As a graduate student, securing scholarships is one of the most important parts of your academic journey. Scholarships provide financial support for tuition fees, books, and living expenses, and can help ease the financial burden of graduate studies. One of the best ways to secure a scholarship is by reaching out to professors who specialize in your area of study. However, emailing a professor for scholarships can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to say. In this article, we will guide you through the process of emailing a professor for PhD and MS scholarships.
Introduction
The first step in emailing a professor for a scholarship is to research the professor who specializes in your area of study. You want to find a professor who has a strong research record in your area of interest, and who may be interested in taking on a new graduate student. Once you have identified a potential professor, it’s time to draft your email.
Researching professors
When researching professors, start by looking at the university’s website or department page. Look for professors who have published papers or books in your area of interest. You can also use Google Scholar to find recent publications by the professor. Additionally, you can look for the professor’s biography on the university website or LinkedIn profile to get an idea of their research interests and expertise.
Drafting the email
Once you have identified a potential professor, it’s time to draft your email. Your email should be professional and polite, while also expressing your enthusiasm for the professor’s research. The email should be concise and to the point, while also conveying your background and interest in the professor’s work.
Writing the subject line
The subject line of your email should be clear and to the point. Use a subject line that will catch the professor’s attention and make them want to read your email. For example, “Inquiry about potential PhD scholarship under your guidance” or “Application for MS program under your supervision.”
The opening line
The opening line of your email should be brief and engaging. Start by introducing yourself and explaining your interest in the professor’s research. For example, “My name is John Smith and I am a recent graduate from XYZ University. I came across your research on XYZ topic and I was impressed by your findings.”
The body of the email
The body of your email should be well-structured and concise. Start by explaining your background and experience, including any relevant coursework or research experience. Next, explain your interest in the professor’s research and how it aligns with your own research interests. Finally, ask the professor if they have any scholarships or opportunities for graduate students in your area of interest.
The closing line
The closing line of your email should be polite and professional. Thank the professor for their time and consideration, and express your interest in hearing back from them. For example, “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.”
Proofreading
Before sending your email, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. You want to make sure your email is professional and well-written.
Sending the email
Once you have proofread your email, it’s time to send it to the professor. Make sure to address the professor by their proper title and name, and include your contact information in the email signature.
Following up
If you don’t hear back from the professor after a week or two, it’s okay to send a follow-up email. In your follow-up email, politely inquire if the professor had a chance to review your email and ask if there are any further steps you can take to be considered for the scholarship.
Email Sample to Professor for Acceptance letter 1
Dear Prof. Dr. (write first name only first alphabet and last name full), I turn to you for the Master position on Chinese Governments Scholarship In the area of Microbiology I am graduate BS (4 years) with majors in Microbiology from one of the best university of the country,Kohat University of Science & Technology, Pakistan ,In parallel to my thesis work I have published a research paper in the same domain of ———– as a first author in —————–. My journal paper —————- as a first author is under final review in ————. Nowadays I am writing a research paper in collaboration
I turn to you for the Master position on Chinese Governments Scholarship In the area of Microbiology I am graduate BS (4 years) with majors in Microbiology from one of the best university of the country,Kohat University of Science & Technology, Pakistan ,In parallel to my thesis work I have published a research paper in the same domain of ———– as a first author in —————–. My journal paper —————- as a first author is under final review in ————. Nowadays I am writing a research paper in collaboration of my supervisor based on my Master thesis and hoping to submit it soon. I have ‘
I have ‘A’ in Master research thesis (here you can mention your grades). I also have already passed local GAT (Pakistan national Graduate Assessment Test) General and Subject similar to GRE international with Total ——–, —— Percentile. I have read
I have read couple of publications ——-m————- on your research work. Your research field “————————-” really matches my research interest and is in parallel to my research work. I want to start my PhD at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences under your supervision. I would be happy if I could join your team and if you too could consider me a potential candidate and give me an acceptance for the CAS-TWAS Fellowship. I am attaching my CV, Research Proposal and abstract of Master thesis along with this email.I want to pursue my career in research and academia in
I am attaching my CV, Research Proposal and abstract of Master thesis along with this email.I want to pursue my career in research and academia in field of ————— after my PhD in future.
I will wait for your kind response. Thanks.
Yours sincerely, (Your Name)