. If the scholarship is being funded by a private enterprise, gather as much information as you can about the company, its philosophy and its goals.
Most UC scholarships require that you have ‘admission’ into the university
Also check to ensure that you meet any eligibility restrictions, such as gender, age, nationality, indigenous or other special group and only apply if you definitely match the eligibility criteria.
See International Students (Scholarships for you page)
Apply for each scholarship separately
Do not use the same application to apply for two separate scholarships. Each scholarship will have its own particular requirements and if you use a previous application you may miss addressing vital and particular criteria of the new scholarship.
Late applications are not accepted
Where a Canterbury closing date is listed applications must be received at the Scholarships office by 5.00 pm, on that day. If a Canterbury closing date falls on a weekend or a Public holiday, applications will be accepted until 5.00pm on the next working day.
Your referees are very important
Your referees are very important. Make sure they know which scholarships you have listed them as a referee in. Ensure they are the appropriate people to provide the kind of information about you that the selection committee will need to know. For example, if they need to know about your research capabilities, ensure the referee you provide has supervised your research work before or has some other knowledge of your capabilities. Provide your referee with some background on the scholarship you are applying for.
Keep in contact and read all correspondence
Provide accurate and current contact details (include an email address if possible) and make sure you or a nominated person responds to an offer of a scholarship. Sometimes successful scholarships are lost because candidates do not respond to the offer letter in sufficient time because their address is wrong or they are on holiday and the scholarship is then offered to another candidate.
