A scholarship eligibility checklist can save you an evening of writing for an award you can’t receive. Start with the current official call. Copy each mandatory rule into a short table, note the proof you would need, then give yourself one of three decisions: apply, check one unresolved point, or move on.
Use the checklist before requesting references or paying for translations. It works for a single scholarship or for comparing a shortlist where the rules look similar at first glance.
On this page Copy the checklist · Make the decision · See a worked example
Copy this scholarship eligibility checklist
Copy the table into a spreadsheet or a note. Use the exact wording from the provider when a rule hinges on phrases like “at the time of application” or “by the start of the programme.” Put the link beside the rule so you can find it again.
| Check | What to write down | Evidence or next step |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship and residence | Eligible countries and any separate residence rule | Passport, national ID or accepted residence evidence |
| Degree and academic standing | Degree level, minimum grade and the date by which you must qualify | Transcript, degree certificate or provider-approved equivalency |
| Course and intake | Approved course, university and start term | Official award list and the exact course listing |
| Prior study or funding | Restrictions on previous degrees, awards, overseas study or employment | A dated record of previous study and funding |
| Application and documents | Required portal, language test, references, translations and who submits each item | Named owner and expected date for each document |
| Deadlines | Scholarship, admission and reference deadlines with time zones | Local time and a calendar reminder |
| Affordability | Covered costs, costs you would pay and when funds are available | Personal budget and a question for the provider if a cost is unclear |
Separate eligibility from competitiveness
Treat a clearly worded minimum as a pass or fail. A required bachelor’s degree is different from a preference for applicants with volunteering experience. On a first pass, highlight words such as “must” and “required.” Record preferences in a separate column so you can assess whether the application deserves your time after checking the minimums.
- Apply. You meet every mandatory rule and can assemble the evidence by the deadline. Start with the slowest item, often a transcript or reference.
- Check. You can’t tell whether your degree, citizenship status or planned course meets a rule. Send one specific question to the programme or admissions team and give yourself a date to decide.
- Move on. An official rule clearly excludes you, or a required document cannot arrive on time. Keep your notes for a better-fitting award.
Keep budget and logistics on the same sheet, even when they are outside formal eligibility. An award may cover tuition while leaving a deposit, translation or travel cost due before funds arrive. Check the guide to scholarship funding coverage before committing money.
Worked example: two deadlines for one award
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships rules require candidates to apply for an approved UK master’s course and secure admission in addition to submitting the scholarship application. Record the scholarship deadline in one row. Add a separate row for the course deadline, copied from the university. You still need to meet both if you pass the citizenship and academic checks.
ETH Zurich’s autumn master’s application dates illustrate another common trap. The university lists different application windows depending on the bachelor’s degree. The scholarship has its own first-window rule. Check the funding page as well as the admissions page before deciding which deadline applies to you.
Questions that come up before applying
What if I graduate after the application deadline?
Look for the date by which the degree must be awarded. If the provider accepts final-year applicants, follow its instructions for current transcripts or provisional evidence. If the page only lists a degree requirement, ask admissions whether your expected graduation date is acceptable.
Can I convert my own grades?
Use the provider’s published equivalency guidance where it exists. Record the grade as it appears on your transcript and use the conversion method the provider asks for. Send the admissions team your qualification name and grading scale if the rule still leaves room for doubt.
What should I do first after a decision to apply?
Start with anything you need from someone else. Request the transcript or reference, confirm who uploads it and set a follow-up date. The recommendation letter request guide includes an email you can adapt.
