No matter what type of scholarship you’re applying for, your cover letter is your opportunity to tell your unique story.
Think of your cover letter as your secret weapon, highlighting your academic accomplishments, personal growth, and unwavering passion for learning to scholarship committees.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to showcase your unique skills, experiences, and aspirations and help outline why you’re the ideal candidate for the scholarship you’re applying for.
2 September 2022
Kia ora Mrs. Allen
My name is Joshua Kepa, Dux of Palmerston North Boys' High School's Class of 2022, and I am writing to express my keen interest in the Pei Te Hurunui Jones Scholarship at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). I aspire to channel my academic excellence and passion for promoting positive community health outcomes into a career in Physiotherapy, and I believe AUT provides the ideal environment for me to achieve this goal.
My journey towards physiotherapy began not in a classroom, but on the rugby field. As captain of the First XV, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of injuries on my teammates. Witnessing their resilience and determination throughout their rehabilitation ignited a spark within me; and a desire to understand the intricate workings of the human body and to help others regain their mobility and quality of life.
This experience fueled my academic pursuits, driving me to excel in biology, physics, and health science. Achieving Dux at Palmerston North Boys' High School was a testament to my commitment to academic excellence and my unwavering drive to succeed.
I believe that my achievements extend beyond the classroom. As a volunteer at Manaaki Health, I have had the privilege of observing physiotherapists in action, gaining invaluable insights into their daily practice and their profound impact on their patients' lives. This experience solidified my decision to pursue physiotherapy as a career. AUT's Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) program is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, emphasis on clinical practice, and commitment to research and innovation. I believe that this program will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become a highly competent and compassionate physiotherapist.
Furthermore, AUT's vibrant and diverse campus community provides a rich environment for personal and professional growth. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, share ideas, and learn from each other's experiences.
I am confident that my academic achievements, passion for physiotherapy, and commitment to community service make me an ideal candidate for this scholarship. I am eager to embark on this exciting journey at AUT and to contribute to the field of physiotherapy in Aotearoa.
Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my NCEA transcripts and CV for your review. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and aspirations in more detail.
Ngā mihi nui,
Joshua Kepa
Sections of a scholarship cover letter
Your scholarship cover letter should outline your academic journey and highlight your dedication, accomplishments, and aspirations.
To create a compelling cover letter, include the following sections:
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Cover letter header: Include the date, full name and contact information.
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Greeting: Address the scholarship committee with a formal, professional greeting. This can help highlight your initiative and attention to detail.
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Introduction: Your opening should capture the reader's attention and highlight your academic passion and any significant, relevant achievements.
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Body paragraphs: Elaborate on your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and any relevant work experience.
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Conclusion: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the scholarship, express gratitude for the opportunity, and convey your commitment to making the most of it.
- Signature: Close your cover letter with a formal farewell, your full name, and any relevant academic titles or honours.
It’s best to limit your cover letter to one page. Focus on the experiences and achievements that best demonstrate your leadership skills, community engagement, and commitment to making a positive impact.
By keeping your cover letter concise, you respect the reader's time and ensure that your most compelling qualities are easily identifiable and memorable, leaving a positive and lasting impression.
Discover our diverse collection of cover letter examples from other academic and career development professionals:
Still need some more guidance? Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter!
Introduction of a scholarship cover letter
Begin your cover letter by highlighting a significant academic accomplishment that demonstrates your dedication and potential.
For example, you could share a story about overcoming a challenging research project, achieving exceptional grades in a rigorous course, or presenting your work at a national conference.
Quantify your success where possible, mentioning your NCEA results, class rank, or any awards or recognition you've received.
Dear Mrs. Poole,
Growing up in a rural Māori community, I witnessed firsthand the health disparities faced by Māori. This experience ignited my passion for health and motivated me to pursue a degree in Medicine at Otago University. As a volunteer at the local marae health clinic, I helped organise a community health fair that provided free screenings and education to over 200 residents. This experience solidified my commitment to addressing healthcare inequities. The Pei Te Hurunui scholarship would provide me with the resources and support I need to become a rural GP, advocating for and serving the health needs of Māori and other marginalised communities in New Zealand.
