Close Menu
Scholars WorldScholars World
  • Home
  • Scholarships
    • Top Scholarships
    • High School Scholarships
    • Undergraduate Scholarships
    • Postgraduate Scholarships
      • Masters Scholarships
      • PhD Scholarships
    • Nigerian Scholarships
    • Internships
    • Fellowships
    • Competitions
    • Trainings
    • Grants
    • Other Opportunities
  • Scholarships by Country
    • African Scholarships
    • Asian Scholarships
    • Australian Scholarships
    • Canada Scholarships
    • European Scholarships
    • UK Scholarships
    • USA Scholarships
  • Scholarship Support
  • Government Programs
  • Graduate Trainees
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
What's Hot
FCMB AgriTech Investment Readiness Program

FCMB AgriTech Investment Readiness Program: ₦20m Grants

August 11, 2025
Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship

Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship 2025: Complete Application Guide

August 10, 2025
Discover Canada Cultural Exchange Program

Discover Canada Cultural Exchange Program Alberta 2026 (Free Accommodation, Transport, Meals)

August 10, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Telegram
Monday, August 11, 2025
Scholars WorldScholars World
Privacy Policy ABOUT SW
  • Home
  • Scholarships
    1. Top Scholarships
    2. High School Scholarships
    3. Undergraduate Scholarships
    4. Postgraduate Scholarships
    5. Masters Scholarships
    6. PhD Scholarships
    7. Nigerian Scholarships
    8. Internships
    9. Fellowships
    10. Competitions
    11. Trainings
    12. Grants
    13. Other Opportunities
    14. View All
    Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026

    Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026: Full Application Guide

    August 8, 2025
    Eastern Michigan University Scholarship

    Eastern Michigan University Scholarship in USA 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

    August 7, 2025
    Belgian Government ARES Scholarship

    ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026 (Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees/Continuing Education) | Fully Funded

    August 7, 2025
    Czech Republic Scholarship 2026

    Czech Government Scholarship 2026 For Developing Countries: Fully Funded Opportunity

    August 6, 2025
    Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

    The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship 2026: How To Apply

    August 5, 2025
    Christopher Kolade Foundation SHE Soars Scholarship

    Christopher Kolade Foundation (CKF) SHE Soars Scholarship 2025: Exciting Opportunity

    July 29, 2025
    KPMG Nigeria University Scholarship

    KPMG Nigeria University Scholarship 2025 Program: Fully Funded Opportunity

    June 19, 2025
    University of Western Cape MasterCard Scholarship

    University of Western Cape MasterCard Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

    June 15, 2025
    Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship

    Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship 2025: Complete Application Guide

    August 10, 2025
    Eastern Michigan University Scholarship

    Eastern Michigan University Scholarship in USA 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

    August 7, 2025
    Wigwe University Merit Scholarship

    Wigwe University Merit Scholarship 2025: Opportunity for Undergraduates

    August 7, 2025
    Digital Jewels DJ Cares Scholarship

    Digital Jewels Dj Cares Scholarship 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

    August 7, 2025
    Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026

    Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026: Full Application Guide

    August 8, 2025
    Belgian Government ARES Scholarship

    ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026 (Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees/Continuing Education) | Fully Funded

    August 7, 2025
    Czech Republic Scholarship 2026

    Czech Government Scholarship 2026 For Developing Countries: Fully Funded Opportunity

    August 6, 2025
    Chulaborn Graduate Institute International CGI Scholarship

    Chulaborn Graduate Institute CGI Scholarship in Thailand 2026: Fully Funded

    August 5, 2025
    Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026

    Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026: Full Application Guide

    August 8, 2025
    Belgian Government ARES Scholarship

    ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026 (Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees/Continuing Education) | Fully Funded

    August 7, 2025
    Czech Republic Scholarship 2026

    Czech Government Scholarship 2026 For Developing Countries: Fully Funded Opportunity

    August 6, 2025
    Mandela Institute MINDS Scholarship

    Mandela Institute MINDS Scholarship 2025 Program for Africans: Fully Funded Opportunity

    August 4, 2025
    Commonwealth University of Pretoria Scholarship

    Commonwealth University of Pretoria Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

    August 4, 2025
    ACU Vice Chancellor Excellence Scholarship (Australian Catholic University Scholarship)

    ACU Vice Chancellor Excellence Scholarship in Australia 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

