Study Abroad Scholarships

Intro of Study Abroad Scholarships

 

 

Studying abroad is considered an extremely beneficial experience for students. It allows for the full integration into different cultures, provides education of exceptional quality, as well as an international network. However, the expenses that come with studying abroad are often too steep and unaffordable for most students.

 

 

This is exactly the purpose of abroad study scholarships. Scholarships greatly relieve the financial strain of tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses tied to studying abroad.

 

 

 

In this article, I will take you through everything you need to know about abroad study scholarships: their types, how to find them, application requirements, and common mistakes to be mindful of. By the end of it, you will have all the information required to receive a scholarship and start your journey across the globe!

 

 

 

 Types of Study Abroad Scholarships

 

 

Merit-Based Scholarships

 

 

 

Scholarships of this type are handed to learners who demonstrate outstanding skills in academics, arts, or other talents. Unlike need based scholarships, merit-based ones do not take into account your financial standing, choosing instead offer them to high achievers based on their grades, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills.

 

 

Eligibility Criteria

 

 

 

• Sustained high performance in academics such as achieving high GPAs or SAT scores, GRE or any standardized examinations.
• Achievement in extracurricular activities, leadership positions, sporting activities or specialized skills.

 

 

 

Examples of Merit-Based Scholarships

 

 

 

• Fulbright Program: An international exchange program that provides funding for students proposing to graduate studies abroad.
• Rhodes Scholarships: An international education award that stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious supports students from around the world to study at  University of Oxford.

 

 

 

Need-Based Scholarships

 

 

 

 

Need-based refers to the financial circumstances of the student scholarship is awarded is dependent on your financial status. These scholarships aim towards assisting learners who may find it challenging to afford study abroad. They consider the income of your family and your finances as well.*

 

 

Eligibility Criteria

 

 

 

• Considered a financial need, it is generally calculated based on the family’s income, savings, or other relevant financial metrics.
• Substantiative documents such as tax documents and family income statements might be necessary.

 

 

 

 

Examples of Need-Based Scholarships

 

 

 

 

• Pell Grant (USA): Granted to undergraduates within the U.S. who show exceptional financial need, this is a federal subsidy.
• The Gates Millennium Scholars Program: This U.S. program provides complete financial aid to outstanding degree-seeking students with recognized need.

 

 

 

 

Subject-Specific Scholarships

 

 

 

Subject specialized scholarships are granted to students pursuing degrees in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), arts, business, or healthcare.

 

 

Eligibility Criteria

 

 

 

• Must be participating in or willing to participate in an educational program associated with a subject area.
• Usually requires demonstrated interest such as coursework, research, or work in the area of the subject.

 

 

 

 

Examples of Subject-Specific Scholarships

 

 

 

 

• Women in Engineering Scholarships: These scholarships fund women who are pursuing degree courses in engineering.
• Boren Awards: Award scholarships for students studying government, international affairs, or foreign languages.

 

 

 

 

Government-Funded Scholarships

 

 

 

Students around the world are provided with funding by different governments to create an interest for studying in those countries. This type of funding is often highly competitive, prestigious, and may cover all or some of the required tuition fee, living expenses, and travel costs.

 

 

 

Eligibility Criteria

 

 

 

 

• Every scholarship has particular eligibility criteria, which may include educational requirements, age, and citizenship.
• Some other programs expect students to fulfill a service obligation in the sponsoring country after completing their studies.

 

 

 

 

Examples of Government-Funded Scholarships

 

 

 

 

• The Fulbright Program (USA): Provides grants to students from all over the world to study in the U.S.
• Chevening Scholarships (UK): he UK government’s international scholarship scheme which provides scholarships to students from more than 160 countries.
• DAAD Scholarships (Germany): Funded by the German government which offers scholarships to foreign students for master’s programs in Germany.

 

 

 

 

 

University-Specific Scholarships

 

 

 

Scholarships tailored for international students are provided by a number of universities. Such scholarships are awarded based on merit, need, or are aimed at particular fields of study. Directly applying to universities is one of the most effective ways of gaining additional funding.

