I am Daisy (Dai Shunying), currently studying for a Masters in Fintech at the University of Exeter, and I would like to share my experience of receiving a Global Excellence Scholarship. My experience may enhance your confidence and help you get a scholarship too.

When I applied for the scholarship, I had little confidence that I would actually receive it. I knew the competition was tough, and I couldn’t help but doubt whether my application would stand out among the many other deserving candidates, especially when I made the decision to take the Pre-sessional English class at the University of Exeter’s INTO centre and give up the IELTS English language qualification. My agency didn’t provide me with information on the scholarship and discouraged me from trying. I spent countless hours working on my personal statement, gathering recommendation letters, and completing all the necessary paperwork. But even with all that effort, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it might not be enough.

I vividly remember the moment I found out I had been awarded the scholarship. I was on a train to my home, scrolling through my emails, not expecting much. When I saw the subject line that began with “Congratulations,” I had to reread it several times before it truly sank in. A wave of disbelief and excitement washed over me. It was hard to contain my happiness, especially in the noise of the train, but inside, I felt like I was glowing. I called my mother and couldn’t wait a minute to share the good news with her.

This moment marked a huge turning point for me, not only financially but also in terms of self-belief. Receiving the scholarship was a reminder that hard work and persistence do pay off, even when doubt creeps in.  Exeter had verified my experience and academic performance, and therefore made me believe I could  do well in further study. The encouragement of getting the scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies and take full advantage of the opportunities at university with lower stress of financial burdens.

Why I applied for a scholarship: because it’s there.

George Mallory, the famous British mountaineer, once replied “Because it’s there,” when asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest. My answer is similar but in a different context. I don’t want to miss out on opportunities. A scholarship can provide you with many benefits, so it seems there is no reason to reject it.

University life has always been a priority for me. I firmly believe that the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained through university are invaluable, shaping not just careers but personal growth and long-term aspirations. Most importantly, as students, we have more chances to make mistakes, to take on different challenges, and to find support from professors. That is one of the reasons why I left work and returned to university. However, with the rising costs of tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, the financial burden of pursuing higher education was daunting. Since I have become independent from my family, the tuition fees have almost depleted the savings I’ve accumulated from work. The scholarship has greatly alleviated my financial burden. Although my family can provide support, I felt reluctant to ask for money from my nearly retired parents. I might have given up on getting a Master if I hadn’t worked beforehand, due to shyness and uncertainty, but I have been able to overcome these challenges and do what I believe I should do after gaining work experience.

The application process: my personal experience

Applying for a scholarship can feel overwhelming at first. The thought of competing with other talented individuals can be intimidating, but the process itself was quite manageable once I broke it down into stages.

1. Researching Scholarships: Begin by researching available scholarships that align with your academic goals, field of study, or other criteria. Use online databases, university websites, and community resources to find potential opportunities. The University of Exeter’s website shows all scholarship and bursaries information clearly.

2. Eligibility Assessment: Carefully read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure you meet the requirements. This may include academic achievement, financial need, extracurricular activities, or specific demographic characteristics.

3. Gathering Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and financial statements. Ensure these documents are up to date and accurately reflect your qualifications.

5. Writing the Essay: Following the guidelines, your application essay is an opportunity to consider your long-term goals, the impact you want to make on campus, and the reasons for choosing your subject. Additionally, reflect on your background, identify your skills, and determine how your experiences have influenced you the most.

6. Requesting Letters of Recommendation: Approach teachers, mentors, or employers who can speak to your abilities and character. Provide them with a deadline and any specific points you would like them to address in their letters.

7. Submitting the Application and waiting: Ensure that your application is complete and submitted before the deadline. Double-check all documents and the demands carefully.  

By carefully navigating the scholarship application process and thinking strategically about the future, you can increase your chances of success and ensure that the scholarship has a meaningful impact on your life and career.

The benefits of receiving a scholarship: far more than money

I applied for a scholarship to alleviate financial pressure and boost my confidence in pursuing academic and career goals. The financial support from the scholarship covered a significant portion of my tuition fees, enabling me to use my personal savings for other essential expenses like accommodation, textbooks, and daily living costs. This allowed me to fully focus on my studies and participate in school activities without burdening my family financially. While my family is not in poverty, the scholarship provided significant support for me. Scholarships can be life-changing for students from lower-income families, making it a valuable opportunity not to be rejected.