    August 1, 2025
    Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026

    Rhodes West Africa Scholarship 2026 in UK at Oxford University: Fully Funded

    July 31, 2025
    Netherlands Government NL Scholarship

    Netherlands Government NL Scholarship 2026 for International Students (APPLY)

    July 23, 2025
    Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship

    Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship 2025: Complete Application Guide

    August 10, 2025
    Wigwe University Merit Scholarship

    Wigwe University Merit Scholarship 2025: Opportunity for Undergraduates

    August 7, 2025
    Digital Jewels DJ Cares Scholarship

    Digital Jewels Dj Cares Scholarship 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

    August 7, 2025
    Sunday Karimi Scholarship

    Sunday Karimi Scholarship 2025 & Bursary Program: Empowering Kogi State Students

    August 6, 2025
    AYM Shafa Energy Graduate Trainee Program

    AYM Shafa Energy Graduate Trainee Program 2025: Career Opportunity

    August 10, 2025
    How To Apply for KPMG Graduate Trainee 2026

    How To Apply for KPMG Graduate Trainee 2026 Nigeria: Complete Guide

    August 5, 2025
    KPMG Graduate Trainee Program

    KPMG Graduate Trainee 2026 For Nigerians: Career Opportunity

    August 5, 2025
    Chi Farms/Cormart Graduate Internship

    Cormart Graduate Trainee Program 2026 for Nigerians: Career Opportunity

    August 1, 2025
    Discover Canada Cultural Exchange Program

    Discover Canada Cultural Exchange Program Alberta 2026 (Free Accommodation, Transport, Meals)

    August 10, 2025
    Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship

    Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship 2026 in UK: Apply Now

    August 6, 2025
    Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Trust (QECT) Network

    Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Trust Network (QECT) for Young Leaders

    July 28, 2025
    Commonwealth Professional Fellowship

    Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

    July 28, 2025
    MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Competition

    MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Competition 2025 (₦40 million worth of Prizes)

    August 5, 2025
    African Development Bank In-country YouthADAPT Challenge

    African Development Bank In-country YouthADAPT Challenge 2025 (APPLY)

    August 1, 2025
    MTN Cloud Accelerator Program

    MTN Cloud Accelerator Program 2025 (₦100m Grants)

    July 12, 2025
    CIPM Essay Competition for Nigerians

    CIPM Essay Competition 2025 For Undergraduates: Full Application Guide

    June 12, 2025
    2024 Lafarge Skills Development Training Program

    Lafarge Skills Development Training Program (TSDP) 2025: Career Opportunity

    August 7, 2025
    Federal Government Creative Leap Acceleration Program (CLAP) 2025

    Federal Government Creative Leap Acceleration Program (CLAP) 2025: Full Application Guide

    August 6, 2025
    How To Apply for KPMG Graduate Trainee 2026

    How To Apply for KPMG Graduate Trainee 2026 Nigeria: Complete Guide

    August 5, 2025
    KPMG Graduate Trainee Program

    KPMG Graduate Trainee 2026 For Nigerians: Career Opportunity

    August 5, 2025
    Google Sustainable Development Program for Startup

    Google Sustainable Development Program for Startups 2025: Full Application Guide

    July 31, 2025
    Grooming Centre University Grant Scheme

    Grooming Centre University Grant Scheme 2025 For Nigerians: ₦20m Awards

    July 31, 2025
    Fidelity SME Empowerment Program (FSEP)

    Fidelity SME Empowerment Program (FSEP) 2025: Career Opportunity

    July 23, 2025
    Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy

    Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy 2025 | How To Apply

    July 18, 2025
    2024 EduStipend Laptop Initiative

    2024 Edustipend Laptop Support Initiative: Empowering Online Learning

    August 23, 2024
    Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship

    Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship 2025: Complete Application Guide

    August 10, 2025
    Discover Canada Cultural Exchange Program

    Discover Canada Cultural Exchange Program Alberta 2026 (Free Accommodation, Transport, Meals)

    August 10, 2025
    Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026

    Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026: Full Application Guide

    August 8, 2025
    Eastern Michigan University Scholarship

    Eastern Michigan University Scholarship in USA 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

    August 7, 2025
  • Scholarships by Country
    • African Scholarships
    • Asian Scholarships
    • Australian Scholarships
    • Canada Scholarships
    • European Scholarships
    • UK Scholarships
    • USA Scholarships
  • Scholarship Support
  • Government Programs
  • Graduate Trainees
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Scholars WorldScholars World
Home»Blog»Editorial: How to Write Winning Scholarship Essays in 2025
Blog

Editorial: How to Write Winning Scholarship Essays in 2025

SW AdminBy SW AdminNovember 23, 2024Updated:November 23, 2024
Facebook Twitter Telegram WhatsApp
How to Write Winning Scholarship Essays

Do you find it challenging to craft a winning scholarship essay?

