How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad

Scholarships are key to abroad education. Scholarships can easily lessen the financial burden for international students. However, scholarships cannot be availed easily. One needs to maintain a stupendous academic record to obtain scholarships. Yes, since these are rewards for academic excellence, majority of the international universities seek students to maintain the same since the standard of education at their universities is very high.

Applying for scholarships is easy and straightforward. Many universities have a simple application process to apply to their scholarships. Let's talk more about this in this blog. 

Types of Scholarships

Even though scholarships are merit-based, numerous other scholarships are available for international students based on various factors. Let us see them one by one.

• Merit-based scholarships - These are purely talent-based. The talent can be in academics, sports, or extracurricular activities. These are the major scholarships available for international students.

• Country-Specific scholarships - Country-specific scholarships are given based on the financial resources available for international students. If a student is from a developing country, these types of scholarships are offered for them.

• Special Backgrounds - These scholarships are awarded if a student is from a specific race, religion, or ethnicity.

• Subject/Program-based Scholarships - Subject/Program-based scholarships are given for students who specifically demonstrated excellence in them. These are awarded by the country's government or universities/colleges.

Eligibility Criteria

The majority of the universities eligibility criteria for obtaining scholarships include:

• A good academic record
• A good sports profile
• Certification showing excellence in extracurricular activities
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter of Recommendations (2)
• A valid passport

Application Process

Most of the time, the application process for scholarships happens online. Here is a step-by-step guide for applying to scholarships:

• Research: Research about scholarships intensively and check the availability of scholarships for your study period.
• Funding options: Research about the finding options for the marks you have scored. Apart from scholarships, even bursaries are also available for students hailing from certain countries.
• Suitability: Make sure you are applying for the right scholarship considering your marks/grades.
• SOP: Write a neat and precise application essay on why you are eligible for the scholarship.
• Application: Gather all necessary documents to apply for the scholarship. Even missing any critical document will lead to rejection.

Tips for a Successful Application

Here are some tips for a successful scholarship application:

• Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute to start working on your scholarship application.
• Research Scholarships: Spend some time researching scholarships that fit your academic profile, career goals, and interests.
• Read the Requirements Carefully: Make sure to check for deadlines, word limits, formatting, and any other requirements.
• Beware of Scholarship Scams: Be cautious and verify the legitimacy of the scholarship.
• Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to the specific scholarship.
• Be Authentic: Authenticity can make your application stand out.
• Write a Compelling Essay: A well-written essay can significantly increase your chances of winning the scholarship.
• Focus on Your Accomplishments: Highlight your achievements and how they align with the scholarship's goals.
• Proofread: Make sure someone proofreads and edits the scholarship application before submitting.
• Stick with It: Applying for scholarships might be a lot of work in the short term, but earning scholarship dollars will reduce a ton of pressure later in your educational journey.

Remember, the key to successful scholarship applications isn't just in meeting the criteria — it's about smart strategies. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are five common mistakes to avoid when applying for scholarships:

• Starting Research Too Late: Many high school seniors juggle classes with college applications, so applying to scholarships often becomes an added task. It's important to start the search process early before all deadlines have passed.
• Missing Deadlines: Deadlines vary per scholarship, but most align with college admissions season. To avoid missing deadlines, write due dates on a calendar or in a planner.
• Filling Out a Scam Application: Many scholarships are available online, but not all are legitimate. Look out for red flags in a scholarship application, including requests for payment, personal information such as a Social Security number, or guaranteed money.
• Leaving Mistakes in Your Scholarship Application: Make sure to proofread and edit the scholarship application before submitting. A single mistake can make your application look unprofessional and could cost you the scholarship.
• Applying for Scholarships You're Not Eligible For: Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements of a scholarship before applying. Applying for scholarships you're not eligible for is a waste of time and effort.

Remember, avoiding these common mistakes can increase your chances of winning a scholarship.

Hence applying for study abroad scholarships needs a lot of careful planning, research and execution. This is about your study abroad journey, so be careful about your application because making a simple mistake might lead to rejection resulting in the loss of financial aid.

We wish you good luck for your study abroad journey and study abroad application.