CV Template
Practical guidance and a downloadable CV template [in PDF & docx] for scholarships, university applications, research positions and jobs.
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A well-written CV presents your education, experience, skills, and achievements clearly when applying for scholarships, university admissions, internships, research positions, or jobs.
CV and resume are sometimes used as if they mean the same thing, but there is a small difference. A resume is usually shorter and focuses on the experience and skills most important for a specific opportunity. A CV gives a fuller record of your academic and work background, including research, publications, presentations, and awards. For students applying for master’s or PhD scholarships, the two documents may look very similar because applicants might not have much professional experience yet.
General Guidance for Writing a CV
General Guidance for Writing a CV
Tailor Your CV
Do not send exactly the same CV for every scholarship or job.
Read the eligibility criteria and selection requirements carefully. Give greater prominence to the education, research, skills, and experience most relevant to the opportunity.
Use a Simple and Professional Format
Your CV should be:
Easy to read.
Clearly divided into sections.
Consistent in font, spacing and headings.
Free from spelling and grammatical errors.
Saved and submitted in the format requested by the organisation.
Avoid complicated designs that make important information difficult to find.
Provide Evidence of Your Skills
Do not merely list skills such as:
Python
MATLAB
Microsoft Office
LaTeX
Communication
Problem-solving
Explain what you have really done with each skill. Maths Volunteers suggests adding details and examples rather than just listing skills without supporting evidence. For example, instead of just writing “Python,” describe the program, analysis, model, or project you worked on using Python.
Write Achievement-Based Bullet Points
A useful structure is:
| Action + Task + Method + Result
For example:
Developed a Python program to analyse survey data and reduced the time required for processing results.
Designed weekly mathematics lessons for secondary-school students and helped improve their examination performance.
Implemented a numerical method in MATLAB to solve a system of differential equations.
Coordinated an academic workshop attended by 50 university students.
We suggest this way to describe achievements:
| Achieved [X], shown by [Y], by doing [Z].
The template uses action verbs such as implemented, developed, solved, investigated, formulated, coordinated, created and evaluated.
Use Reverse Chronological Order
Usually, put your most recent qualification, experience, project, publication, or award at the top.
Include Only Relevant Information
You do not have to include every section in the template. Take out sections that do not fit you and add important ones like:
Volunteering
Leadership
Teaching experience
Internships
Academic societies
Community activities
Conferences
Training courses
Check the Application Instructions
The scholarship provider, university or employer may give specific instructions about:
The required document.
The maximum number of pages.
The file format.
The information to include.
The order of sections.
Whether references are required.
Always follow the instructions for the particular opportunity.
CV Template
CV Template
YOUR NAME
YOUR NAME
City, Country | Email Address | Telephone Number | LinkedIn or Professional Profile
City, Country | Email Address | Telephone Number | LinkedIn or Professional Profile
Use a professional email address and make sure all your contact details are correct.
PROFILE
PROFILE
Write a short summary of your academic background, interests, experience and objectives.
Example:
Motivated mathematics graduate with an interest in mathematical modelling, numerical analysis and data science. Experienced in using Python, MATLAB and LaTeX for academic projects. Seeking a funded master’s opportunity that will allow me to strengthen my research skills and contribute to applied mathematical research.
Keep this section focused on the opportunity you are applying for.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Name of Degree
Name of Degree
Name of University, City, Country
Month Year – Month Year
GPA or marks: [Your GPA, percentage or classification]
Thesis: [Title of thesis or dissertation]
Relevant coursework: [List a few relevant subjects]
Academic achievement: [Scholarship, distinction or merit position]
Name of Previous Degree
Name of Previous Degree
Name of University, City, Country
Month Year – Month Year
GPA or marks: [Your GPA, percentage or classification]
Thesis or final-year project: [Title]
Relevant coursework: [Relevant subjects]
Academic achievement: [Award or distinction]
The template combines school, dates, GPA, important courses, and thesis information so reviewers can quickly see the applicant’s academic background.
