How to write a scholarship increase appeal letter as an international student?

I'm currently studying abroad and need to request an increase in my scholarship due to financial challenges. What are some tips for writing an effective appeal letter? Has anyone successfully gotten more aid through an appeal?

Writing an appeal to request an increase in scholarship funding can be a challenging prospect. Here are some general tips to follow:

1. Understand the Process: Before you write the appeal letter, understand the rules and procedures of the scholarship foundation or school financial aid office. Gather all the relevant information about who to send your appeal to, and the process for submission.

2. Be Professional: Your letter should be formal, well-structured, and free of grammatical or spelling errors. Consider it as a professional communication and write accordingly.

3. Documentation: If you're seeking additional funds due to financial hardship, it's necessary to include any supporting document such as a job loss notification, medical bills, or other unexpected expenses.

4. Be Specific and Honest: Clearly state the reasons for your appeal and be honest about your financial situation. If your cost of living, tuition fees, or personal circumstances have changed, mention this.

5. Be Grateful: Thank the organization or school for the scholarship you've already received, as this shows that you appreciate their support.

6. Keep It Concise: Be brief and to the point. Don't go beyond a page, if possible. Keep the focus on the main issue which is your need for financial assistance.

Here is an example of how you could structure the letter:

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing as a recipient of the [Scholarship Name] for the current academic year. I'm truly grateful for the support the scholarship provides, which has made my [Educational program] at [Your University's Name] possible.

However, I am facing [describe the situation causing financial hardship]. My budget has been significantly impacted, and despite my efforts to maintain financial stability, I'm finding it difficult to meet my educational and living costs.

Attached, you'll find documentation that details my current financial circumstances. I am hoping that [foundation name or University's Financial Aid Office] might reconsider my present funding in light of these challenges.

Thank you so much for considering my request. I greatly appreciate your time and your ongoing support in my pursuit of higher education.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Remember, the goal of your letter is to convince the organization that your need for additional assistance is genuine and necessary. Having said that, each appeal is unique, and the success of these letters can vary significantly depending on the specifics of each case.