As applications and entries for scholarships continue to rise in their tens and hundreds of thousands for a limited number of awards, scholarship hosts have resorted to using essays to as criteria for selecting their awardees and winners.

Get Realtime Updates from Scholars World on Google News (Follow us)

We have come up with the secrets ad tips of how to write winning scholarship essays in this article.

You will be able to confidently draft at least one scholarship essay if you read this post to the end.

Click to join our Whatsapp and Telegram groups to receive daily updates on admissions and institutions.
WhatsApp
  • Scholars World Scholarships 1
  • Scholars World Scholarships 2 
  • Scholars World WhatsApp Channel
Telegram
  • Scholars World Scholarships
  • Scholars World News Alerts

Scholarship Essays

The grades and CGPA are determining factors for winning a scholarship, but they do not do it all.

Scholarship essays give you the plain platter to be able to tell the selection committee about yourself, your motivation for applying, achievements, and in some cases how the scholarship will benefit your community.

Writing is an art that tells the extent to which you have read and understood a particular concept.

A good scholarship essay comes from a thoughtful mind, a reader, a problem-solver, and a researcher combined. This is why some companies and organizations resort to Essay Writing Contest instead of just reviewing academic transcripts, UTME scores, and admission letters.

Types of Scholarship Essays

As mentioned earlier, scholarship essays presents you the opportunity to sell yourself to the selection committee.

You are able to reveal your personality and character, and further explain what your academic CV, and transcript are unable to reveal. You can tell personal stories, experiences, and life goals. You are able to also give reasons for your low grades or GPA.

READ ALSO

 

How To Apply for KPMG Graduate Trainee 2026

How To Apply for KPMG Graduate Trainee 2026 Nigeria: Complete Guide

August 5, 2025
FG Announces New Date for CDCFIB Recruitment Portal into Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire & Immigration Services Board

FG Announces New Date for CDCFIB Recruitment Portal into Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire & Immigration Services Board

July 19, 2025
Productive Activities To Do During ASUU Strike

Productive Activities To Do During ASUU Strike

July 8, 2025
Effective and Smart Study Techniques For Students

Smart Study Techniques for Students: Effective at Any Level

June 18, 2025
FME TVET Initiative Program for Trainers

FME TVET Initiative Program 2025 for Trainers: ₦30,000 Stipend

June 5, 2025
2025 FME TVET Application Portal Login: Step-by-Step Guide

2025 FME TVET Application Portal Login: Step-by-Step Guide

June 2, 2025

Personal Statements

A personal statement is an essay of your person. It is a summary of your personal achievements, strengths, uniqueness, motivation, career goals, and accomplishments.

Usually between 500 and 1000 words in length, a personal statement is the essay form of your resume.

Usually, undergraduate scholarships can ask applicants to discuss “Why you should be awarded this scholarship”, while Masters and PhD scholarships require applicants to write a personal statement.

In both cases, you are to write about your passion for your chosen program, volunteering or work experiences, and academic background. Undergraduate students can include financial reasons on why they should be considered for the scholarship.

We have compiled a list of winning essays here for your perusal. Please note that they are only for your guide and not for you to plagiarise.

Sample Winning Essay 1

Sample Winning Essay 2

Sample Winning Essay 3

Check out these scholarship opportunities

Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026

Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026: Full Application Guide

August 8, 2025
Eastern Michigan University Scholarship

Eastern Michigan University Scholarship in USA 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

August 7, 2025
Belgian Government ARES Scholarship

ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026 (Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees/Continuing Education) | Fully Funded

August 7, 2025
Czech Republic Scholarship 2026

Czech Government Scholarship 2026 For Developing Countries: Fully Funded Opportunity

August 6, 2025
Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship 2026: How To Apply

August 5, 2025
Commonwealth University of Pretoria Scholarship

Commonwealth University of Pretoria Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

August 4, 2025

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

A statement of purpose is a detailed essay on your motivation for applying for a particular scholarship or program, as well as your suitability for it. 

