Scholarship Application 101: How to Make Your Application Stand Out
Another TalTech Development Fund scholarship competition is underway, with a wide range of scholarships waiting for applicants. Company-funded scholarships can sometimes seem very formal – and applying for them may feel intimidating. But it really does not have to be.
We gathered advice and recommendations from both companies and students and put together a practical guide to help you prepare a strong scholarship application.
1. Choose your scholarships and do your research
Start early! (And if that ship has already sailed – just start now!)
Choose up to three scholarships that match your study programme, interests or future goals. Please note that different rules may apply to special competitions.
Read the terms and conditions of each scholarship carefully. Check which documents are required and make sure you leave enough time to prepare them.
Do some research on the companies offering the scholarships. What do they do? What are their core values? What are their priorities for the next five or even ten years?
Extra tip: take a look at the company’s annual reports as well!
2. Prepare your documents
CV
Ideally, your CV should be one page long (two pages maximum). In addition to previous work experience, include relevant training, volunteering, student activities, hobbies and other achievements that help show who you are.
Should you include your LinkedIn profile? Absolutely! If your LinkedIn profile is up to date, adding the link to your CV is a good idea.
Motivation letter
Your motivation letter is your opportunity to show the company who you are beyond your CV.
Explain why you chose your field of study and where you would like it to take you. Highlight your practical skills and knowledge, experiences gained through student organisations or volunteering, relevant achievements and anything else that makes your story unique.
Companies are also interested in understanding how the scholarship would help you achieve your goals and what value it would bring to your development.
P.S. Don’t simply rewrite your CV in your motivation letter! Focus on specific experiences and achievements, what you have learned from them, and where you see yourself professionally in the coming years.
Essay
Some companies may ask you to submit an essay on a specific topic in addition to your motivation letter. This is your chance to demonstrate your interest in the field, your knowledge and your ability to form and communicate your own ideas.
Letter of recommendation
When asking someone for a recommendation, make their job easier by providing some background information. Prepare a short overview of your recent achievements, academic progress and extracurricular activities.
This helps the person writing the recommendation highlight the experiences and strengths that are most relevant to your application.
Transcript of Records
You can request your Transcript of Records by email. Visit TalTech’s study counselling page, select your school and find the academic counsellor responsible for your study programme.
Remember that university staff work during regular office hours – so don’t leave this until the final evening!
What about AI?
AI can be a useful assistant during the application process. You can use it to organise your ideas, create a structure for your text or improve your wording.
However, your final motivation letter should still sound like you. Companies want to get to know the person behind the application – your experiences, ambitions, personality and way of thinking.
Use AI as a tool, not as your replacement.
3. Submit your application
Submit your application through the scholarship application platform. You can find the application link at the end of the scholarship terms and conditions or on the TalTech Development Fund website.
Complete all required fields and select the scholarship you wish to apply for.
Before clicking submit, do one final check:
Have you attached all the required documents?
Is your motivation letter addressed to the correct company?
Are your file names clear and correct?
Have you checked the application for typos and small mistakes? 😉
Bonus round: What if the company invites you to meet them?
If you make it to the next stage and are invited to meet company representatives, prepare for it!
Research the company in more detail, think about your strengths and be ready to explain your interests and ambitions. Consider what you could contribute to the company or the wider field – and prepare a few questions of your own.
And if you are still wondering whether you should apply, one of the most important pieces of advice from other students is simple: JUST APPLY!
If you don’t try, you’ll never know what could have happened. Find the scholarship – or scholarships – that match your field and interests, send in your application and give yourself the opportunity. Explore the scholarships available in the autumn 2026 competition and start your application today!
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