Scholarships abroad: 8 mistakes that get applications rejected
Late applications, untranslated documents, generic motivation letters… The most common mistakes made by Cameroonian applicants, and how to avoid them.
Published on
- Host country
- International
Scholarships from the Cameroonian government (cooperation agreements published by the Ministry of Higher Education), embassies, foundations and foreign universities receive far more applications than they have places. A single mistake is often enough to rule a file out. Here are the most common ones.
1. Applying at the last minute
Passport, certified transcripts, recommendation letters, translations: it often takes one to two months to gather everything. Note the deadline as soon as the call is published (on Minajobs Education, a countdown is shown on every scholarship).
2. Not checking eligibility
Maximum age, nationality, level of study, field, minimum grades, work experience: re-read every criterion. An ineligible file is not even read.
3. Forgetting to translate documents
Many universities require documents in English (or the language of the country) by a certified translator. Plan for the time and the cost.
4. Overlooking the language test
IELTS, TOEFL, DELF/DALF, German tests… Check whether a test is required, the expected score and when to sit it so the result arrives in time.
5. Sending a generic motivation letter
The panel wants to know why this programme, this country and what you will do when you return. A letter copied from the internet is spotted immediately. See our guide to the scholarship motivation letter.
6. Picking weak referees
A lecturer who knows you well is better than a senior official who writes three generic lines. Ask your referees early and give them your CV.
7. Leaving inconsistencies
Different dates on your CV and certificates, a name spelt differently from your passport: these details cast doubt on the whole file. Check the exact spelling of your name everywhere.
8. Paying a middleman
Real scholarships are not “sold”. Any fees (application, language test, visa) are paid directly to the official body. Be wary of anyone promising a guaranteed scholarship in exchange for money.
Browse open calls in the Scholarships section and filter by host country.
Never send money to a stranger for an exam or a scholarship: official fees are paid at the bank or office named in the official notice.