Getting a scholarship is just like getting into any other serious commitment. You have to understand comprehensively what you’ve signed up for in order to make it work.

Here are some pointers for you to consider before putting pen to paper:

Money is not everything

Getting a scholarship means that your education is virtually all paid for. However, a scholarship entails more than just financial support. You must make sure that your scholarship provider and the future job scope fit your personality and aspirations. Ask yourself if you have the drive, passion and commitment to do what is expected of you. Otherwise, you’ll find it a chore to fulfil your scholarship obligations and dread going to work every single day. 

Grades versus self-improvement

Scholars are expected to maintain an excellent academic record while studying. Otherwise, the scholarship provider may just rescind their offer.

With that in mind, you may be tempted to choose the modules that are easy to score, instead of the ones that fuel your interest and stretch your mind. The quality of your education may be affected if you choose this approach in school. 

Comfort zone, or not?

After completing your bond, you’ll probably in your late 20s or early 30s. Chances are, you would be married, become the owner of a flat, and have children. In other words, you’ll have bills and loans to pay off. In this phase of your life, it is logical to stay in your job and grind on even if the work doesn’t interest you anymore. There is nothing wrong with doing that, but is that what you are looking for in your career?

Decisions, decisions

Think introspectively, apply some analysis (SWOT, or otherwise) and think about your career aspirations when making any scholarship decision. For one, if you are free-spirited and prefer a degree of flexibility in your life and career, then you may want to reconsider a scholarship. Or at least, look for one that fits your aspirations. Aim for "happily ever after", instead of a messy divorce.