Many of us dream of studying abroad in our dream college, but financial constraints prove to be a hindrance for some.
So, we have this blog to help you understand how to get scholarships to study abroad.
According to the latest reports, more than 7 lakh students apply for scholarships annually from India.
You can be one of them and take a step forward towards fulfilling your dream of studying abroad.
Let's find out how to get scholarships to study abroad and start a blog!
Types of Scholarship
Every type of student can apply for various abroad scholarships; The greatest can be achieved by careful preparation and thorough investigation.
Study abroad scholarships fall into one of the following main categories-
| Merit-basis | It depends on a student's academic standing or extracurricular achievements, such as athletic success and community service. |
| Student specific | Such scholarships are available to students who meet the eligibility requirements based on their gender, color, religion, family, and medical history. |
| Destination specific | Many countries, government organizations, and educational institutions provide funding and scholarships to students from certain countries. For example, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade offers scholarships, and the United Kingdom government offers Chevening Fellowships to international students from Commonwealth countries. |
| Subject-specific | Many colleges and organizations offer grants to students who want to study a particular subject. |
| Need-Based | These scholarships are available for struggling students and are determined by your parents' financial status. Officials may request documents such as work verification, tax returns, and family income. |
| Athletic scholarships | These scholarships, awarded to exceptional athletes, require you to balance your academic pursuits with intensive training and program representation for your university. |
How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad: Process
Now that we know what types of scholarships are available for students wishing to study abroad, how can I get a scholarship to study abroad?
We have a step-by-step process that will make your life easier to get the scholarship.
Essentially, how to obtain a scholarship is divided into 10 steps:
Step 1: Ask someone to help you
First and foremost, don't hesitate to ask for help from the people around you.
Contact the study abroad office at your institution, your academic advisor, your lecturers, and the financial aid office to ask questions about scholarships and grants you know about.
Whenever possible, visit offices in person rather than sending emails to ask questions about how to apply for study abroad scholarships.
Your professors and the study abroad office will not only find it easy to assist you in this way but will also be impressed by your effort and unwavering will to come in person to talk about financial aid.
Finding scholarships to study abroad is the most challenging aspect of the process, so ask the experts if they know of any!
Step 2: Do your research deeply
It is important to do thorough research! The more scholarships you can apply for, the more financial aid you will receive.
To get started, get all the information you need by contacting MOEC! Additionally, many more resources, such as NAFSA, provide lists of scholarships for students wishing to study abroad.
However, it should be noted that there are several additional categories of study abroad scholarships, so you should look into them all.
Step 3: Direct contact with the grant funder
The best way to find out all the details of the scholarship you want to apply for and find out the most current conditions for application is to contact the funder directly.
After all, they are the ones who essentially wrote the book on how to get scholarships to study abroad!
You will demonstrate to the scholarship or grant funder/provider That you are confident in taking the initiative and actively seeking the scholarship you are looking for, while also ensuring that you have all the necessary information.
Step 4: Have an updated résumé
After listing down the scholarships for study abroad that you want to apply for, the next step is to focus on getting those scholarships.
Your CV plays a big role in this! Make sure you emphasize any experiences you have abroad, keep your list of current campus affairs up to date, and keep it to one page. It is important to write clearly and concisely.
Cover letters and summaries go hand in hand. In some cases, they are an essential component of an application because they allow you to argue for yourself in favor of receiving the scholarship.
But you can't just add a letter stating what a great student you are. Focus on how you want to apply the skills you learn abroad to your life in residence and on campus.
If you are applying for a study abroad scholarship offered by an international university, find out how resumes and cover letters are typically prepared in that country.
If you are comfortable with the terminology, you can also try writing them in the language of the country you will study in!
Step 5: Go through your reference
We're sorry, but we're not referencing your bibliography. Most study abroad scholarship essays or applications call for personal recommendations from people you have worked with at work or school.
For most students, this involves contacting their instructors and requesting assistance.
Always ask your professors in advance so they have time to organize, whether they're asking students to prepare a recommendation letter or to serve as references.
Step 6: Mark your dates
If you apply for multiple scholarships or grants in addition to your study abroad program it can be challenging to remember all the deadlines and application criteria.
Create a calendar for your study abroad scholarship applications, noting each deadline. It may seem like common sense, but applying for multiple scholarships or even just one scholarship requires organization.
Step 7: Apply before the deadline
Even though it may seem tedious, submit your application as soon as possible. Doing this will take time and patience, but every little bit helps.
Considering how much homework you've already done, your process should go quickly. Small rewards can add up to big ones and, in the end, make your summer, semester, or year abroad much more affordable and stress-free!
Step 8: Take time to fill out your application
Applying for multiple applications quickly can make it seem like you're applying to more than one place.
Additionally, you should take applications for study abroad with the same seriousness as you do for university admissions.
Read and follow the guidelines when applying for your scholarship application, and give yourself enough time to complete your entire application without feeling pressured to submit it on or before the deadline.
If you have enough time, you will have higher quality work, which will increase your chances of receiving more financial aid!
Step 9: Focus on your grades
It may seem simple, but you often need excellent scores to be eligible for scholarships to study abroad.
Although not all grants and scholarships require a high-grade point average or grades, many do.
This scholarship awardee is only requested to ensure that the recipient scholar is dedicated to his/her study program abroad.
To prove to scholarship providers that you intend to take your study abroad experience seriously as more than just an opportunity to travel but also as an opportunity to broaden your intellectual horizons, apply before your time abroad. It is important to try and get strong marks.
Step 10: Personal essay
Most, if not all, study abroad scholarship applications require a personal essay.
You may start to have strong memories of the anxiety your university application essays caused, but don't panic! You can shine in these applications
In your application essay, express your belief in studying abroad and the country you want to visit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although searching for and applying for scholarships may seem intimidating, doing so is an essential first step toward realizing your study abroad goal.
Unlike student loans, scholarships provide financial aid that you don't have to repay.
You can improve your chances of success by learning about the many types of scholarships and where to get them.
Want to Study Abroad? Contact Cross Border Education!
