Sometimes, getting a scholarship is the only way for a student from another country to go to university without having to worry about the huge costs. However, after you’ve spent so much time and effort preparing your application, it can be incredibly disappointing to learn that you didn’t get the scholarship you were after.
Whether it was merit-based or an international scholarship you applied for, these tips will help you ensure that your application has all the hallmarks of a winning one:
Research extensively and understand eligibility requirements
The first thing to do is look for funds. Intense research needs to be done on many platforms for this:
- College websites: Many colleges offer grants to students from other countries. The college’s website can also provide information about getting financial aid for international students.
- Government programmes: For example, the Fulbright Programme in the US, the Chevening Grants in the UK and the DAAD Scholarships in Germany all offer grants by the governments of those countries.
- Private organisations and NGOs: Often, scholarships are given by groups that are not for profit or business. Examples of these groups are the Gates Foundation, the Soros Foundation and the Rotary Foundation.
For each grant, there are different rules about who can apply, such as grades, study area, nationality, need for money and other things.
Set your goals early
When applying for a scholarship abroad, you may find yourself overwhelmed with all of your options. Don’t panic: By setting goals early on, you can more easily stay organised and on task. Before you begin your application process, think about what you hope to gain from a scholarship and how it will affect your life beyond school.
Identify scholarships
There are many scholarships available, but you need to know how and where to look. Some countries will even provide a list of their current student exchanges. These organisations typically have websites that explain what criteria they’re looking for in exchange students, as well as lists of previous scholarships and participating partners.
Know the rules of application
Make sure you understand every rule and requirement of any scholarship you’re applying for. Some may require a higher GPA or language proficiency in another language or multiple letters of recommendation. Others might have essay requirements that are different from what you’re used to, which will require extra research on your part.
Do research on the country
If you’re applying for a scholarship that is based in a different country, learn about its people, its language and any history it has with your home country. You can use social media sites like Facebook or Google (or even ask your friends) to find out more about it. You can also look at magazines from that country as well. The more you know about them and their culture will help make writing essays easier.
Take your time and take it seriously
It can be easy to feel the need to rush through applications, especially if you are applying to a number of them.
However, you should treat study abroad applications just as seriously as the applications you completed to be accepted into your university. Read and follow the directions for scholarships to study abroad, and leave yourself enough time to complete all of your applications without feeling like you’re under a heavy-hammer deadline. You’ll turn out better-quality work if you do not feel rushed and better-quality work means a better chance for more financial aid.
Try not to get bogged down in all the money matters and forget the real reason for all the work: The incredibly life-changing experience of throwing yourself into another world beyond your comfort zone, and all the adventures that come with it.
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