The United Kingdom is home to some of the most old universities in the world. They have fascinating histories and it is only a marvel that they have developed themselves according to the modern scenarios. At least once or twice a year, these universities reserve a portion of their seats for international students, especially Indians. Unfortunately, many deserving Indian students are not able to enjoy the taste of studying in the UK because of their inability to afford the high tuition fees demanded by universities/colleges. The UK too has recognized this problem and has introduced a good number of financial aids in the form of scholarships to help them. To make sure that random students without any notable passion for their studies do not get their hands on it, the universities demand a statement of purpose written by the students. In this SOP the students highlight the problems they are facing because of financial hardships. They have to elaborate on their wish to complete their studies and it is only through a scholarship that their academic dreams can come true.
Significance of a UK Scholarship for Indian Students
India has its own unique history with the United Kingdom. Both countries are dependent upon each other for trade, education, tourism, business, and politics. UK too addresses the fact that education is the right of everybody who wants to learn and should not always come at a price that the majority of people cannot afford. For different income classes, they have hundreds of scholarships that give relief either on some part of the fees, half part, or even full scholarships. Law, Human Resources, Psychology, Literature, Mass Communication, Business, etc. are some of the many popular courses for which Indian students prefer the UK as their study abroad destination. When students in these fields excel in their respective careers it is a win-win situation for both countries. The student’s justification given while asking for a scholarship and love toward their academic field are intertwined. Only a genuine intent keeping both these points in mind can convince the authorities to approve your scholarship.
What is an SOP for Scholarship
An SOP for a UK scholarship is different than SOPs written to the universities or visa officials. There is only one motive for writing this SOP which is to get yourself approved for the scholarship program in which you have expressed your interest. Students have to write a detailed report on their financial strength in India or the current issues that make it difficult for them to bear the burden of their tuition fees. The prescribed word limit for an SOP for a UK scholarship is between 800-1000 words. However, if a student is confident in explaining their point of view in one or one-and-half pages also, then that length is also acceptable. However, students who are not good at writing the SOP on their own tend to seek Professional Help from companies offering SOP Writing Services.
Main points to include in your SOP for the UK Scholarship
Introduce yourself-Give your introduction as you start writing your SOP in a conversational yet formal tone. You can briefly mention where you were born and brought up along with the course that you have applied for in the UK. Straightaway let the reader know that you are applying for a scholarship that can help you with your education. It is preferred that you write about the takeaway that you expect after completing your education.
Why this course from the UK– You can build a straightforward storyline about how you developed an interest in your choice of course. There can be moments with family members, teachers, or peers that influence your mind and heart to study or know about something. With carefully crafted words, you should be able to show that you have formed a connection in your field of education, and pursuing a degree from the United Kingdom will only let you stronghold your grip with advanced knowledge of your respective subjects.
Emphasize meaningful skills- Besides your formal course of education, your SOP will be evaluated based on skills that you are aware of. For example, a computer science student can reinstate that they can smoothly use programming applications. Soft skills such as proficiency in language, communication, emotional intelligence, unity in family/company, etc. can be written about too. However, Students who are writing their SOP for a UK scholarship should remember that this is not a course or visa SOP. The skills that you write about should align with either your course interest or the reason for your scholarship demand.
Describe your passions- Students should avoid blandly writing that they have an interest in some course. All your statements in your scholarship SOP should be based on your experiences or learnings. If a student is passionate about their subject then they must describe how this passion came into being and what are the reasons for which they think that a degree/diploma in this field will be the right choice.
Purpose of applying for a scholarship– Your purpose for requesting for a scholarship is the main point in your SOP. The reasons that you state should be valid in the academic field. It has been observed that students often apply for UK educational scholarships because they want resources to explore a new land or wish to leave their own country. Such negatively motivated applicants are rejected without a second thought. Genuine candidates who understand the value of scholarships from UK universities should avoid any such mockery and instead write about how a scholarship can help them excel in their future and what are the current scenarios that make it difficult for them to pay their tuition fees.
Name your scholarship- The UK offers a wide range of scholarships for international students from around the world. Students should research about scholarships that are most popular among Indian students and what are the chances of availing them. It is crucial to write its name, the time period for which it is valid, and the benefits that you hope to receive once it is granted.
Thumbs up from Professionals– If you have completed the arduous task of writing your SOP for a UK scholarship and are ready to submit it to the university, you should consider contacting SOP writing services which can get your document checked by their writers. You can request their input and preferred changes that can make your SOP stand out from other applicants. If you are an Indian student who has recently come across the term SOP, then you might face some complications while writing your own statement. Since studying in the United Kingdom is once in a lifetime opportunity for many Indian students, you should contact professional SOP writers who are experienced in writing such documents.
Some scholarships provided by the UK to Indian Students
Other than education UK has very high living and maintenance costs. Students who arrange for their tuition fees struggle to find resources for their hostel stay. Some scholarships that help you pay your tuition fees will also give you the funds required for living in the country. Although every student should do their own research about scholarships that suit them best, here are some of the popular ones for Indian students-
GREAT scholarships– Students who have completed their graduation can apply for this scholarship. The minimum amount this aid will provide you is 10,000 pounds for your one-year master’s course. This is a joint initiative between the UK government and the British Council for eligible students who are willing to promote the GREAT scholarships in the future.
Rhodes Scholarship– The Rhodes Scholarship is specific to the University of Oxford in England. It is preferred that students have studied in any recognized Indian Institute for at least four years. Students with the highest grades have better chances of receiving the scholarship amount that depends on their needs. Rhodes covers your visa and travel expenses also.
