By: Susan Ngwira
Everyone has a different story when it comes to university scholarships in Malawi; for some, it’s just once off which is very good and I would love if it was like that for everyone, for others it takes a while and “fortunately” I belong to the latter. Yes “fortunately” because it made me to grow, have patience and persistence.
I remember my first time applying for the scholarship; I was so eager and confident. Then I received a letter “we regret to inform you” that reduced my morale a bit. I told my friend Eunice and she introduced me to someone (mentor) “Loraine”.
Mentorship
My first thoughts were; I am not good in writing a letter of intent or motivation letter,so I told her thinking that she will write for me. Oooooh no She didn’t. Instead, she took her time and sent me an email detailing how I can write a good letter of intent/motivation letter.
Then I remembered a proverb ‘do not give a child fish but teach him/her how to fish’. She is a good teacher & mentor. She is selfless, took her time to guide me whom she has never met, the definition of love.
Now I have a mentor, friend and my family supporting me, but still, I received countless rejection letters. Other letters could say “sorry highly qualified individuals applied for this scholarship”. Then it hit me and started questioning if I have any chance of getting one. I remember my mum saying; don’t give up your time will come.
Nothing good comes for free
All this time I was spending money on the admission fees to the universities linked to some scholarships as well as spending on transport. One time I had MK60,000 in my savings and I got all of it and paid for application. That scholarship I passed phase one and phase two and failed the final phase. Well, it encouraged me a bit as it was my first positive letter in my scholarship application.
Note; you are not required to pay for a scholarship this was admission fees for a University as some scholarships require one to be admitted to the university first. I did some consultations before paying.
Finally, there was this scholarship “ABE Initiative scholarship” so demanding, thus multiple essays and formal documents which required a lawyer/judge to certify.
I spent money processing and sending the documents. I remember one guy said ‘what if you are not successful? Because you are spending a lot of money on something which you are NOT guaranteed that you are going to be successful’
Note: If you are afraid of spending then you won’t get any university scholarship in Malawi.
The resulting joy
After some months I received a letter inviting me for the interviews (ABE Initiative scholarship). I celebrated as if I have the scholarship already. I got invited again for phase 2 interviews and final phase. All this time I was traveling back and forth (spending again).
Then I received a call around 5:30 pm stating that I am one of the successful candidates. Well, I thought it was a mistake. I couldn’t believe till the next day when I received an email. Now am in Japan on a full scholarship.
Additional Tips to get University scholarships in Malawi
- Read the details/requirements of the scholarship before applying because no one will do it for you.
- No one will just give you the scholarship; you have to work for it and demonstrate that you are a suitable candidate.
- Surround yourself with positive people; those that are going to help and encourage you.
- Be prepared to spend.
- To those who have already acquired one, start giving back by being mentors etc to those who are still working on getting one.
Johannes Phiri
IAM Johannes Phiri. Writing from Malawi, kasungu. I need scholarship to study a masters degree, I tried to source money to fund myself but to no avail.
Stellah
I need your help