 

 

Eligibility Criteria

 

 

 

• Generally requires admission to the university or a particular graduate program.
• Might require supplementary application documents, including essays or presentations.

 

 

 

Examples of University-Specific Scholarships

 

 

 

 

• Harvard University’s Graduate Fellowships: provides funding for graduate students based on their merit and need.
• Stanford University International Graduate Scholarships: offer financial support to students pursuing a graduate program.

 

 

 

 

Private & Nonprofit Organization Scholarships

 

 

 

 

Aside from government and university scholarships, some private organizations and nonprofit institutions also provide funding for students who wish to study abroad. These scholarships typically address specific demographics, causes, or areas of studies.

 

 

Eligibility Criteria

 

 

 

 

• The criteria vary depending on the sponsoring organization and the scholarship at hand.
• Factors may include address and advocacy of social issues, or minority status, as well as specific career goals.

 

 

 

 

Examples of Private Scholarships

 

 

 

 

• The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: provides funds to students who show leadership potential as well as academic prowess.
• The Soros Fellowships: sponsors graduate studies for exceptional immigrants or children of immigrants.

 

 

 

How to Find Study Abroad Scholarships

 

 

 

 

Scholarship Search Engines and Databases

 

 

 

Using online scholarship databases is one of the more simple options available for finding scholarship opportunities to study abroad. These databases allow prospective students to sort through various opportunities offered to them according to their interests, eligibility and academic aspirations.

 

 

 

Top Scholarship Search Engines

 

 

 

FastWeb: Students can make use of the FastWeb portal which is quite famous as a scholarship search engine. FastWeb provides students with various opportunities after customizing their profiles.

ScholarshipPortal: Another search engine is ScholarshipPortal, which is meant for students looking for a scholarship to study in Europe.

 

 

 

University Websites

 

 

 

Universities have self-regulatory bodies which govern the awarding of scholarships and bursaries to overseas students. Be on the lookout for the financial aids section of the institution’s webpage since they offer some form of patronage.

 

 

How to Search for Scholarships

 

 

• Make use of the scholarship search tool specifically tailored for international students on the university’s webpage.
• You can send an email requesting info about it to the financial aid or admissions office of the school.

 

 

 

Government Resources and International Programs

 

 

 

Most of the world’s governments have and will always finance scholarships with the objective of enhancing education around the world. That’s why it is important you inquire with the foreign affairs or education ministry of your country about scholarships financed directly by the government.

 

 

How to Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships

 

 

 

Understanding the Application Process

 

 

 

 

Steps to Apply for Scholarships

 

 

 

• Step 1: Look for scholarships that correspond to your area of expertise and aspirations.
• Step 2: Gather your documents for the application such as transcripts, recommendation letters, financial need statements, and others.
• Step 3: Compose your personal statement or scholarship essay.
• Step 4: Apply for your scholarship and manage your time in accordance with deadlines.

 

 

 

 

 

Writing a Strong Scholarship Application

 

 

 

 

A scholarship application should underscore your unique strengths, your motivation to study abroad, and your academic achievements. Out of all application components, a personal statement and recommendation letters are critical to help you stand out.

 

 

 

Tips for Writing a Winning Personal Statement

 

 

 

• Be authentic about your goals and how you intend to achieve them.
• Make it clear how the scholarship would make a significant difference in the realization of your aspirations.
• Tell the scholarship committee why you would excel with that particular scholarship as well as the rest of the program you are applying for.

 

 

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for Study Abroad Scholarships

 

 

 

Not Reading Eligibility Requirements Carefully

 

 

 

It is incredibly common for students to overlook the credentials and criteria that a certain scholarship requires, most likely resulting in wasting time applying for scholarships that they do not qualify for. Always read thoroughly to avoid misplaced effort.

 

 

Submitting Incomplete Applications

 

 

 

You must have all relevant documentation to complete the application, otherwise the application will be seen as incomplete. Incomplete applications stand a high chance of disqualification.

