How Can I Get A Scholarship To Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a dream many have. But it comes with a heavy baggage of tuition fees and living expenses, which not many people can afford, unfortunately. And this is where scholarships become relevant – facilitating many deserving students who might otherwise not be able to afford an international education. Scholarships to study abroad cover tuition fees (fully or partially), and some are fully funded, even paying for living expenses, airfare, etc. These scholarships, in many cases, can make or break one’s decision to study abroad. So, let’s talk about scholarships to study abroad as well as scholarship applications.

Different Types of scholarships to Study Abroad

There are a variety of scholarships to study abroad, and they can be mainly categorised into the following types:

1. Merit-based scholarships – These are awarded to applicants based on their academic performance or talent demonstrated in a variety of fields, including (but not limited to) sports, research, and art. Many universities automatically consider your candidacy based on your application, but it is advisable to check with the university whether there are any additional applications to complete. These scholarships are not awarded based on an applicant’s income level and are awarded purely on merit.

2. Need-based scholarships – Given out based on a candidate’s family income (assessed through tax returns and bank statements), need-based scholarships can be helpful for students from underprivileged backgrounds. It is important to note that at certain need-aware universities, your chances of getting in will reduce since they know that you need financial aid. However, based on your financial background, you can still give it a try, especially if you have good grades.

3. Government scholarships – Local as well as foreign governments fund scholarships for meritorious students. Many states in India offer scholarships to study abroad. You can get their details from your state government’s website or by speaking to local authorities. Many foreign governments also give scholarships, but they are extremely competitive and cover most of your expenses. These include Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships (EU), Erasmus Mundus (Europe), Fulbright Nehru (USA), Australia Awards, and DAAD (Germany).

4. University-specific scholarships – Besides merit scholarships, universities have other scholarships for international students, which might require a separate scholarship application. These are usually partial scholarships and cover a part of your tuition fees.

Pro tip: Check the university’s financial aid/scholarships page, and you will come across a list of scholarships that you might otherwise not be aware of.

5. Private scholarships – Trusts, corporations, and foundations also sponsor scholarships for study abroad. Some of the most prominent ones include the Inlaks scholarship and the Tata Trust programs. These scholarships are highly competitive as well and require that applicants be meritorious to be chosen. Also, they might be restricted to particular fields of study. Please visit their websites for detailed information.

Scholarships and funding options for international students pursuing a master’s in the US.

Eligibility criteria for scholarships to study abroad

While every scholarship has its own set of criteria, the following are a few of the most common ones:

• Academic performance – While many scholarships require grades of 65-70%, that is the minimum. Honestly, the more, the better. Especially competitive scholarships have stricter eligibility criteria for grades. This is where any academic honours can complement your application.

• Extracurriculars – Scholarships look for well-rounded students. This includes active participation in clubs, sports, community service, competitions, awards, and research. Brownie points for people with leadership experience or who have founded an organisation themselves.

• Standardised test scores – Based on your chosen course and country, you will need to submit an English proficiency test score (usually IELTS or TOEFL). In case you’re applying to a country where the primary language is not English, you might have to sit for an exam for the primary language (for example, DELF for France and TestDaF for Germany). In addition, you’ll have to submit your SAT/GMAT/GRE scores based on your course and country. Always check each scholarship’s site for minimum scores.

• Work experience – Many scholarships require work experience, especially for mid-career professionals. Chevening scholarship, for example, requires 2,800 hours of work experience (which is about 2 years of work experience). Australia Awards also have age and experience criteria. Academic scholarships (university fellowships for PhD) may prefer research experience or internships. If work experience is not mandatory for the scholarship you’re aiming at, having internship, volunteering, or research experience helps.

Make sure you meet or exceed the eligibility criteria before applying. Missing any of the requirements leads to automatic disqualification.

A few things to be aware of when applying for scholarships to study abroad

Before beginning the scholarship application process, please keep the following points in mind:

• Have a clear narrative of your goals and gather evidence from experiences that reflect your interests. While it is not necessary that you have everything figured out, presenting a well-thought-out plan would ensure higher chances of securing a scholarship.

• Please understand the caveats that come with a scholarship. These could include: no part-time work while on this scholarship, returning to the home country upon completion of the course, and a prohibition on holding multiple scholarships. Please take note of them and make sure to comply with them.

• When hunting for scholarships to study abroad, cast a wide net: combine merit, need, government, university, and private sources. Each category has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so diversify your efforts rather than relying on one chance.

• Scholarship details change every year. So make sure to check for the latest information before preparing your scholarship application.

• It is always helpful to reach out to someone who received the scholarship you are targeting. They give many insights into the scholarship application process, which you might otherwise not get. Many scholarship alumni are also happy to review your application. But remember to value their time and send them your inputs well in advance.

• Reach out to your university to inquire about available financial aid opportunities.

• Keep copies of everything you submit. They will be helpful for future reference, especially if the scholarship requires you to attend an interview.

Document checklist

Here is a generic list of documents required for a scholarship application (please check the scholarship website and add more, if applicable):

• Academic transcripts – Undergraduate scholarship applications might require your academic transcripts from Grades 9 to 12. For postgraduate/PhD applications, please keep your university transcripts handy (all semesters).

• Standardised test scores – These include SAT, IELTS/TOEFL, GMAT/GRE, etc.

• Statement of Purpose/Personal Essay

• Letters of recommendation – Letters should ideally come from faculty supervisors or managers who can attest to your strengths.

• Resume/CV

• ID proofs

• Copy of passport

• Financial documents – IT returns and bank statements (if required)

Tips to increase your chances of getting a scholarship to study abroad

• Start early: Many scholarships to study abroad have very early deadlines. So start researching at least 12-18 months before your intended start date. It will help you keep all your documents in place as well – no expired passport, no spelling mistakes in documents, etc. However cliché it sounds, the early bird always catches the worm. Here are some early action and early decision deadlines for undergraduate admissions.

• Maintain academic excellence: Aim for grades that are in the top 5% of your cohort. Also, retake standardised tests if your scores aren’t high enough.

• Personalise each application: Don’t paste the same essays in all scholarship applications. Tailor your responses to the questions based on the vision of the scholarship provider. For instance, if applying for a science scholarship, highlight your research plans. If it’s a community scholarship, highlight your service.

• Write a strong Statement of Purpose (SoP): Clearly explain your academic goals, why that country/university/course, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Be personal yet professional. Revising your essays over several weeks improves clarity and impact.

• Follow instructions carefully: Keep track of your scholarship application deadlines. Submit your application a few days in advance to ensure there are no last-minute surprises.

• Apply to multiple scholarships: Often, fully funded awards like Chevening/DAAD allow a certain number of awardees each year, so competition is stiff. Leveraging partial awards plus loans/aid can sometimes be more realistic.

Careful planning and hard work can turn the dream of an affordable overseas degree into reality. Scholarships to study abroad are highly competitive, but not impossible. By leveraging official scholarship portals, university programs, and strategic funding (loans, assistantships), you can overcome financial barriers.

Good luck with your scholarship applications, and we hope you realise your dream of studying abroad.

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