How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad: Information for Students Around the World

First, let's look at the terminology. We are used to the fact that a scholarship is a monthly payment to a student who finishes the semester without any Cs.

Abroad, everything is a little different. A scholarship is all forms of financial aid to students:

discounts on tuition or full coverage of its cost;

payments for housing, food and educational materials;

fixed benefits - for example, you are paid money for a year in advance, and you can spend it as you wish;

the monthly payments we are used to;

etc.

Usually, the scholarship is valid for 1 year. Even if you were awarded a scholarship for the entire period of study, this decision will be reviewed at the end of each academic year. The committee will look at your exam grades, activity in classes, find out about extracurricular activities. And decide whether to extend funding or not.

And there are also grants (grant / prize). These are large payments - 30,000 USD, 60,000 USD, 100,000 USD and so on. They are paid only once and usually for research. Therefore, grants are more common in doctoral studies - there are not so many of them in master's and bachelor's programs.

Scholarships and grants are divided by the source of funding. Here's who is willing to pay for your education:

governments of countries or individual regions,

universities themselves,

commercial companies and charitable foundations.

Each type of scholarship has its own advantages. Government scholarships are usually the most generous. Universities have a wide variety of programs. And commercial companies sometimes invite their scholarship holders to work.

Studying abroad is a dream for many students, but the financial costs can be a serious obstacle. Fortunately, there are many scholarships and grants that can help cover tuition and living expenses. In this article, we will look at how to get a scholarship, as well as provide a list of useful resources and tips for finding financial aid for international students.

1. Understanding the Types of Scholarships

Before you begin your search, it is important to understand the types of scholarships that exist:

• Academic scholarships: awarded based on academic achievement and merit.

• Need-based scholarships: taken into account the financial situation of the student and their family.

• Special scholarships: may be awarded to certain groups of students, such as ethnicity or gender.

• University scholarships: many schools offer their own scholarships for international students.

2. Where to Look for Scholarships

2.1. University Websites

The first step in searching for scholarships is to visit the websites of the universities where you plan to study. Most institutions have a funding section where you can find information about available scholarships.

2.2. Government Schemes

Many countries offer government scholarships for international students. For example:

• Erasmus+ (Europe) – supports students wishing to study in other European countries.

• Fulbright Program (USA) – provides scholarships for students and researchers from different countries.

• Chevening Scholarships (UK) – offers funding for students from developing countries.

2.3. Private Foundations and Organisations

There are also many private foundations and organisations that offer scholarships. Some of these include:

• Rotary Foundation – provides grants for study and research.

• DAAD (Germany) – offers scholarships for international students wishing to study in Germany.

• Commonwealth Scholarships – funds students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK.

3. ​​Preparing Documents

You will need certain documents to apply for a scholarship. This usually includes:

• Application: A completed scholarship application form.

• Resume: A summary of your education and experience.

• Motivation letter: Explain why you want to study abroad and how this scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

• Letters of recommendation: From professors or employers who can attest to your achievements and potential.

4. Tips for a Successful Application

4.1. Start Early

Don’t leave your scholarship applications to the last minute. Start researching and preparing documents as early as possible so that you have enough time to make changes and improve your materials.

4.2. Personalize Your Applications

Each scholarship has its own requirements and criteria. Make sure your motivation letter and other documents meet the requirements of the specific program.

4.3. Highlight Your Accomplishments

Include information about your academic achievements, volunteer work, and other accomplishments in your application. This will help differentiate you from other applicants.

4.4. Check All the Details

Before submitting your application, carefully check all documents for errors and inconsistencies. Incorrect information or typos can negatively impact your application.

5. Helpful Resources for Finding Scholarships

Here are some online resources that can help you in your search. Scholarship search:

• Scholarships.com — a database of scholarships for students from all over the world.

• Fastweb.com — a platform for searching for scholarships and grants.

• Studyportals.com — a site that helps you find study programs and scholarships abroad.

• DAAD.de — information about scholarships in Germany.

Getting a scholarship to study abroad may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and preparation, it is quite possible. Use all the resources available, prepare your documents carefully, and don’t be afraid to apply to several programs at once. Remember that your dream of studying abroad can become a reality with financial support!