Top 10 Application Tips from Global Scholars
The first article in our limited series 'I Asked 100 Global Scholars...'
What actually makes a scholarship or global opportunity application stand out? At the Global Scholars Club, we wanted to find out. Not just out of curiosity, but because we know how confusing and overwhelming the process can feel, especially if you haven’t seen it done before or don’t have someone to guide you.
So we asked over 100 successful global scholars, from programs like the New Colombo Plan, Rhodes, Westpac, John Monash, AIYEP and more, what they think made their applications stand out.
Their responses were honest, practical, and full of insight.
This is our flagship output so far, designed to cut through the noise and offer real, experience-backed advice. Here are the ten most common themes they shared, to help you put together an application that is clear, genuine, and focused.
1) Craft a Clear and Compelling Personal Narrative
Your story is your signature. Scholars told us that what made them memorable was not just what they had done, but how they framed it.
“I think telling your story is the key to being successful,” Tilly Jowle-Gill (New Colombo Plan Scholar) shared. “Be genuine and truthful in your background, goals and experience, and let your passions guide you.”
Others echoed the power of narrative. “I feel that everyone has a powerful story to share, but how you communicate it, and recognise the value you bring, makes a vast difference,” explained a global scholar who participated in AIYEP and Smart Green Cities. For Anya Minko (NCP Scholar, Mobility Grant, exchange & more), it was a global perspective that shaped their narrative: “My experiences across three countries [Thailand, Australia and Cambodia] gave me a deep, personal connection to the region,” reflected Anya. “It wasn’t just about grades. It was about my story, my growth, and the way I could connect with and contribute to the region.”
A note from Billy: The process of writing out your personal story can be incredibly fulfilling, grounding, and clarifying. Even if you’re not applying for anything right now, I strongly encourage young people to take the time to reflect on their narrative and share it with someone they trust. It’s a powerful exercise in understanding where you’ve been, what matters to you, and where you’re heading.
2) Show Genuine Passion
Passion is not just a buzzword. Scholars consistently described how their long-term dedication helped their application rise to the top.
Sophie Nakamura (New Colombo Plan Scholar) proved to the committee that they had "a longstanding passion for ending fast fashion", describing how a commitment since age 13 signalled credibility and purpose.
Another scholar, Grace Beattie (Copenhagen Exchange, Indonesia Exchange), wrote passionately about environmental protection. “In my applications for both experiences, I emphasised my genuine passion for environmental protection and climate change,” Grace explained. “I reflected on how this has been a lifelong interest of mine, since I was a child, and showed how the opportunities would be a natural continuation of my pursuit of this interest. I think that this helped to set me apart and demonstrate that I was going to make the most of any opportunities I was offered.”
3) Prepare Early and Thoroughly
Great applications take time and input. The strongest applicants told us they sought feedback early, engaged mentors or past recipients, and worked iteratively to refine their story.
“I had many past recipients read my application and share their advice throughout the process,” recalled Jasmine Trinh (New Colombo Plan Scholar & Mobility Grant). “I reached out by cold-messaging people on LinkedIn, and most were more than happy to help.”
This kind of early preparation gave scholars space to iterate and improve. Nadia Maunsell (Yenching Academy, Westpac Asian Exchange & more) began preparation months in advance. Others, like Caitlin de Lorm (Singapore Exchange, NCP Scholar, and Malaysian Internship), even rehearsed their interviews with the university mobility team.
4) Tailor Everything to the Opportunity
One common error scholars warned against was being too generic. Being able to tailor your past experiences to the goals and objectives of the program is essential.
“I think one thing that made my application stand out was having a clear sense of purpose that genuinely aligned with the goals of my scholarship program,” recalled Ziyan Tejani (New Colombo Plan Scholar). “I showed how my proposed scholarship would build on that foundation and allow me to contribute even more.”
“Having a vision of what you wish to achieve with the scholarship helps,” added Oliver Taylor (Westpac Asian Exchange Scholar, LSE Summer School & I-LEAD Singapore Immersion 2025).
5) Be Authentic
Authenticity stood out across responses. Scholars repeatedly emphasised the importance of being honest about their journey, motivations, and even challenges.
Malachi Murljacic (New Colombo Plan Scholar & more) shared, “I focused on sharing my story with honesty and vulnerability, both in writing and in the interview. I didn’t try to tick boxes or sound perfect. I just spoke about my journey, my community, and what opportunities like this meant to me. I think that realness resonated.”
