Studying abroad can be a momentous experience, but it can also be exorbitant. Research says that students from a developing country are financially constrained and cannot afford education abroad. However, there are various scholarships available for students to study.
International scholarship programs have existed since the early 20th century, when several countries created programs to train the administrative elite of their colonies.
However, students are ignorant about the different kinds of scholarships available to them and these scholarships can cover their tuition fees, which is a big part of the cost of studying abroad.
Whenever the thought of studying abroad pops up in our minds, the question of funds follows it closely. Studying abroad unlocks numerous opportunities for people and opens the doors to numerous experiences that otherwise cannot be experienced in our home country.
Even though studying abroad comes with lots of financial burdens, getting a scholarship to study may help ease the stress.
In this article, we will answer the question “How to get a scholarship to study abroad”. We will be offering several tips that could help you venture into that journey and make it a less rigorous process for you.
Steps On How To Get A Scholarship To Study Abroad
1. Start early
Nothing beats starting early whenever you have decided to start any particular process, as delay is said to be dangerous. On this note, it is crucial to reinforce the importance of starting your scholarship search as early and as soon as possible.
You should begin at least a year before you plan to start your studies abroad and in whatever country you decide to study in. Starting early has many benefits, which include; sufficient time to research scholarships, deciding what scholarships you are eligible for, understanding the requirements, and preparing your application.
2. Research Scholarships
Taking the USA as an example, there are several scholarships available at universities in the USA for students to study. The US government offers numerous scholarship programs, including the Fulbright Scholarship, the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, and the Rotary Peace Fellowship. Aside from this, scholarships can also be offered by individual universities and organizations, and it depends on you to find them out.
You should visit all scholarship websites, such as Official EU Scholarships, scholarships.com, and certain official websites for specific countries, university websites, and online communities, for details about the scholarships available. When you research multiple scholarship opportunities, you will increase your chances of finding the most suitable one for you. If you want to study abroad with a scholarship, then it is not a time to fold your hands; do get to work. Enough emphasis cannot be placed on the fact that you need to do extensive research when it comes to scholarships abroad.
When you have done your research, keep a list of all the scholarships you can apply for, because the more you apply, the greater your chances of getting the financial aid you need.
3. Remember To Double Check Eligibility Criteria
The truth remains that there are lots of scholarship opportunities but you might not meet all their criteria. In simple terms, not all scholarships are for you. With this information, before applying for any scholarship, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria.
Each scholarship has specific requirements, some of which include:
- Bachelor’s degree (if applying for PG scholarships),
- Academic transcripts,
- Letters of recommendation,
- SOPs
- Resume
- CV
- English proficiency proof
- Letter of acceptance from your university
- Bank statements, and other financial documents.
It is important to read the eligibility criteria carefully and ensure that you are eligible for the scholarship before you apply. Also, read: what are scholarship awards based on? to get a comprehensive understanding of how scholarship works.
If you are writing an essay, before submitting it, double-check that you have done a perfect job, ensure that your write-up is according to their demand, and ensure that you’ve not gone out of context. Ensure that you have all aspects of the application satisfactorily completed. When you do this, you subtract yourself from the many students who end up getting disqualified because they’ve simply forgotten something.
4. Prepare For standardized tests
Many scholarship programs require standardized tests such as the TOEFL, GRE, or SAT. To prepare adequately for these tests, you must find out about them early so that you have adequate time to prepare. If need be, you could also decide to hire tutors so that you could perform excellently in the tests.
5. Prepare Required Documents
After you have found a scholarship opportunity that you are eligible for, find out all the requirements, which could include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and essays. Don’t delay in preparing and putting in order all the requirements; also, ensure that you meet the specific requirements of each scholarship you apply for. Make sure that your documents are genuine, and do not provide any false information.
6. Apply For Multiple Scholarships
Don’t relax if you have succeeded in applying for one or more scholarships. Keep researching and as you find scholarships you are eligible for, apply for them. This will increase your chances of receiving funds. It is also important not to do what you’ve done for one scholarship for another. For example, if two scholarships require an essay, endeavor to do something different and unique for the different scholarships.
