Studying in another country can be expensive, nevertheless, one can maximize these unpopular scholarships to study abroad as an international student. This article gives full information on the various funding and scholarship sources, assistantship opportunities and scholarship types.
Paying for tuition and daily living expenses can be challenging for international students. However, securing scholarships before and during one’s study abroad can be a life changer.
Therefore, this guide reveals the wide range of available scholarships to study abroad emphasising unpopular scholarships. This guide will address the following:
- What is scholarship?
- What is the purpose of a scholarship?
- Types of Scholarships for international students
- How to get scholarship for international students
- what are the benefits of Scholarship?
- Frequently Asked Questions about scholarship
What Is A Scholarship?
A scholarship is a non-refundable financial award given to students who meet certain eligibility criteria. This can be on the basis of excellent academic records, financial need, exceptional skill and ability, and to foster diversity and inclusion in an environment.
Notwithstanding, scholarships can be in cash or other forms like fee waivers, discounts, and exclusive access to events resources, and opportunities. In an academic institution, one can receive scholarships for undergraduate study, postgraduate research, and conferences.
Depending on the eligibility criteria, financial aid supports domestic and international students. The availability of a scholarship program promotes active participation and competition. Study abroad scholarships for international students can cover from full to partial expenses.
Since seeking and accessing scholarships is not for everyone, it is important to understand the purpose of any scholarship before applying. With that, let us find out the purpose of a scholarship.
What is the purpose of a scholarship?
Each scholarship program has its objective, eligibility, and requirements. The purpose of a scholarship is to support exceptional skills, provide financial assistance, reward and promote academic excellence, and access mentorship opportunities when pursuing a study program.
As a student, you have to answer the big question of what is the purpose of applying for a scholarship. Getting a clearer picture of the reason to apply for a scholarship gives you an idea of the suitable funding opportunity to seek.
There are individual reasons for applying for a scholarship. However, if you need assistance to pay for a study or research program, that is your purpose for applying for a scholarship.
With the diverse inequality in education, financial aid like scholarships has become an essential equalizer. Scholarships provide access to quality education to outstanding students who cannot afford international education. Thereby making quality education affordable and accessible.
While many individuals need scholarships to study abroad, some lack the knowledge of available scholarships for international students to study in a developed country. Let us discuss the available scholarships for studying abroad.
Types of Scholarships To Study Abroad
There are different types of scholarships for international students. These funding opportunities include
- Government Scholarship
- University Scholarship
- Country and regional scholarship
- Industry scholarship
- Private scholarship
You can utilize one or a combination of the above scholarships for undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs abroad. Below are full information on the different types of scholarships to study abroad for international students
Government Scholarship
A government can sponsor citizens to study abroad in advanced countries to bridge the gap in a nation’s sector. The government provides full scholarships to qualified citizens to further their education abroad. The goal is for the scholars to contribute to the nation’s economy at the end of the program.
In some cases, countries come together to form a bilateral education agreement. This empowers eligible citizens to receive free education in another host country. Most times, the host partnering countries cover the tuition and accommodation of the scholars. The scholar’s country of origin caters for other expenses.
Through government scholarships, you learn in an international landscape that supports your career journey. The first step to securing a government scholarship is to research the available bilateral education agreements in your country. The next step is to choose the study destinations.
The host government liaises with specific higher institutions in the country to offer government scholarships in designated programs.
Before applying for the government scholarship, read and understand the terms and conditions. Some top-tier countries offer government scholarships to both domestic and international students. Although government scholarships can be competitive, an outstanding academic essay can help you qualify for the interview.
If you are considering applying for a government scholarship, check out the following foreign government-sponsored scholarships for international students to study abroad.
- Australia Awards Scholarship
- Chevening scholarship
- Government of Japan MEXT Scholarship
- DAAD Scholarships Germany
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
- France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program
- Fullbright Foreign Student Program
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
- Scotland Saltire Scholarships
You can get a 100% scholarship to study in the UK as an international student through fully funded government scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships.
University Scholarships
A University scholarship is a financial award given to students who meet set criteria. Incoming, returning, and transferring students can benefit from it. Some university scholarships are for specific programs and degrees of study. To increase your chances of getting funding, seek admission to schools that offer university scholarships.
Aside from applying for government scholarships, you can also secure additional university scholarships. Rather than applying for admission and scholarships in many schools, focus on applying to schools you meet the eligibility requirements and offer higher scholarship amounts.
Some unpopular university scholarships provide access to global education. Some of these scholarships have low competition and provide tuition, health insurance, and stipend for international students. These unpopular funding options include
- Graduate Research Assistantship
- Teaching assistantship
- Graduate assistantship
- International admission scholarship
- Teaching associateship
- Studentships
- Fellowship
- Excellence scholarship for international students
- Project Assistantship
- Vice Chancellor’s scholarship
- Traineeship
- Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship
- president’s Scholarship
- Assistant Residence Director
- International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
International students need to verify the available university study abroad scholarships for graduate students or undergraduates before applying. In some higher institutions, applying for admission automatically qualifies you for a scholarship opportunity. Whereas, some schools consider individuals with an interest in the scholarship.