Others agreed that vulnerability worked in their favour. Manvir Singh (NCP Mobility Grant & Internship) shared, “In my opinion, I think my application stood out because I was unapologetically myself. I didn’t try to fit a mould or say what I thought others wanted to hear. I shared not only my achievements but also my downfalls, highlighting the resilience and growth that shaped my genuine passion for the experience.”
For many applicants, embracing honesty and imperfection proved to be a strength, not a setback. As Mary Higgins (New Colombo Plan Scholar) put it, “Showcasing authenticity and personal insight helped bring my story to life.”
A note from Billy: The scholarship application process is a real test of the idea that no one can be better at being you than you. The closer you are to presenting your true story, the better. I’ve been rejected many times, and in hindsight, it’s often when I tried to shape my story into something I thought others wanted to hear. Take it from experience: authenticity resonates more than perfection ever will.
6) Support Your Story with Evidence
Applicants urged others to avoid vague claims by grounding them in concrete examples.
Charlotte Carles (New Colombo Plan Scholar, Founder of Gen Z Abroad) advised, “Assessors read so many of the same generic applications. The best way to stand out is through unique, specific stories.” Rather than simply writing "I am adaptable," Charlotte recommended showing why, through a real moment of change or challenge. This advice reminds applicants that evidence, not adjectives, carries weight.
Similarly, Isabella Di Nello (Darmasiswa Scholarship Recipient) strengthened her application by drawing on her advocacy work. “I had done a bunch of volunteering for the Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) and spoke about how I've been an advocate and ambassador for learning Indonesian language and culture and the Aus-Indo relationship. Also, where possible I tried to use Indonesian to show I was serious about learning the language.”
7) Build Real-World Experience
Real action speaks volumes. Scholars noted that taking initiative before applying made a significant difference.
“I launched a project called The Lainim Project to show I wasn’t waiting for permission to lead,” said a Dalyell Global Mobility Scholar.
Similarly, Anna Van der Bellen (Pilot Exchange Program) reflected, “I had volunteered to mentor Japanese exchange students for a whole semester…it became the turning point that led to my NCP scholarship.”
Whether through leadership, volunteering, or passion projects, real-world experience helped applicants demonstrate readiness and commitment.
8) Interview Like a Human
Interviews don’t have to feel robotic. Scholars encouraged applicants to treat interviews as an opportunity to connect, not just perform.
Evelyn Unwin Tew (Rotary Youth Exchange & more) shared that her strength in interviews came from keeping them conversational. “I think I interact with the interviewers like they’re human,” she reflected, “and that helps.”
Eve Poland (John Monash Scholar) also found success by leaning into her individuality. “I’m very passionate about chemistry, and my science outreach experience taught me how to make complex concepts more accessible in the interview. I think the interview panel also liked that I was a musician before chemistry, and the broader perspective that gave me.”
A Note from Billy: Anything you can do in an interview to calm your nerves, take a moment to think, and speak conversationally will help. For me, that often means starting with a framing statement (like, “I usually break down my future goals into short, medium, and long term”), taking a sip of water before answering, or, if I am really stumped, politely asking the panel to repeat the question.
9) Be Clear on Your Goals
When goals or intentions are vague, applications lose impact. Scholars consistently highlighted the importance of having a clear purpose and being able to articulate it.
Nigel Siegwart (New Colombo Plan Scholar) shared, “I put a lot of thought into the questions: Why me? Why this scholarship? Why this location? Why now?”
Emerald Gaydon (Rhodes Scholar, Westpac Asian Exchange) emphasised the power of clarity, saying, “Having a very clear narrative and goals, knowing myself and my strengths, and being able to articulate those, alongside my passion… I think it is the story of who I am and what I want to achieve that helps people remember me.”
As Adam Choong (Westpac Asian Exchange Scholar) put it simply, what mattered was “my aspirations and my concrete plans for achieving these aspirations.”
10) You Don’t Need To Be The Best.
Your application does not necessarily need to be the most accomplished, just the most relevant. “I wasn’t the most accomplished, but I pitched a plan nobody else could,” said Cooper Crellin (New Colombo Plan Scholar).
Similarly, Bridget Smart (New Colombo Plan, Westpac, Rhodes Scholar) shared that "a strong story... can be a great way to conceptualise your own achievements in the context of where you are hoping to go."
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success, but the patterns are clear. The most impactful applications were personal, specific, and intentional. If you're applying now, we hope this gives you the confidence to be genuine, to prepare with care, and to lead with your story.