7. Understand The Values And Goals Of The Organization Offering The Scholarship
When you’ve studied an individual or a body, you find it easier to understand what they stand for and what moves them. You should apply this technique when it comes to applying for scholarships offered by organizations. Understand them, their vision, their mission, their passion, and their driving force; this way, you will understand what is important to them and what isn’t. When you have done this, you should work it into your application in a way that you relate to.
8. Network With Scholars And Professors And Understand How They Evaluate Candidates
One of the best ways to go through life is by looking at the paths that people before took and were successful. It also entails learning from the failures of others and avoiding that path. Apply this technique to your life when applying for scholarships, Look at past winners or the detailed FAQ on their website. Re-read the parts where they describe how candidates will be evaluated. Keep coming back to this and checking yourself and your application against these criteria. Find out from benefactors of the scholarship the best path to take to become one yourself.
Furthermore, network with professors and scholars. This would help you gain insight into scholarship opportunities.
These Professors and scholars can also provide recommendation letters to support your scholarship applications.
9. Prepare Your Resume
Who doesn’t love to associate with brilliant and bright Individuals? Use this technique. Once you have made a comprehensive list of colleges and scholarships you want to apply for, you need to work on your resume to ensure you grab study abroad scholarship.
This includes highlighting all your accomplishments, projects, volunteer work, experiences (both local and international), extracurricular activities, even foreign languages and captivating skills.
10. Contact The Scholarship Funder
It is important to have direct communication with study abroad scholarships funders. If you have any concerns, doubts, questions or whatever, reach out to them and express your interest in their program. You could also ask for clarifications on their requirements.
When you do this, it ensures you make no mistakes and also establishes a personal connection with the study abroad scholarship provider, potentially setting you apart from other applicants.
11. Identify Your Career Goals
Have you been wondering how to get a scholarship to study abroad? One important step that can’t be kept aside is figuring out what you want to do in the future and where you want to study.
It’s important to know what you want and where you are going. It’s important to have a clear vision for yourself and avoid side distractions. It’s important to go for something you are passionate about.
You should also write down the names of universities you like and what you want to study. When you are clear about your goals, your application becomes stronger and those offering the scholarship will be impressed that you have a clear direction as to where you are going. It makes you look serious, committed, determined and focused; all these things will set you apart from other candidates.
12. Consider Studying Critical Languages And Going To Less Commonly Countries
There are more chances that you would get a scholarship in a less commonly-visited country when compared to another that everyone is applying for.
Studying a language important in a country also sets you apart from other candidates and makes you exceptional.
Different Types Of Scholarships To Study Abroad You Need To Explore
- Location-specific scholarships
- Program-specific scholarships
- Student specific scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships
1. Location-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are meant to encourage students from specific regions and countries to apply to the university. For example, there are various scholarships available to students from Japan, China, India, and other such countries. These scholarships could be provided by a university, government, or even by the Indian government to foster better diplomatic relations.
2. Merit-Based Scholarships
These are the most competitive of all scholarships. These scholarships are granted based on your grades. To be a benefactor of these, you need to have a very strong profile. They are usually scholarships based on the student’s academic, athletic, artistic or other abilities.
3. Student Specific Scholarship
These are scholarships for applicants who qualify based on factors like race, gender, religion, and medical history. There could be other student-specific factors. The goal is to promote equality among the different sections of society.
4. Program-specific awards
Program-specific scholarships are presented by universities and colleges. These scholarships are awarded according to the academic and personal achievements of the applicant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is very possible to get a fully funded scholarship abroad. But first, follow all the steps discussed in this article; don’t fold your hands. Remember to prepare your documents early, choose a scholarship program, and don’t forget deadlines, even if it means making and marking your calendar. Doing this will help you get a fully funded scholarship at an institution of your choice.
