One of the first things you should do is look around for schools, organizations, and foundations that have sponsorship programs. Sometimes, even affluent individuals spend their own money to sponsor students to go to school. Look into their student sponsorship programs, and determine which of these fit your needs best. Some programs can pay for your tuition, some even give an additional stipend, others can even offer student-housing provisions. Once you have narrowed down your list, find out as much as you can about the application process, the eligibility, and the requirements
Student sponsorship programs hold some criteria for eligibility for their applicants, such as age and a certain educational degree. One important criterion is that the student is really in need of financial assistance, as sponsorships are created to give deserving opportunities to those who are less fortunate. In this case, you may need to prove your financial eligibility by showing recent income or bank statements of your parents, or proof of disability or unemployment.
Another important criterion in all student sponsorship programs is an excellent academic record, to ensure the sponsors that their investment in the student will be used wisely and will not be wasted. For this reason, you should strive to maintain a high grade point average (GPA), or get an even higher one than what you already have. Some student sponsorship programs focus on the grades obtained in specific subjects such as English, mathematics, and science, so make sure you are working towards an “A+.” You should also show some proof of your academic excellence by presenting a verified copy of your grades, and sometimes even a recommendation letter from a previous teacher or the principal. In some cases, the sponsor may also require you to submit a recent academic essay or paper.
If you are applying for a student sponsorship abroad, it might be best to put some documents in order, such as an unexpired or renewed passport and a student visa. Some sponsorship programs require you to submit these documents during the application process. Other documents you need to submit may also include a form of identification, birth certificate, and proof of good moral conduct. You may even want to submit a cover letter that includes your intention, your goals, and other related achievements and good qualities. This adds a personal touch that a sponsor can positively respond to.
A few student sponsorship programs tend to be very selective and make examinations and interviews a part of the application process. This means you have to prepare by reviewing your lessons and run through some possible questions that may be asked during the interview. Remember: sponsors want students who not only have excellent grades, but also students who are excellent communicators and have the potential to be a future leader.
