I. Scholarships for International Students – What Should Know!
Many students dream of studying abroad. It’s no secret that an international experience offers
students the opportunity to make new friends, participate in an internship, explore a global
city, create professional connections, and immerse themselves in a new culture, all while
gaining a prestigious education. That’s why students are signing up in droves to take their
education abroad.
II. How Much Does It Cost to Study Overseas?
The cost of studying abroad can differ greatly depending on the length of your Courses, the
city/Country you choose to study in, and what kind of accommodation you have selected.
Naturally, full study abroad programs are much more expensive than just taking a single
semester. Therefore, it’s important to plan in advance in order to know how much financial
support you will need.
III. What Will a Study Abroad Scholarship Cover?
Depending on which global scholarship you receive and who is providing it, what the
scholarship will pay for varies greatly. Most scholarships are designed to cover your basic cost of
studying. This includes the cost of tuition, student fees, books, and any other school-related
costs. In some cases, a portion of your living costs will also be covered, including the costs of
food and accommodation.
Other international scholarships are less strict. They will simply provide you with a lump sum of
money which you can apply to your studies however you deem appropriate. That doesn’t mean
you can or should spend your money on just whatever, it’s all still meant to fund your education.
The difference is that you’re able to prioritize your own budget and apply the financial aid
accordingly.
IV. Who Provides Study Abroad Scholarships?
Scholarships can come from many sources and you’re usually eligible to receive more than one
form of aid. Check the guidelines for each global scholarship to see what you qualify for. There
are several different sources for scholarships funding such as:
Universities
- Governments
- Organizations
- Businesses
- Private donors
V. The Different Types of Study Abroad Scholarships
Now that you know where to find an international scholarship, it’s also important to know what
kind of scholarships are being offered. Depending on the scholarship, there are different
eligibility requirements. Likewise, different global scholarships will cover different costs related
to the study abroad experience.
Merit-based Scholarships
Merit scholarships are typically the ones that come to mind when you think of a scholarship. In
order to qualify for a merit scholarship, you must demonstrate academic excellence.
Need-based Scholarships
As the name suggests, need-based scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated
the financial need in order to pursue their dream study abroad experience.
Need-based scholarships are designed to provide assistance for studies when students or their
guardians are not able to afford tuition and costs of studying.
Athletic Scholarships
Athletic scholarships are given to top-notch athletes by universities to recruit them for their
athletic teams. Full-ride scholarships for athletes are common among many universities. Athletes
compete for these prized athletic scholarships, but they also come with a price.
While benefiting from a free education, athletes pay with their rigorous training while balancing
their studies. Often athletic scholarships are awarded to athletes while in high-school based on
their performance in sports.
Program or Field Specific Scholarships
Program-specific scholarships are most often related to a specific level of studies such as
bachelor’s or master’s level, or to a specific program, such as an engineering or a nursing
program. For example, a university may offer master’s degree scholarships for any of its master’s
students or the engineering faculty may offer specific scholarships for master’s programs in
engineering for its engineering students.
Minority Scholarships
If you belong to a minority group, take advantage of the scholarship’s options established
specifically for you. Most universities want to ensure they are providing equal access to
education.
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VIII. Applying for a Study Abroad Scholarship
So, what’s next? If you’ve done the research and made a list of international scholarships you
may be eligible for, now it’s time to apply!
- Make a Checklist
- Your Language proficiency IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/GRE/SAT
- Review and Submit
- Congratulate Yourself on a Job Well-Done!