A well-written SOP contains five to six paragraphs. The first paragraph is your motivation for applying for the program or scholarship. You can begin with a story, past experience, a related challenge faced by your country, or a cliché.

More scholarship opportunities for you

Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship

Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship 2025: Complete Application Guide

August 10, 2025
Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026

Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026: Full Application Guide

August 8, 2025
Eastern Michigan University Scholarship

Eastern Michigan University Scholarship in USA 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

August 7, 2025
Wigwe University Merit Scholarship

Wigwe University Merit Scholarship 2025: Opportunity for Undergraduates

August 7, 2025
Digital Jewels DJ Cares Scholarship

Digital Jewels Dj Cares Scholarship 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

August 7, 2025
Belgian Government ARES Scholarship

ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026 (Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees/Continuing Education) | Fully Funded

August 7, 2025

The second and third paragraph will outline your academic background (mention your bachelors degree and thesis if applying for a postgraduate scholarship), work and research experiences that make you a suitable applicant for the scholarship.

Here, you are expected to quantify, mention achievements, and what the experiences you have gathered instilled in you.

Your fourth paragraph is the paragraph for your volunteering, community service experiences. You are allowed to also mention your skills, leadership experience, and certifications in this paragraph.

Scholarship opportunities for Nigerians

Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship

Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship 2025: Complete Application Guide

August 10, 2025
Wigwe University Merit Scholarship

Wigwe University Merit Scholarship 2025: Opportunity for Undergraduates

August 7, 2025
Digital Jewels DJ Cares Scholarship

Digital Jewels Dj Cares Scholarship 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

August 7, 2025
Sunday Karimi Scholarship

Sunday Karimi Scholarship 2025 & Bursary Program: Empowering Kogi State Students

August 6, 2025
Female Scholars Foundation Scholarship (FSF)

Female Scholars Foundation Scholarship 2025 for Nigerians: Fully Funded Opportunity

August 6, 2025
Global Youth Foundation (GYF) Scholarship

Global Youth Foundation (GYF) Scholarship 2025/26 For Undergraduates

August 5, 2025

In the next two paragraphs, you are expected to pitch your research idea or interest (Postgraduate scholarship) or what you intend to use the scholarship for, and how it can catalyse the achievement of your goals as an undergraduate student.

You should also ensure that these goals are in alignment with those of the organizers of the scholarship.

Highlighting the unique features of the host country (for international scholarships), and your intention to use the scholarship to benefit your immediate community upon the completion of your program is very germane.

MasterCard Foundation Scholarships are usually very peculiar about these.

Sample Winning SOP 1

Sample Winning SOP 2

Sample Winning SOP 3

Sample Winning SOP 4

Get the latest Admission, UTME, Post UTME, and Scholarship alerts from Scholars World.

 

 

Essay Competitions

Many other scholarships hosts resort to essay contests as they enable them gather insights and information from different students on how certain national or economic problems can be solved.

In some cases, the challenges may be of those facing the host of the contest. 

Essay Competitions

MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Competition

MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Competition 2025 (₦40 million worth of Prizes)

August 5, 2025
African Development Bank In-country YouthADAPT Challenge

African Development Bank In-country YouthADAPT Challenge 2025 (APPLY)

August 1, 2025
MTN Cloud Accelerator Program

MTN Cloud Accelerator Program 2025 (₦100m Grants)

July 12, 2025
CIPM Essay Competition for Nigerians

CIPM Essay Competition 2025 For Undergraduates: Full Application Guide

June 12, 2025
Heirs Insurance Essay Championship Competition

Heirs Insurance Essay Championship 2025: How To Apply

May 27, 2025
Engineering Projects Exhibition (EPEX) for Undergraduate Students 2025

₦1.2m Engineering Projects Exhibition (EPEX) for Undergraduates 2025

April 28, 2025

Tips on how to write winning scholarship essays

  • Be sufficiently passionate about the topic/scholarship to be able to undergo the rigour of producing a winning essay, article, story or any written entry. 
  • Brainstorme and pen down the summary of your ideas on the topic before doing any research
  • Make sufficient research about the organizer, its activities, achievements, challenges and the objectives of the contest/scholarship 
  • Study the winning entries/ personal statements of past winners in at least the last 3 years (if available) 
  • Gather insights and information from several sources, and cite them as appropriate.
  • Draft out an outline for the content of each paragraph of your essay bearing in mind the the requirements such as word counts, font size, font family, paragraph spacing and required document format.
  • Edit and proofread your draft as many times as possible before you meet.
  • Take walks, cook, read books, visit the malls, if you need inspiration of what to pen down.