International Postgraduate Part Fee Scholarship– The University of Westminster can give you a one-time relaxation of 3000 pounds on your tuition fees. This offer is limited to postgraduate students only and covers some specific courses. Students should go through the university’s website to find out if their course is covered by this scholarship. The amount can only be used to submit your fees and does not include accommodation, health, or travel expenses.
Chevening Scholarships- This scholarship promotes students from diverse backgrounds and helps them fulfill their visions for a better future. Student need to submit their references and unconditional admission letter from the university while applying. Only those students can seek benefit from this scholarship who wish to pursue a 1-year master’s course.
Commonwealth Scholarships- Since India comes under the commonwealth countries, Indian postgraduate and PhD students can apply for this. Allowances will be given for maintenance, tuition fees, and travel expenditures. There are no specific eligibility requirements other than an undergraduate degree. Students get a stipend every month which they can use accordingly.
The above-mentioned scholarships are only some popular ones from which the students can benefit. Students should contact their universities and research other stipends and grants that are valid with your course.
University SOP/ Scholarship SOP
There are simple but critical differences between the SOP addressed to the university for admission and the SOP which is written for a scholarship request. A course SOP has more content regarding personal, professional, and academic background in comparison to the scholarship SOP whose single objective is to have a convincing tone that gets the scholarship approved. The former can have an upper word limit of up to 1200 words while the latter must stay between 3000 and 4000 characters.
Points to be careful about in your SOP for UK scholarship
- The UK is stringent with its laws and policies. It will deal harshly with students who try to con them through their scholarships.
- Universities prefer the use of standard English for all their official matters. Students must avoid the use of difficult words or archaic language.
- Although you have to present your ‘reasons for scholarship’ strongly, avoid twists and turns of events or fabricating situations.
- Do not show over-sentimentality through your words so that it looks fake and false. You can write the truth without using emotionally strong words.
- Copy-pasting from the internet or friends should be avoided at all costs. Such SOPs are very easy to detect and are instantly rejected.
- Some students write their SOP for UK scholarships without any research. If you do not write the name of the scholarship that you want to get, it will be difficult for the university to give you any.
- If you have any evidence of your poor financial worth, you can write in your SOP that you have attached valid proof such as a health report, or family income, taxes, etc.
- If you have written your own SOP or hired a professional SOP writer, lay extra emphasis on proofreading your document before final submission.
Sample SOP for UK Scholarship
I consider myself blessed that today my family’s hard work toward my education has made me capable enough to qualify for the scholarship program of King’s College London. While living in India, I could never have imagined that my passion for pursuing law would one day give me the chance to complete my graduation from one of the most admired Law colleges in the world that have made the career of so many famous law personalities.
I spent my life until now in New Delhi where I live with my grandparents and parents. Being the only child in the family I was showered with unconditional love and care. My grandfather is a retired cook from the Delhi High Court and my father took up the same job in the same place. Therefore, I can say that all my childhood and teenage life were spent hearing stories about interesting cases and famous people/politicians who visited the courts. After finishing my 10th grade with a 9 GPA, it was time to choose my subjects for high school. Considering my excellent results, all my teachers advised me to take up the science stream. But I had already made up my mind about studying political science and choosing law in the future. My dream was set. I want to become a lawyer and be a part of my country’s justice system.
During my high school years, I knew that I had to develop my skills and study well. I took part in all the debates, essay writing, and mock court drills that gave me a slight idea about what a profession in law would be like. My prowess over words and professional argument skills won me more than 20 awards from inter-school and state-level competitions. They are my prized possessions and also the biggest motivation to become a lawyer like the one my father and grandfather have seen in the courts.
Unfortunately, this dream of mine is facing a hurdle as we do not have sufficient funds to afford my degree from Kings College London. My grandparents have health ailments due to old age and a good portion of my father’s income goes into their medicines and nutritious food requirements. My mother has been a housewife all her life and looks after the family’s needs. Our savings are not large enough to support my fees and stay in London. Therefore, I have applied for the HSBC India scholarship that will grant me 25,000 GBP. This amount will cover my tuition fees, book expenses, airfare, and settling cost. Being an Indian citizen who is under 25 years of age, I am eligible to apply for this scholarship. I am hopeful that my excellent academic grades will work in my favor as I hope to pursue my passion of the Law.
One of my favorite quotes from Thomas Aquinas is “Law is an ordinance of reason for the common good, made by him who has care for the community”. I abide by this thought as I have been taught by my parents that the best offering to god can be done only when we serve other people and look after their needs. I hope to help people get justice in the future and use my education in the best manner possible.
Sincerely
XYZ
Conclusion
Universities and colleges in the United Kingdom have seen a 63% rise in the number of Indian students applying for graduate, post-graduate, and doctorate degrees. In comparison to this percentage, only a handful of candidates can get hold of an appropriate scholarship that eases their tension. A student’s SOP for a UK scholarship is an easy yet complicated part of this process. However, for students who can get guidance from professional SOP writing services, their chances of receiving scholarships increase in comparison to other under-researched SOPs. You must contact professional SOP writers within time and not at the last moment as the UK is very particular about deadlines. Each student is a different case and it can not be predicted how much cross-checking of SOPs is required for a particular student. Getting to study in the United Kingdom can be life-changing for Indian students. Their hard work coupled with standard education from UK universities will almost guarantee success that is extra-ordinary in all aspects.
We, at Contentholic, have been assisting students with the SOP for the UK for the past 13 years. Our SOP Writers in Delhi are experienced with what information to put in the SOP by extracting the relevant information from the student’s profile. For our best SOP writing services in Delhi, we have been awarded and covered by many media companies. Therefore, give us a call and get a scholarship to study in the United Kingdom.
