Hi all, in intensely competitive PhD schlarship competitions, apart from the academic records and references, what are the so-called little details that matter a lot and are critical to the success of an application?

The other main thing is the interview. You really have to demonstrate your enthusiasm for PhD and your particular research project. Have clear idea of why you want to do a PhD and how you would overcome any problems that may arise.

Also I did not do it but I know other people who have received scholarships met their supervisor at a conference or some informal setting before hand. Like everything else if they know and like you more likely to look on you more positively.

Spell check. Decent CV. and as above

thanks all, but how important are publications ?

I did not have any publications and got a scholarship, think most of my fellow PhD students don't have any yet either and still got a scholarship aswell.

thanks montanita and treeoflife. i appreciate