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
Position Title
Position Title
Organisation, City, Country
Month Year – Month Year
Describe your main responsibility.
Explain what you achieved.
Mention the method, tool or approach you used.
Quantify the outcome where possible.
Highlight experience relevant to the application.
Position Title
Position Title
Organisation, City, Country
Month Year – Month Year
Developed [resource, programme, model or service].
Coordinated [activity, event or team].
Supported [students, customers, researchers or colleagues].
Improved [process or outcome] by [method].
Experience may include:
Paid employment.
Internships.
Teaching.
Tutoring.
Research assistance.
Freelance work.
Volunteering.
Community service.
The template includes private tutoring as valid experience and encourages applicants to explain their contribution and achievements rather than listing only a job title
SKILLS
SKILLS
Computational Skills
Computational Skills
Python
Used Python to [describe a specific task].
Developed [program, model or analysis].
Used libraries such as [relevant libraries].
MATLAB
Implemented [numerical or mathematical method].
Produced [simulation, visualisation or analysis].
Used MATLAB for [specific course, thesis or project].
Typesetting and Office Software
Typesetting and Office Software
LaTeX
Prepared academic reports, assignments or presentations.
Typeset mathematical equations and technical documents.
Collaborated on documents using Overleaf.
Microsoft Word
Prepared professionally formatted reports and documents.
Used styles, references, tables, equations or mail merge where relevant.
Microsoft Excel
Organised and analysed data.
Used formulas, charts, pivot tables or other relevant tools.
Research Skills
Literature review.
Data collection.
Mathematical modelling.
Statistical analysis.
Academic writing.
Referencing.
Research presentations.
Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Instead of writing only “good problem-solving skills,” provide evidence:
Investigated [a specific problem].
Formulated [a model, question or solution].
Evaluated [a method or result].
Created [a new process or resource].
Coordinated [a project or activity].
LANGUAGES
LANGUAGES
Language: Native or mother tongue.
Language: Fluent.
Language: Professional working proficiency.
Language: Intermediate.
Where relevant, include official language-test results:
IELTS: Overall score [score]
Reading: [score]
Writing: [score]
Listening: [score]
Speaking: [score]
Avoid vague claims where stronger evidence is available.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Name of Qualification
Name of Qualification
Institution, City, Country
Year
Marks, grade or classification.
Relevant training.
Major project or thesis.
Important skills developed.
Name of Diploma or Certificate
Name of Diploma or Certificate
Institution, City, Country
Year
Marks or grade.
Key modules.
Relevant project or practical training.
The sample template uses this section for qualifications such as a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma in Information Technology.
CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
Name of certification, awarding organisation, date.
Name of training course, institution, date.
Name of online course, platform, date.
Relevant professional workshop, organiser, date.
Include certifications that support your scholarship, academic or employment application.
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Name of scholarship, awarding organisation, year.
Academic merit award, institution, year.
Certificate of distinction, awarding body, date.
Competition prize, organisation, year.
University merit position, year.
Where possible, add context:
Selected from [number] applicants.
Awarded for academic excellence.
Received on the basis of financial need and academic performance.
Awarded for achieving [position, grade or result].
MEMBERSHIPS
MEMBERSHIPS
Member, name of professional organisation, year–present.
Student member, academic society, year–present.
Volunteer member, organisation, year–present.
Include only active and relevant memberships.
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
You may write:
References available upon request.
However, when the application asks for referees, include:
Referee’s Name
Referee’s Name
Position
Department and institution
Professional email address
Telephone number, if required
Relationship to applicant
Important Notice
Important Notice
This is a general template. Scholarship providers, universities and employers may have different CV requirements. Always read the official instructions and adjust the template accordingly.
Source and Acknowledgement
Source and Acknowledgement
This guidance and template have been prepared using resources developed by Overleaf & The Maths Volunteers Foundation.
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