Being invited to a scholarship interview is exciting, but it can also feel pretty overwhelming – after all, there could be thousands of dollars on the line! But with some preparation and practice, you can walk into that interview feeling confident and ready to show them why you’re the perfect candidate. In this blog, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks to help you nail your scholarship interview.
Why do some scholarships have interviews?
Scholarship interviews help the selection panel get to know you beyond what’s on paper. They want to see your personality, understand your goals, and figure out if you’re a good fit for their program. Think of it as your chance to bring your application to life.
Not all scholarships will require you to attend an interview – they’re typically more common for very prestigious scholarships or those that come with work experience opportunities.
How to prepare for your scholarship interview
The key to a successful scholarship interview is preparation, so here are some tips to help you get ready for the big day.
Do your homework
Before you even step into the interview room, make sure you know what the scholarship is all about and who’s offering it. Understanding their values and what they’re looking for in candidates will help you present yourself as the ideal choice.
Take some time to research how much the scholarship is worth and what it covers too – this shows you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity.
Get your achievements ready
Make a list of things you’re proud of, including academic achievements, leadership roles, and times you’ve overcome challenges. Having specific examples ready makes it easier to answer questions about your experiences and skills. Remember to think about how these achievements relate to what the scholarship provider is looking for.
Practice common questions
During the interview, you can definitely expect to be asked questions by the interviewers that will help them decide what makes you stand out from other candidates. Here are some questions that often come up in scholarship interviews:
- Why do you want this scholarship?
- What are your educational and career goals?
- How will this scholarship help you achieve these goals?
- What makes you stand out from other candidates?
- Can you tell us about a time you showed leadership/overcame a challenge?
Try practicing your answers with family or friends – the more you practice, the more natural your responses will feel.
Tips for interview day
You’ve done all the preparation, and now it’s time for the interview itself. Here are some key things to remember to help you make a great impression.
Look the part
First impressions count – dress professionally but comfortably. You don’t need to wear a suit, but avoid anything too casual like jeans or sandals.
Show confidence (even if you’re nervous)
It’s totally normal to feel nervous, but there are ways to appear confident. Make eye contact, smile, and sit up straight. Remember to speak clearly and listen carefully to questions before answering. The interview panel isn’t trying to trip you up – they just want to get to know you better.
Have questions ready
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview (if you’re given the opportunity). You could ask about what a typical day looks like for a scholarship recipient, or what special opportunities might be available. This shows you’re interested and engaged with the program.
After the interview
Send a thank you email to your interviewers and follow up if you haven’t heard back within their stated time-frame. Most importantly, stay positive – if you don’t get this one, there are always more opportunities out there.
Want to know more?
You can find more scholarship tips and opportunities on our website, or check out our other blogs about study.