 

 

 

Missing Deadlines

 

 

 

Make sure that all of your deadlines are up to date and that you begin working on your applications well in advance. Most scholarship applications expect documents to be submitted several months prior to the actual deadline, so plan accordingly.

Additional Tips for Studying Abroad on a Budget

 

 

 

Going overseas for study is an awfully thrilling venture, and the prospect of it can easily get one caught up. While scholarships do alleviate the burden of tuition, there are several other ways to control expenditure while studying abroad, and it is my aim in this section to provide useful ideas on how to conserve funds for housing, measure, food, and other areas that contribute towards marrying while studying abroad.

 

 

Cutting Costs While Abroad

 

 

 

Living abroad can be expensive, which requires planning in advance. In order to manage your budget right, here are some factors where you can make savings:

 

 

 

How to Save Money on Accommodation

 

 

 

 

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses for students going abroad for studies. Below are some tips that can help you reduce this cost.

 

 

 

Consider Staying in Shared Apartments or Student Dormitories

If a renting an apartment seems to be too expensive in the bustling city, try shared accommodation which includes student dorms or hostels—and can be cheaper. Not only does this lower accommodation expenditure, it helps you meet and interact with other the international students as well as strengthen your support system.

 

 

 

1. • Pros: More affordable, opportunity to socialize, make new friends.
   • Cons: Less private, shared space.

 

 

 

Look for Accommodation Outside City Centers

If you are studying in a big city, you may find that the cost of living close to the campus is fairly high. You might want to consider living in the suburbs or smaller towns where the rent is relatively lower. Even though public transport may take time to reach the campus, this optimally addresses your housing requirements and offers better value.

 

 

 

1. • Pros: Reduced housing costs, peaceful surroundings.
   • Cons: Longer commute, not as convenient.

 

 

 

 

Check Out Housing Platforms for International Students

Transportation is more convenient with respect to other parts of the city. Websites such as Student.com, Uniplaces, and HousingAnywhere offer accommodation solutions tailored for students that are reasonably priced, unlike conventional housing portals that deal with a wide variety of clients. These sites commonly contain trustworthy listings that are tailored towards the students’ needs.

 

 

 

1. • Pros: Easy for students, trusted listings.
   • Cons: There may be service fees.

 

 

 

 

Consider Homestays

Staying with a local family using a homestay is averagely a cheaper option for accommodations. It is also an affordable way to experience a new culture.

 

 

 

• • Pros: Culture, domestic meals, and lower rent.
  • Cons: Easy living, no privacy.

 

 

 

 

Working While Studying Abroad

 

 

 

 

Alongside several other amenities, international students have the opportunity to previously mentioned work part-time during their studies. This comes in handy when you have to manage your living expenses and take care of costs incurred. It also acts as a wonderful way to garner experience while you are studying.

 

 

 

An important step prior to securing a job can be, looking into rules and policies of your country of residence regarding work as an overseas student. Some nations limit the number of hours you can work per week while classes are in sessions, whereas others tend to allow more liberty during holidays to relax.

 

 

 

Types of Jobs Available

 

 

 

 

These are some of the employment options available to overseas students:

 

 

On-Campus Jobs

Students that go to class get the benefit of working at their respective schools and earning at the same time. It often comes with flexible timings and these jobs interfere very little with classes or studying.

 

 

 

Examples:

Tutoring:  Stronger students are given the option to strengthen other students by giving them tutoring services so that they can do better in their courseworks.

Library Assistant: A large number of students libraries require undergraduate students to assist them by organizing materials, issuing books and doing research.

 

 

 

Student Ambassador: These are primarily students who are chosen to represent the university in various functions such as tours and during recruitment drives.

 

 

 

Pros: It’s easy to expand your network, working hours are flexible, and there’s no commute.

Cons: Doesn’t pay well, may not be accessible for all students.

 

 

 

You can also read How to Get Scholarship in USA for Masters​

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