How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad?

How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad? This question pops in most of our minds whenever we the idea of studying abroad arises. As studying abroad comes with many benefits, it also comes with a high cost of studying and living associated with it. In that case, study-abroad scholarships may help ease the stress. 

All students looking to study abroad know the costs involved with studying in a foreign country. Although the quality of education you will receive abroad is worth all that but we all still wish we could get away with paying a little less. The easiest way to do so is through a scholarship. There are lots of things you need to keep in mind while you look for a scholarship to apply for. Below are a steps you need to follow to find, apply to and get the right scholarship for yourself.

Also Read: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad after 12th

1. Reach out for information 

Don’t be shy about reaching out to those who have studied abroad for help. They could be friends, cousins or even strangers in any relevant online community. You could also contact your university’s international students' cell, financial aid office and ask them about the available scholarships they know of. 

Remember that basic information about the scholarships can be accessed online. So you want to get information from these people who are on the internet, which is tips and tricks about scholarships. Everyone applying for a scholarship will have a different experience, so ask about their applying for scholarship experience, their complete story.  

Related Links:

• How to apply to foreign universities from India?
• Can you Study Abroad for Free?
• 5 Things to consider before choosing a Study Abroad Destination

2. Research 

Visit all scholarship websites, university websites, and online communities for details about the scholarships available. The hardest thing about getting a scholarship is finding the right one to apply or.  So keep a list of all the scholarships you can apply for because the more you apply, the more your chances of getting the financial aid you need.  Remember that there are different types of scholarships you need to explore. These are described as follows:  

Location-based scholarships - These scholarships are meant to encourage students from specific regions and countries to apply to the university. For example, there are various scholarships available to students from Japan, China, India, and other such countries. These scholarships could be provided by a university, government, or even by the Indian government in order to foster better diplomatic relations. 

Course-based scholarships - These scholarships are offered to students going for a specific course or area of study. For example, there are scholarships meant only for engineering students or biology students.  

Profile-based scholarships - Some scholarships are meant for students based on factors like gender, ethnicity, religion, disabilities etc. These grants ensure a diverse population within a university and are meant to help minorities. 

Merit-based scholarships – These scholarships are granted on the basis of your grades. Usually, these are the most competitive scholarships and you need to have a very strong profile in order to get these.  

Other Useful Reads:

• How to Concentrate on Studies?
• Study Abroad: How should students shortlist colleges and look beyond rankings?

3. Contact the university or scholarship funder 

If you are not able to find all the information you need on the scholarship of your choice, send an email or call the scholarship provider directly. This is the best way to know all the updated details of the scholarship.  

4. Customize your resume 

You need to send a resume for each scholarship you are applying for and they need to be built accordingly. Even the cover letter forms a crucial part of a scholarship application, as it makes an argument for why you deserve that particular scholarship. Be sure to not send a generic sample cover letter along with your application. Tweak the contents accordingly.  

5. Strong references 

Some study abroad scholarships require you to write essays and send academic or professional references. For this, you will have to reach out to your professors or direct managers and ask for a letter of recommendation.  

6. Keep track of deadlines

All scholarships have deadlines. So mark your calendar and be sure to finish your application well in advance. Staying organized is very important if you wish to apply for more than one scholarship. So be sure you stay on a timely track.  

7. Apply 

Once you are done with all the preparation, submit your scholarship application. Make sure you do it at least one or two days before the deadline as you may need additional time at the end of it. So keep a few days as a safety net.

Know more about scholarships:

• Types of scholarships available for Study Abroad aspirants
• Private Trusts offering Scholarships and Loans for studying abroad
• What are the chances of receiving a Scholarship?
• Common Expenses Covered in Scholarship
• What Are The Requirements To Obtain an Education Loan for Studying Abroad