Studying in a foreign country can be a distant dream for many students. The high tuition fees and living costs can financially strain you. However, you can make these dreams come true through scholarships. Scholarships are like ‘financial gifts’ given to students based on their academic achievements, extracurricular talents, or financial need. Study abroad scholarships are an extremely helpful way to finance your higher studies without the financial burden.
In recent times, more and more scholarships are being provided by universities, governments, and private organizations to boost education and give talented young individuals the opportunity to pursue their higher studies and showcase their skills.
Whether you want to study engineering, law, design, or medicine, there are scholarships available for you to enable your study abroad education journey.
Let’s elaborate on how you can apply for scholarships to study abroad and land a successful scholarship.
Types of scholarships
While applying for scholarships, you need to understand the different types of scholarships, and which would benefit you the most. Scholarships can be provided by the government, the university, or non-profit organizations.
1. Merit-based scholarships– Merit-based scholarships are provided based on the academic, sports, or artistic merit of a student. Your extracurricular achievements and qualifications will make you eligible for these scholarships. The requirements and application process for such scholarships can vary depending on the scholarship you apply for.
2. Need-based scholarships– These scholarships aim to provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate financial need. Such scholarships help talented students to pursue their educational goals without worrying about the financial burden.
3. Country-specific scholarships– Many countries offer scholarships to international students in various fields like medicine and IT to encourage and boost international education and cultural exchange in their country.
4. Programme-specific scholarships– These scholarships are given to students applying for specific higher education programmes or fields of study. These are usually given out by the university or the government to encourage more student enrolment in new courses or a particular field.
Who can Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships?
As mentioned above, there are different types of scholarships based on academic merit or financial need. Hence, anyone who meets the scholarship requirements can apply for them. Every scholarship will have certain criteria relating to academic achievement, field of study, nationality, age, or work experience. Before applying for scholarships, check all the requirements to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.
How to Apply for Scholarships Abroad
1. Define your career goals: The first step in applying for scholarships is identifying your study and career goals. This includes the course you want to apply for, the prospective universities, and future career prospects. This will make the process easier and help narrow down the right scholarships for you.
2. Research scholarships: Thorough research is essential for study abroad scholarships. Start researching scholarships early and shortlist the ones you want to apply for. You can check various scholarship databases, government websites, trusts and organizations, and university websites for available scholarships. Understand the criteria and requirements of the scholarship application before applying.
3. Seek assistance: Before filling out the scholarship application, you can seek assistance from the university, professors, or academic counsellors to guide you through the study abroad scholarship process. This will help you select the best scholarships for study abroad.
4. Fill out the scholarship application: Preparing a strong scholarship application is the key to securing the best scholarships. Your application should reflect your strengths, your achievements, your motivation to study abroad, and highlight why you make the best candidate to avail of the scholarship.
Your application will mainly include your resume, SOP, and letter of recommendation. So, make these parts of your application stand out by reflecting on your academic and extracurricular skills, and make sure to add a personal touch to it.
5. Follow-up on your application: Once you have completed your application and submitted the necessary documents, make sure to follow up regularly. There may be further procedure like interviews or requirements for other documents. Hence, it is important to check emails regularly and fulfil all the requirements.
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Common documents needed for scholarship application
Here are some common documents you will require to apply for scholarships to study abroad-
- Your academic transcripts and certificates
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Your Resume
- Letter of recommendations
- Language proficiency scores (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Letter of acceptance by the university
- Financial statements and documents
Additional tips to successfully get a scholarship
1. Start the scholarship process early: If you want to secure a good scholarship, you should start the research for scholarships for study abroad early. Give yourself enough time to do in-depth research, prepare all the required documents, and fill out the scholarship application on time.
2. Write a compelling personal essay: Your personal essay provides insight into your academic qualifications and your personal achievements. Craft a compelling essay that showcases your passion for studying the chosen course, and why you make the best applicant to get the scholarship.
3. Build a network: Network well with university professors, academic counsellors, and students to get a better understanding of the scholarships you are applying for and how you can steer through the whole process.
4. Apply to multiple scholarships: You want to secure the best scholarships for your study abroad journey. Take time to tailor your application for different scholarships and apply to as many scholarships as you can. This will increase your chances of availing one and can even help you get more than one scholarship.
Conclusion
Your dream of studying abroad should not be hindered by financial constraints. Even though applying for scholarships can be challenging, with proper research and a standout application, you can secure a scholarship to finance your higher education.
If you are a student looking for scholarships to study abroad and need help applying for a scholarship, contact ApplyBuds, your trusted study abroad partner. We will guide you through the application process and help you select the scholarships for your chosen university.
FAQS
Q. Are there any exams for scholarships?
As part of the application process, you may have to provide scores of standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, IELTS, SAT, and TOEFL. This helps universities and organizations assess your academic performance.
Q. How much percentage is required to get a scholarship?
Different scholarships can have different percentage criteria for applying. Usually, students must score between 60% to 80% to avail themselves of scholarships. However, some merit-based scholarships require 90% or more.
Q. Which country is easiest to get a scholarship?
Countries like Germany, France, and Australia are easiest to get scholarships. They provide numerous scholarships to international students.