For me, my scholarship was  more than just financial relief; it was a validation of my hard work and potential. Being recognised for my achievements and potential through the scholarship selection process boosted my confidence and motivation to push myself further in academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Reflecting on my past experiences during the scholarship application process was transformative. It allowed me to appreciate my growth, resilience, and the lessons I’ve learned. This introspection has significantly shaped my current life on campus, making me more proactive in seizing opportunities and becoming more comfortable sharing my thoughts and contributing to discussions.

Receiving the scholarship also motivated me to take part in various activities, part-time jobs, and student organisations. I now feel more confident in expressing myself in academic and social settings, and I have also become more proactive in contributing to the University community as a Student Ambassador. I hope to help more students and become an outstanding alumnus, not only to realise my value but also to be a key part of a significant network for graduated students.

Moreover, the scholarship will enable me to network with like-minded individuals and industry leaders, fostering valuable connections and opening doors for future collaborations. Overall, the scholarship has changed my life not only in financial aspects but also in attitude. It has been a powerful reminder that reflecting on the past can help create a stronger and more focused future.

The glass front of the Forum building
The Forum, Streatham Campus

Don’t be afraid to apply: some tips help you succeed

Scholarships and bursaries are available for students from all walks of life, with different talents, experiences, and financial situations. Here are some tips:

1. Don’t be afraid and do it by yourself: If you go through an agency, they might prevent you from applying for the scholarship because it’s not included in their services. Don’t believe their demoralising remarks. They may not have experience with scholarships and worry about failure. Even if you feel you have no strength or confidence to succeed, push yourself to prepare for it. Just like job hunting, applying for scholarships is competitive, and you never know if you will succeed, but the experience is valuable for your career. It’s also a good chance to reflect on your path.

2. Start early: Begin researching scholarships as early as possible. Many scholarships have deadlines well before the academic year begins, so give yourself plenty of time to gather documents and craft strong applications.

3. Meet the criteria carefully: Tailor your application to match the specific criteria of each scholarship. Highlight the aspects of your background that align with what the scholarship is looking for, whether it’s academic excellence, leadership, or community service.

4. Seek help: Don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Talk to professors, friends, managers, and the University’s financial aid office. They can provide invaluable advice and help you understand the application process. You can also ask them to proofread your application.

5. Emphasise your strengths: Scholarships are not just about academic excellence. Find your strengths, and don’t underestimate the value of your unique experiences and contributions, such as voluntary work, clubs, work experiences, community service, or leadership positions.

6. Stay persistent: Scholarship applications can be competitive, so apply to multiple opportunities and don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed with your first application. Keep refining your applications and learning from any feedback you receive.

7. Personalise your Personal Statement: Make your personal statement stand out by focusing on your unique experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Use this opportunity to showcase your personal growth, why you need the scholarship, and how you plan to use the opportunity to further your goals. For example, in my case, I emphasise my Fintech major, experience with digital transformation, and contributions I had made to the smart city IoT project I had worked on.

8. Use STAR structure: Use the “STAR” structure (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to highlight your advantages and experiences. Include specific examples of your achievements, academic success, and leadership roles. Show not only what you’ve done, but also the impact of your actions. Quantify your achievements where possible.

9. Proofread and revise: Review your application carefully to ensure it’s clear and free of mistakes. You may want to use AI tools like Grammarly to help with proofreading.

10. Show financial need (if applicable): If the scholarship considers financial need, be honest and clear about your situation. Demonstrating genuine need can significantly improve your chances if that’s part of the selection criteria.

11. Use AI for edits, not the core application: Your unique story and feelings add authenticity to your application that AI cannot create for you. If you throw the criteria to AI to deal with them, the answers would be general and boring. Such a statement cannot lead you to success. ChatGPT is great for grammar checks or refining the language you use and can help you improve the language in your application if you are not a native speaker. You can ask it to shorten sentences or make your writing more concise. However, you should be the one to craft the main content because no AI can replace your personal voice and passion.

Receiving a scholarship to study at the University of Exeter has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has given me the financial freedom to focus on my studies, enhance my confidence and belief, and connect with inspiring individuals. If you’re considering applying for a scholarship or bursary, I encourage you to go for it. Take the time to research your options, think carefully about your career and academic life, be persistent in your applications, and believe in your potential. The opportunities that await you are well worth the effort.