One of the most important parts of many international scholarship applications is the Study Plan. It gives selection committees insight into your academic goals, motivation, and how you plan to use your studies for personal and national development.
Whether you're applying for a fully funded scholarship in the USA, UK, Canada, China, or Europe, knowing how to craft a compelling study plan could be the key to winning the award.
🔍 What is a Study Plan?
A Study Plan (sometimes called a Study Proposal or Statement of Purpose) is a short essay—usually between 500 to 1,000 words—where you describe:
-
Why you chose the course/program
-
Your academic and career goals
-
Why you chose the country/university
-
How your studies will benefit your community or country
✍️ How to Structure Your Study Plan
Here’s a simple and effective format:
1. Introduction
-
State who you are (your name, background, and current academic or professional level)
-
Briefly mention your goals and the program you’re applying for
🔹 Example:
My name is Aminata Kamara, a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Sierra Leone. I am applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Finance at the University of Toronto, with the goal of becoming a financial consultant for underserved rural businesses in West Africa.
2. Academic Background
-
Share your educational history and achievements
-
Highlight courses, research, or experiences that prepared you for this program
🔹 Example:
During my undergraduate studies, I maintained a 3.8 GPA and completed a final-year thesis on microfinance models for rural women in Sierra Leone. I also interned at a local bank, gaining hands-on experience in financial reporting and SME analysis.
3. Reasons for Choosing This Program and Country
-
Why did you choose this specific course?
-
Why this university and country?
-
Mention faculty, rankings, curriculum, research, or internships
🔹 Example:
I selected the Master’s in Finance at the University of Toronto due to its strong focus on financial inclusion and its diverse international faculty. Canada’s academic environment supports research and innovation, and its multicultural society provides global exposure.
4. Future Goals and Plans After Graduation
-
What do you want to do with this degree?
-
How will you contribute to your community, country, or continent?
-
Tie your goals to your personal story
🔹 Example:
Upon graduation, I plan to return to Sierra Leone to establish a consultancy that helps small rural businesses access credit and financial training. I aim to reduce the barriers women face in entrepreneurship and contribute to economic growth in West Africa.
5. Conclusion
-
Reaffirm your commitment
-
Show appreciation
-
End confidently
🔹 Example:
I am committed to using this opportunity to transform both my future and that of many underserved communities. I am grateful for the consideration and look forward to the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to my society and beyond.
✅ Bonus Tips for a Winning Study Plan
-
Be honest and authentic
-
Write in clear, simple English
-
Avoid generic statements like “I want to study abroad because it’s good”
-
Use concrete goals and data if possible
-
Show passion and clarity
📌 Summary Checklist:
✅ Clear introduction
✅ Strong academic background
✅ Specific reason for your course and country
✅ Realistic and inspiring future goals
✅ Passionate conclusion