How To Apply For Scholarships To Study Abroad: Tips and Resources

Studying overseas brings with it a myriad of opportunities; ranging from global education and exposure to a chance to create international connections. But at the same time, the costs associated with studying abroad can be overwhelming to those with financial constraints.

Study abroad scholarships act as a savior for such students. It eases out the cost of studying abroad and makes international education more accessible.

This post is going to give you a descriptive and detailed idea regarding scholarships and how you can apply for them. You will also get to learn about some tips and resources that can simplify the process of applying for scholarships.

Let’s begin.

Types Of Scholarships Available

Before you start applying for a scholarship to fund your overseas education, you must have an idea about the types of scholarships that are available. Let’s have a look at some common categories:-

Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded on the basis of one’s academic achievements. Students who have an impressive academic record are the perfect fit for merit-based scholarships.

Need-Based Scholarships

This scholarship is meant for students who have financial constraints. However, in the process of applying for a need-based scholarship, it becomes imperative for students to present authentic documentation showing proof of income.

Program-Specific Scholarships

These scholarships are available for specific fields of study. Those include STEM, business, or arts.

Country-Specific Scholarships

Numerous countries offer scholarships to attract bright and meritorious international students. The Fulbright Program is a prominent example of country-specific scholarships. It supports students who aspire to study in the USA.

Grants and Fellowships

Just like scholarships, grants, and fellowships are often provided for research and postgraduate studies.

The above-mentioned scholarships have their own set of eligibility criteria, process of application, and benefits. Thus, you must choose to go with a scholarship that suits your requirements accordingly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Scholarships

When it comes to applying for scholarships, it indeed happens to be a distressing process. However, relying on the following steps can ease out the entire process for you:-

Research Thoroughly

You must start by researching thoroughly about available options for study abroad scholarships that are in accordance with your profile. Look out for scholarships for international students that are provided by governments, universities, and private organizations.

Eligibility Criteria

Go through the eligibility criteria for each scholarship carefully. You will find some of them that primarily focus on the academic performance of students while some others may look out for involvement in extracurricular activities or leadership capabilities.

Gather All The Necessary Documents

Make sure to gather all the necessary documents that you will require while applying for scholarships. Some of the common ones include:-

• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal essays or statements of purpose
• Proof of financial need (if applicable)

Meet The Application Submission Deadline

Missing deadlines is a mistake that you must choose to avoid at all costs. To counter that, you must consider keeping a calendar of important dates so that you meet deadlines promptly.

Follow Up

Once you have submitted your application, make it a point to regularly check your email so that you have a clear idea regarding any updates or additional requirements.

Tips To Enhance Your Scholarship Application

When it comes to getting a scholarship, it’s not an easy job. In today’s era, it has become quite competitive as well. However, if you rely on the following tips, you can brighten your chances of getting a scholarship:-

Personalize Your Application

You must always avoid generic applications. You must tailor each submission in a way that highlights you as the perfect fit for that particular scholarship.

Craft a Compelling Essay

The essay that you will be writing will play a prominent role in brightening your chances of getting a scholarship. In the essay, you must share your story, motivations, aspirations, and how getting the scholarship will assist you in achieving your objectives. You can mention instances from your life to make the essay sound relatable.

Highlighting Extracurricular Activities

You must highlight your leadership roles, volunteering work, and other experiences that showcase your unique capabilities as an individual. All this information tends to be quite crucial for numerous international student scholarships.

Thorough Proofreading

In your application, if there are errors in spelling or grammar, it leaves a negative impression. Thus, double-checking your application for such mistakes is mandatory.

Seeking Feedback

Before you make the final submission of your application, ask your mentors or peers to thoroughly review your essay(s) and other documents. Their valuable insights can further assist in refining your application.

Resources to Find Scholarships

If you have access to reliable resources, finding out the right scholarship will be quite an easy job for you. To serve that purpose, you can rely on the below-mentioned trusted sources and platforms:-

Scholarship Search Engines

To ease out your search for scholarships for overseas education as per your criteria you can rely on platforms like ScholarshipPortal, DAAD, and Chevening.

University Websites

On the official websites of numerous universities, there is a focused section for study abroad scholarships. You must go through their funding opportunities that cater to international students.

Government Programs

In order to attract talented and meritorious students, countries like the US, UK, and Canada offer scholarships. For example, a Fulbright program will benefit students who are aspiring to study in the United States.

Social Media and Public Forums

You must join social media groups and public forums where students share information related to scholarships and financial aid for study abroad.

Advisors and Consultants

Advisors and consultants assist you by providing professional guidance. Reach out to us at ESM Overseas, the leading USA study visa consultants in Chandigarh, to get expert assistance that will be as per your requirements. 

Mistakes To Avoid

You can have the most promising application but if it has some common mistakes, it can certainly falter. Hence, you must always avoid the following pitfalls:-

Applications with Missing Information

You must make it a point that all the required documents are available in your application. Missing even a single necessary document can lead to your disqualification.

Procrastination

In order to avoid last-minute confusion and stress, get started with your research and application as early as possible.

Not Adhering To Instructions

Go through each and every instruction and guideline mentioned and adhere to them as stated.

Generic Essays

Don’t make the mistake of using the same essay for different scholarship applications. Customize each one in accordance with the requirements of specific scholarships.

Renowned Study Destinations and Scholarships

Some popular study destinations offer excellent support catering to international students through their substantial scholarship programs:-

Study in the USA

Renowned programs like Fulbright and the American Council Scholarships are widely regarded and have always been in high demand. 

Study in UK

The Chevening Scholarships have always been recognized for their prestige and are designed for future leaders.

Study in Canada

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships benefits graduate students by providing them with financial assistance.

When it comes to researching for scholarships, you must always choose to go to destinations that match your academic as well as professional aspirations.

Wrapping Up

When you apply for study abroad scholarships, you are required to be persistent, well-prepared, and attentive. If you simply follow the tips and guidelines mentioned in the post, you will certainly be able to secure financial aid to fulfill your aspirations to study overseas.

So whether you want to study in the USA, UK, Canada, or any other renowned destination, get started with your scholarship search as early as possible. Stay organized and informed about the entire process.

Start searching for your scholarship today and take the first step towards fulfilling your dream to study overseas. Visit us at ESM Overseas. We top the list of most trusted USA study visa consultants in Chandigarh.

With the guidance of our expert and experienced advisors, the entire process of applying for scholarships will be seamless for you.

Begin your journey today to transform your tomorrow.