Best way to get a scholarship in Botswana.

The process of getting a scholarship in Botswana is one that combines strategic planning, preparation and endurance. Millions of students globally are dreaming of financing their education by means of the scholarships both locally and internationally every year. However, a small percentage make it through not because other individuals are incompetent but because they have not taken the time to learn what scholarship givers are after and how they can best market themselves as being the perfect applicant. The country of Botswana has a number of opportunities to offer to the bright minds, as the country is characterized by investment in the human capital and education. The trick is to know where to find, how to make ready and tell your story in the most impressive manner.

Winning any scholarship in Botswana will require the first move to be acquainted with the terrain of opportunities. The country has diverse sources of scholarships, among them being the Government of Botswana, the University of Botswana, the foreign embassies, and the international organizations. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs are sponsored by the Government, via the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, locally as well as in other countries. The University of Botswana with its foundation also provides merit and need scholarships to excellent students. In addition to national schemes, advanced studies are funded by a number of embassies like the British High Commission, Japanese Embassy and the German DAAD program to fund Botswana citizens. Being aware of these opportunities and the time frame in which they can be utilized is a great privilege to an applicant.

When the landscape has been cleared, it is time to find out about scholarships that can match the background and ambitions. One of the mistakes made by many applicants is to submit an application to all the available opportunities in case one of them may succeed. Such a practice usually contributes to ineffective and unconcentrated applications. Rather, an effective applicant is supposed to research the eligibility requirements, areas of study where he or she wants to study and vision of the sponsoring entity. An example here is that government bursaries generally support programs that will directly benefit the national development requirements including education, health, and technology. Scholarships provided by the international institutions, such as Chevening or DAAD, can focus on leadership, community, or global associations. The knowledge of what each program cherishes enables you to shape your application to such values.

A powerful application is developed way before the deadline of the scholarship. It begins by developing an academic and personal history which demonstrates potential and intent. Good academic performance is one of the best measures of scholarships in Botswana. But, grades aside, committees are also seeking applicants with leadership potential, community involvement and career focus. Involving oneself in voluntary activity, student groups, or social projects is one of the ways to show the interest in the development of the society. Even the simplest of projects such as mentoring younger learners or starting a clean up in the community can present a great story of accountability and initiative.

The most important section in a scholarship application is the personal statement or motivation letter. This is the place when the story of an applicant comes to life. It is a chance not only to describe what you have accomplished, but also why you have made the specific decisions you have and how your education will help your community, or country. A great statement must include a personal drive or struggle that influenced your objectives, but must connect it to your selected major, and lastly relate it to the general developmental objectives in the country or the society. In the case of a student who wants to study environmental science, a student may start by explaining how frequent droughts influenced his or her community, and then proceed to explain how research on sustainable water management would be used to find permanent solutions. Authenticity is essential, and panels understand easily counterfeit or fake assertions.

The supporting documents like recommendation letters, academic transcripts and curriculum vitae are equally important. The applicants are expected to seek the reference of individuals that have a good understanding of their skills and personalities, which can be lecturers, supervisors or mentors. What the applicant has already written, academic capability, leadership, and growth commitment, should be reinforced in these letters. When writing a transcript, one should make sure that it is certified and properly presented because half-baked documents can make one be disqualified.

The need to meet deadlines and adhere to instructions excusably cannot be underestimated. Several applicants are denied not due to their unsuitability but due to technical inattentions e.g. the lack of pages, non-validated copies or their lateness. All the scholarship programs contain certain requirements as to the formatting, submission method, and timeframes. To make sure that all materials are prepared in time, it is better to develop a personal checklist and a calendar.

Besides academic preparation, networking and mentorship are also important. Information sessions, workshops and career fairs are also common in many universities and embassies in Botswana where potential applicants can get to know directly with the administrators of the scholarships and former recipients. A talk to alumni who have been awarded similar scholarship will provide a first hand experience on what selection committees are looking into. These interactions also instil confidence and offer great tips on how to make it through an interview or written test.

Another chance of impressing is with interviews where necessary. In this case, the emphasis is laid on the personal traits, rather than on the written accomplishments. The applicants are supposed to be ready to talk about their educational purposes, difficulties and the possible change of their studies. It assists in practicing responses and being calm and clear in ideas. Aspiration, heart, and explicitness tend to capture successful applicants at the expense of the rest.

The last and least evident ingredient in winning a scholarship is probably persistence. There are numerous winners who did not succeed during the first attempt. The rejections need not deter but also correct the subsequent application. Every experience has its lesson to learn, to do better the next time, be it in writing, time, and presentation. With time, consistency, flexibility, and being self aware will lead to the achievement of the goal in the long run.

Finally, getting a scholarship in Botswana is not merely the financial part, it is the development, the vision and the purpose. Scholarships are the investments of institution and governments in people whom they consider will be a great contribution to the society. Thus, no applicant can just show the academic potential but a definite vision of the impact on the community and country. When opportunity comes it is because of preparation coupled with purpose and persistence. Education in Botswana still breeds talent and with the proper attitude; any pupil can be part of such success story.