By: Massah Esther Nyally Bockarie
What to do while waiting for a job: 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀
Applying for international scholarships can be daunting. There are essays to be completed (na ya boku man kin nack raka and pull hand), achievements to be listed, and recommendations from the lecturers whose contacts you may have lost. The process can last for an hour, a day, or months in other instances.
The Requirement of Division 1, 2.1 or better also disqualifies a chunk of us 
We Salone lecturers nor kin consider these way em the gie we F.
We Salone lecturers nor kin consider these way em the gie we F.
Those with academic qualification are often required to state their leadership track (winks.. Here comes the volunteering bit). However, there are scholarships that don’t require any of these 
Meeting all the requirements and making time for the essays and interviews doesn’t always guarantee one a place.
There can be disappointments, as these opportunities are highly competitive. Students from Latin America, East Europe, Asia and in other parts of Africa as well as hosting countries are also competing with us.
Nonetheless, getting a scholarship is a life changing opportunity. The opportunity to visit another country, learn new things, network with others, and come back to a high-paying job is fulfilling.
Most international masters without scholarships cost anywhere from $100- $50,000. Clearly, there is nothing to lose by applying while waiting on a job.
There are a plethora of sites that host scholarship opportunities for African students like ourselves; Opportunitydesk.org is one such site. After School Africa and Masterportals used to be my favorite sites during my scholarship searching days. It’s advisable to sign up to these sites and others… You can keep track of scholarships posted on the websites via email once you sign up.
Also, research colleges and sign up to their college admission email list. Updates on applications, financial aid and scholarships are also sent to email directly. Some websites may publish such information almost to the deadline date.
Having all your documents(results, acceptance letters, proof of English proficiency) scanned beforehand. Don’t wait until someone ask you to apply for a particular scholarship to get these intact.
My good friend has plans to write different types of statements beforehand. This makes complete sense. Most people get writer’s block when they have to do last minute writing. Writing prior allows for second readings and editing. You can later do slight changes to fit the questions asked by the particular university.
My friend,Phoday Justice Jah is currently pursuing his Masters’s in Turkey, via scholarship. His Youtube channel; https://youtube.com/channel/UChcobUmB98SKTH2kiVqNSTw is also a great help for those who may want to apply for a scholarship.
Melvin Sharty does a similar work on his YouTube channel.
Can’t wait for the book?
Let me know what had been some of the struggles, you have had in applying for a scholarship.
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