Some university scholarships cover some professional programmes like onsite or online MBA for international students. Other university scholarships that cater for international students include
- Wesleyan African Scholars Program
- Rhodes scholarship at the University of Oxford
- International Excellence Scholarship at the University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Gates Cambridge scholarship at the University of Cambridge
- Stamps Scholarship at the University of Connecticut
- Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships at the University of Edinburgh
- Metals Merit Scholarship at Carnegie Mellon University
- May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship at the University of Alberta
- International Student Academic Scholarship Caldwell University
- Bashford International Scholarship at the Ohio Wesleyan University
Regional Scholarships
Fund your dream of receiving international education through available country and regional scholarships. There are specific international scholarships that intend to empower the next generation of leaders from specific countries and regions that are facing peculiar issues. Scholarships for US citizens to study abroad
Regional Scholarships can also fund predetermined academic taught and research programs in certain schools abroad.
Typical examples of regional scholarships are
- Red dragon scholarship for Chinese
- The Rhodes scholarships for West Africa
- Arbor Foundation scholarship for canadians
- Cardiff India scholarships
- Marshall Scholarships for Americans
- Beacon scholarship for Africans from Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya
- Nyerere scholarship for Tanzanians
- Trailblazer Opportunity Scholarship for Dutch
Industry Scholarships
Industry scholarships aim to support the participation and representation of certain individuals in specific fields. It can support professionals with excellent academic standing to gain skills and relevant experiences in the international community, conferences and other events.
Another area of interest of industry scholarship is in promoting diversity and inclusion in settings where there is underrepresented groups. Some of these scholarships are open to diverse people like women in tech, STEM, first-generation graduates, disabled persons and underrepresented groups.
Providing a backbone or one-time support, industry scholarships can sponsor conference attendance, living expenses and tuition payment for international students. Examples of industry scholarships that can fund your study abroad include
- Women in STEM Scholarships
- Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students
- American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
- Generation Google Scholarship
- Graduate Women International
- Google Lime Scholarship
- Swedish Institute Scholarships
- P.O.E International Peace Scholarships
- British Council Women in STEM scholarships
- Women at Microsoft (WAM) Scholarship
Private Scholarships
Private scholarships can come in handy to finance your international education. Individuals, Non Governmental Organisations, family members, and social groups award scholarships to international students to study abroad.
The value of the scholarship varies from a few thousand dollars to providing full funds for international education. Some private scholarships are available to international students from specific regions or backgrounds.
It is important to look out for scholarships available in your environment or area of interest. Private scholarships include
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
How To Get Scholarships To Study Abroad
Getting a scholarship to study abroad for master’s, undergraduate, and doctoral programs requires strategic planning and implementation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get scholarships for international students.
Conduct Scholarship Research
The first thing you must do to get a scholarship is to conduct research. This is to enable you to find out the wide range of scholarships that can fund your study abroad. Avoid limiting yourself to what you know already. So, research to find out more.
Research about regional, university and other scholarships from diverse sources. Check out the eligibility criteria, qualifications, and requirements for the scholarship application.
Streamline those funding opportunities to those that you are eligible for and can meet the requirements. Choose the scholarships that you will apply. Take note of the scholarship application guide, deadline, and other additional information.
Gather The Application Materials
After conducting scholarship research and choosing scholarships to apply for, the next step is to gather the scholarship requirements. Some of which could be a statement of purpose, academic essay, transcript, recommendation letters, and English Proficiency Test.
Moreso use this period to notify those who will write your recommendation letter. Make your interest known to them on time. This is to avoid taking them unawares. Go ahead to draft and edit your essay and statement of purpose. Also, share them with senior colleagues for further editing and proofreading.
Make all the necessary corrections and get your documents ready for the opening of the scholarship application. This step is crucial when trying to secure a scholarship to study abroad.
Submit The Scholarship Application
As the application portal opens, apply this general guide when submitting a scholarship application as an international student. Submit your scholarship application early following all the set instructions strictly. Applying early enables you to receive consideration for the scholarship as some financial aid is offered on the basis of first come first served.
However, in some cases, the review of scholarship application holds after the application deadline. But to be on the safer side and avoid technical issues with last-minute rush, submit your application early. Following the application timeline, keep an eye on your email on the outcome of your application.
All the best to you!
What Are The Benefits of Scholarship?
Wondering why you should apply for scholarship? Education is not cheap as studying abroad can be quite expensive. Many international students end up struggling to pay their fees. Studying abroad with scholarship as an international student can be a life saver! With this, let us find out the benefits of securing a scholarship to study abroad.
- Eases the financial burden that comes with studying in another country. These financial expenses include tuition, living expenses, books and stationery, health insurance, and transportation
- Enables you to focus on your study and research to achieve your academic goals
- Assures immigration officers that you have funding for your international education and hence approves your study visa
- Contributes to one’s active participation in school, networking events and other extracurricular activities to build quality network
Conclusion
There are many unpopular scholarships to study abroad which are less competitive and available annually. Securing a scholarship can be based on academic excellence, leadership skills, need for financial assistance, and exceptional skills. To get a scholarship to study abroad, research available scholarships, gather application information and go ahead to apply early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scholarship is best for international students?
Fully funded scholarship is best for international students. However, some partial scholarships covering tuition, health insurance, and monthly stipends can be helpful to international students to study abroad.
What is the best website to find scholarships for international students?
The best website to find scholarships for international students is Global Desk Spot
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