Dear Kataraina,
I am applying for this scholarship because I have always been a high achiever. I got NCEA Level 3 with Excellence and have received numerous awards. I believe that I deserve this scholarship because I am hardworking and intelligent.
Use a clear and concise writing style to articulate your goals and aspirations, demonstrating how this scholarship will empower you to achieve them.
Remember, a confident and well-structured introduction can set the tone for a successful scholarship application.
2 September 2022
Kia ora Mrs. Allen,
My name is Joshua Kepa, Dux of Palmerston North Boys' High School's Class of 2022, and I am writing to express my keen interest in the Pei Te Hurunui Jones Scholarship at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). I aspire to channel my academic excellence and passion for promoting positive community health outcomes into a career in Physiotherapy, and I believe AUT provides the ideal environment for me to achieve this goal.
Scholarship cover letter body
In the body of your cover letter, follow a clear structure to showcase your academic journey and potential as a scholarship candidate:
- Highlight any significant academic achievements
- Demonstrate your passion for learning and enthusiasm for your chosen field of study
- Explain how this scholarship will help you achieve your academic and career goals
- Reiterate your gratitude for the scholarship opportunity and express your eagerness to discuss your qualifications further
First body paragraph: your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
Showcase your academic excellence and commitment to personal growth by including the following in your first body paragraph:
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Achievements: Quantify your success with metrics such as NCEA endorsements, relevant coursework, research projects, publications or awards received.
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Leadership experience: Share specific examples of how you've demonstrated leadership skills, such as organising school events, mentoring younger students, or captaining a sports team.
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Community involvement: Highlight any volunteer work, community service, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact on your community.
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Academic projects and research: Detail any outstanding research projects or presentations you've completed, emphasising the skills you developed and the knowledge you gained.
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Relevant skills: Showcase any skills or experiences that align with the scholarship's focus, such as technical skills or artistic talent.
- Passion for learning: Share personal anecdotes or experiences that illustrate your love of learning, your intellectual curiosity, and your commitment to academic excellence.
Go beyond simply listing your accomplishments! Highlight your journey, the challenges you've overcome, and the experiences that have shaped your aspirations.
Share anecdotes highlighting your passion for learning, commitment to the community, and vision for the future. This personal touch will help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate why you deserve the scholarship.
Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the organisation
In the second body paragraph of your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the scholarship, its values and mission, and highlight the aspects that resonate with your academic and professional goals.
For example, candidates applying for a Fullbright scholarship could scan the Fulbright New Zealand website and program materials to understand the scholarship's aims and values, such as its emphasis on cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and academic excellence.
Fulbright New Zealand’s values include:
- Commitment to cross-cultural exchange and engagement
- Promoting mutual understanding between nations
- Supporting individuals who demonstrate leadership in their community
- Creating a global network of scholars and professionals who can collaborate and address global challenges.
By understanding and aligning yourself with these values, you can demonstrate to the Fulbright selection committee that you are not only a qualified researcher or scholar but also a promising cultural ambassador who embodies the spirit of the Fulbright Program.
For example:
“During my undergraduate studies at the University of Auckland, I consistently achieved Dean's List honours while majoring in Marine Biology. My passion for marine conservation led me to conduct an independent research project investigating the impact of microplastics on New Zealand's coastal ecosystems.
This research sparked my interest in pursuing a Master's degree in Environmental Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The Fulbright scholarship would enable me to delve deeper into this critical research area and contribute to international efforts to address plastic pollution in our oceans.”
Call to action & conclusion: an effective ending
Conclude your cover letter by reaffirming your eagerness to discuss how your dedication to learning, research experience, and academic accomplishments can contribute to the success of the scholarship program.
Don’t forget to express your sincere gratitude for the committee's time and consideration to help leave a positive impression, and choose a professional and polite sign-off.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for the AUT Young Leavers scholarship. I am confident that this scholarship will empower me to achieve my goals and make a meaningful contribution to society. Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
Matt Henderson”
Key Takeaways
Elevate your scholarship application with a personalised cover letter that tells your unique story and demonstrates your commitment to making a difference.
Start building your scholarship cover letter with our professional cover letter builder. Creating a powerful scholarship application that aligns with your academic goals has never been easier!
