Getting a Scholarship to Study Abroad Made Easy

Education expands your knowledge and opens doors to opportunities that you may not have had otherwise. But, studying abroad can be costly, and not everyone can afford it. That’s where foreign study scholarships come in. But many Indian students are not aware of how to get a scholarship to study abroad. As a result, many deserving students miss out on studying at some of the world’s top colleges. 

Statistics reveal that various universities and corporations offer over 1.7 million foreign study scholarships annually. As a result, you could make it to the 7% of students who make it through these scholarships, breaking all the financial barriers and pursuing your dreams. Private sources alone provide scholarship money exceeding $7.4 billion to students.

This is a significant increase from the estimated $3.3 billion awarded in 2003. Over the course, private scholarship awards have increased by $4.1 billion, indicating the growing importance of scholarships in supporting students’ education.

This article will discuss how to get scholarships to study abroad. We will also highlight some of the most prestigious scholarships around the world.  

Types of Scholarships for Studying Abroad  

Before thinking about how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad, know about the common types of scholarships: 

• Merit-based scholarships. These international scholarships for Indian students are based on your academic wins, such as your GPA or test scores. 
• Government-sponsored scholarships. These are funded by government firms or forums and are often available to students from certain countries or regions. 
• Low-income student scholarships. These scholarships are for Indian students who need education funds, such as those from low-income families. 
• Scholarships based on athletic/research achievements. These are for students who are great in athletics or research and have got awards for the same. 
• Country-specific scholarships. These are for students who come from or plan to study in a specific country. 
• Institutional scholarships. These are offered by the colleges you plan to attend. Some of these colleges also allow study abroad with a full scholarship. 
• Minority-based scholarships. These international scholarships are for Indian students who belong to certain minority groups. 

Here is a list of scholarships for Indian students: 

Country	Name of Scholarships
Government of India	Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship. National Overseas Scholarship. The JN Tata Endowment – Higher Education of Indians. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Scholarship. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship.
UK:	Commonwealth Scholarship and fellowship. Chevening Scholarship. Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships. Rhodes Scholarships. Inlaks Shivadasani Foundation Scholarships. Erasmus Mundus. Felix Scholarships.
US:	Fulbright- Nehru Fellowships. Tata Scholarship.
China	Chinese government fellowships.
Canada	UBC Leader of Tomorrow Award.
Australia	Australia Awards Scholarship. Australian Embassy fully funded scholarships. University of Melbourne Scholarships. Adelaide Scholarship International (ASI).

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships  

The common eligibility criteria for awarding international scholarships to Indian students are: 

• Academic qualifications: You may need to meet certain academic standards, such as a minimum GPA or test scores. 
• Financial need: Some scholarships are for students who lack funds, as stated by their parent’s income and other financial papers. 
• Nationality: Certain foreign study scholarships may only be for students from specific countries or regions. 
• Language proficiency: You may need to show your proficiency in the language through exams. 

While searching for how to get a scholarship to study abroad, please note that scholarship providers may also look for: 

• Leadership experience: Such as student organizations, community service, or volunteer work. 
• Research experience: In case the scholarship is focused on academic or research elements. 
• Work experience: In case it is related to the academic or professional goals of the scholarship. 
• Essays: To show academic and professional goals, as well as eagerness for studying abroad. 

Hence, read the eligibility for the foreign study scholarship you have an interest in. Tailor your application to meet those criteria. 

Researching Scholarships  

When looking for how to get scholarships, you can use the following resources:  

• Scholarship search engines: Some websites help you search for scholarships based on your profile and needs. Examples include Fastweb, Scholarships.com, etc.
• Government websites: You can easily visit the government websites of your particular state to search for various scholarships.  
• University websites: Some colleges offer financial aid up to 100% to some deserving students. You can visit those university sites and look for different options and apply for the one that you think is best for you. 

Here are some tips for narrowing down your research for how to get a scholarship to study abroad: 

1. Focus on scholarships that match your needs: Look for scholarships that align with your academic goals and needs. 
2. Read eligibility criteria: Check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure that you meet them. 
3. Look for scholarships with high award amounts: The larger award amounts can help offset the costs of studying abroad. 
4. Check deadlines: Make sure to note the application deadlines for each and jot down the deadlines that are approaching soon. 
5. Apply for scholarships that require fewer applicants: Apply where there are fewer applicants and increase your chances of receiving an award. 
6. Avoid scams: Be wary of scholarship scams that ask for a fee or promise guarantee. 

Tips for Applying for Study Abroad Scholarships  

Applying for study abroad scholarships can be a tough process. But there are steps you can take to increase your chances of success in getting a scholarship to study abroad.  

Here are the 8 important tips for making this process of how to get a scholarship to study abroad easy for you: 

1. Start early: Begin your search and application process as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to research scholarship options, gather documents and prepare your application.
2. Research the scholarship: Make sure you properly research the scholarship you are applying for. Know the criteria, the selection process, and the scholarship provider’s mission and values. 
3. Write a compelling statement of purpose (SoP): Your SoP highlights your academic goals, your reasons for studying abroad, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
4. Obtain strong letters of recommendation (LoR): Ask someone who can speak to your academic wins to write your LoR. Provide them with a copy of your SoP and your resume to help them know about you and your goals.
5. Highlight academic wins: Make sure to highlight your wins in schools or college, including your GPA, any honors or awards you have received, etc.
6. Tweak your resume: Adjust your resume to highlight the skills and expertise that align with the scholarship requirements.
7. Prepare for interviews: If an interview is needed, prepare in advance. 
   Research the scholarship provider and practice common interview questions.
   Dress neatly and arrive early. 
   Be prepared to discuss your wins, your study abroad plans, etc.
8. Be genuine and passionate: In all aspects of your study abroad with a full scholarship application, be genuine and passionate about your goals and your desire to study abroad. While wondering how to get a scholarship to study abroad, you should also know that scholarship providers want to invest in those who are committed to their growth and who will make the most of the scholarship.

Scholarship Application Timelines

One of the important things about how to get a scholarship to study abroad is being aware of timelines. Submit applications on time because missing the deadline can mean losing out on an opportunity. Applying for early shows that you are in need and sincere about the scholarship. It also gives you time to make any changes to your application. Plus, there are limited funds to study abroad with a full scholarship. So, submitting your application on time can increase your chances of getting one. 

The table below shows the application timelines for varied countries: 

Country of Scholarships	Application Timelines (For 2023-24)
India	Mid-July
Canada	Winter: January – May. Spring/Summer: May-August. Fall: September – December.
USA	Spring: January – April. Summer: May-August. Fall: August – December.
New Zealand	Intake 1: February – June. Intake 2: July – November.
UK	Winter: January – April. Summer: April – June. Fall: September – December.
Ireland	Spring: January-May. Autumn: September-December.
Europe	Spring: January-May. Fall: August-December.

Achieving Your Dream of Studying Abroad 

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience but the cost can be a barrier for many. Scholarships can help make your dream a reality. This article covered all the aspects of how to get a scholarship to study abroad.  

You can study abroad in countries like the US, China, Canada, Australia, etc. After reading the eligibility properly evaluate which scholarship from the ones listed above are you eligible for. Also, pay attention to the application timelines to make sure you do not miss out on such a great chance of studying abroad. By following the tips and steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of getting a scholarship and achieving your goal of studying abroad.  

Don’t let a lack of funds hold you back from pursuing your dreams. With hard work, perseverance, and a little bit of luck, you will no longer have to think about how to get a scholarship to study abroad, instead, you will become a scholarship recipient and embark on an incredible educational journey. 

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