Common mistakes in Scholarship Essays

  • Procrastination: The draft of your essay should be written as often as you remember a point. Delaying your writing makes you rush to submit an unedited and unsatiafactory essay on deadline day.
  • Late submission: Scholarship essays are reviewed as soon as entries are trooping in, the earlier you submit, the higher your chances of winning.
  • Plagiarism and AI-Generated Essays: Hosts especially of international scholarships frown seriously at plagiarism and AI-generated contents. You easily get disqualified, and withdrawn if you are accidentally awarded.
  • Disjointed Thoughts and Paragraphs: Your paragraphs should follow a sequence, and should be easily comprehended. Paragraphs that are not congruent makes no meaning to the reader.
  • Not Editing or Proofreading: An unedited or un-proofread essay will most likely be filled with howlers. You will not be present to defend this.

For more updates on 2023 scholarships, Click HERE.

SHARE THIS POST

How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay
Share. Facebook Twitter Tumblr Telegram Email

Related Posts

How To Apply for KPMG Graduate Trainee 2026

How To Apply for KPMG Graduate Trainee 2026 Nigeria: Complete Guide

August 5, 2025
FG Announces New Date for CDCFIB Recruitment Portal into Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire & Immigration Services Board

FG Announces New Date for CDCFIB Recruitment Portal into Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire & Immigration Services Board

July 19, 2025
Productive Activities To Do During ASUU Strike

Productive Activities To Do During ASUU Strike

July 8, 2025
Search Here...
Google Search
Advertisement
Advertisement
TOP SCHOLARSHIPS
Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026

Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026: Full Application Guide

August 8, 2025
Eastern Michigan University Scholarship

Eastern Michigan University Scholarship in USA 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

August 7, 2025
Belgian Government ARES Scholarship

ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026 (Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees/Continuing Education) | Fully Funded

August 7, 2025
Czech Republic Scholarship 2026

Czech Government Scholarship 2026 For Developing Countries: Fully Funded Opportunity

August 6, 2025
Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship 2026: How To Apply

August 5, 2025
Commonwealth University of Pretoria Scholarship

Commonwealth University of Pretoria Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity

August 4, 2025
Load More
Advertisement
MUST READ
How To Apply for KPMG Graduate Trainee 2026

How To Apply for KPMG Graduate Trainee 2026 Nigeria: Complete Guide

August 5, 2025
FG Announces New Date for CDCFIB Recruitment Portal into Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire & Immigration Services Board

FG Announces New Date for CDCFIB Recruitment Portal into Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire & Immigration Services Board

July 19, 2025
Productive Activities To Do During ASUU Strike

Productive Activities To Do During ASUU Strike

July 8, 2025
Effective and Smart Study Techniques For Students

Smart Study Techniques for Students: Effective at Any Level

June 18, 2025
Load More
Scholars World
Scholars World

"At Scholars World, our mission is to empower prospective university students, undergraduates, and postgraduates by providing them with timely educational news and invaluable scholarship opportunities. We are dedicated to equipping individuals with the latest insights and information to make informed decisions about their academic journeys."
We're social. Connect with us:

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Telegram
Navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Undergraduate Scholarships
  • Postgraduate Scholarships
  • Internships
  • Fellowships
  • Competitions
  • Blog
Recent Posts
  • FCMB AgriTech Investment Readiness Program: ₦20m Grants
  • Olusegun Agagu Foundation Scholarship 2025: Complete Application Guide
  • Discover Canada Cultural Exchange Program Alberta 2026 (Free Accommodation, Transport, Meals)
  • AYM Shafa Energy Graduate Trainee Program 2025: Career Opportunity
  • Arizona State University MasterCard Scholarship USA 2026: Full Application Guide
  • Privacy Policy – Scholars World
  • Get In Touch
  • About Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Detected!
Ad Blocker Detected!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.