Introduction
Welcome to this comprehensive guide aimed at helping international students find scholarships to fund their university education, regardless of the level of study. This guide covers the cost of scholarships, where to find scholarships, how to apply for a scholarship, tips for application forms, and how to prepare for a scholarship application.
What is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial award granted to students to help with the cost of studying at university. Scholarships can vary in amount and can usually be used to pay for tuition fees, living costs, travel costs, and academic materials among other things. They can be awarded based on various criteria such as academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, research areas, leadership potential, or financial need.
Where Can You Find Scholarships for International Students?
- University Scholarships: These are offered by universities based on good grades, extracurricular activities, or financial need. Each university has its own list of scholarships and criteria.
- Academic or Merit-Based Scholarships: These are for students with high grades in school or a particular subject.
- Performance-Based Scholarships: These are for students who excel in sports, arts, or music.
- External Scholarships: These come from businesses, charities, or higher education associations.
- Government Scholarships: Offered by governments to fund tuition fees and travel expenses for international students.
- Country/Region-Based Scholarships: These are aimed at students from specific countries or regions.
Types of Scholarships Available for International Students
- Partially Funded Scholarships: Cover only part of a student’s expenses.
- Fully Funded Scholarships: Cover all expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs.
- Research Grants: Financial awards for in-depth studies on specific topics.
- Work-Study Programs: Programs where students can work while studying.
- Undergraduate Scholarships: For students pursuing an undergraduate degree.
- Postgraduate Scholarships: For students pursuing postgraduate degrees.
Tips for Getting University Scholarships
- Research: Look into scholarships from governments, universities, companies, and charities.
- Meet the Criteria: Ensure you meet the academic grades and other requirements.
- Maintain Grades: Keep your academic grades high.
- Extracurricular Activities: Participate in activities related to your degree.
- Connect with University Contacts: Seek guidance from students, alumni, and university admissions officers.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents like acceptance letters, financial proof, and academic transcripts.
- Write a Personal Statement: Clearly outline your achievements, goals, and how the scholarship will help you.
- Recommendation Letters: Secure strong letters from teachers or professionals.
- Proofread: Check your application thoroughly and have someone else review it.
- Apply Early: Submit applications well before the deadline.
- Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Keep track of deadlines and requirements for each.
Scholarships by Region
United Kingdom:
- Chevening Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships for master’s courses.
- Rhodes Scholarship: For postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
- GREAT Scholarships: Funding for students from 15 countries.
United States:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Prestigious scholarships for various studies.
- MPOWER Financing: Scholarships for refugee, DACA, and international students.
Australia and New Zealand:
- Australia Awards Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships for students from Africa and the Indo-Pacific region.
- Monash International Leadership Scholarship: Covers tuition fees.
Canada:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: For doctoral students.
- John M. Kerr Memorial Bursary Award: For 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
Europe:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship: Funding for study across multiple universities in Europe.
- DAAD Scholarships: For studying in Germany.
Global International Scholarships:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Programme: For students across Africa.
- World Bank Scholarship Programme: For master’s degrees in development-related topics.
Specialized Scholarships
- Scholarships for Refugee Students: Various universities offer scholarships for refugee students.
- Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: Financial support from various organizations.
- Scholarships for Postgraduate Students: Include Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, and more.
- STEM Scholarships: Support for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
This article was originally published on timeshighereducation. Read the original article.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How do scholarships work?
Scholarships provide financial support based on various criteria to help students with educational costs. - How to apply for scholarships?
Find suitable scholarships, complete application forms, and submit required documents. - Where can I find scholarships?
Online databases, university websites, and government portals. - What do scholarships cover?
They can cover tuition fees, accommodation, books, travel, and living costs. - Do scholarships cover all expenses?
Some do, while others cover only partial expenses.