Scholarships for international students: How can you get full scholarships?

Understanding scholarship opportunities

The world of scholarships can be overwhelming, but understanding the different types of scholarships available can make the process more manageable. International students have access to a variety of scholarships that can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. Here are some common types of scholarships:

• Merit-based scholarships: These are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, and community service. They recognize and reward students’ hard work and achievements.
• Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are designed for students who require financial assistance to pursue their education. They are awarded based on the student’s financial situation and aim to make education accessible to all.
• Country-specific scholarships: These scholarships are targeted at students from specific countries or regions. They often aim to promote cultural exchange and diversity within the international student community.
• University-specific scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships to attract top talent and promote their programs. These scholarships can be based on merit, need, or specific fields of study.
• Private scholarships: These are funded by private organizations, foundations, and companies. They often support students pursuing specific fields of study or careers and can provide substantial financial aid.

By understanding these different types of scholarships, international students can better identify opportunities that align with their qualifications and needs.

Can international students get scholarships?

Many colleges and universities around the world offer scholarships for international students as part of their financial aid packages. If you’re studying outside of your home country, you should definitely see if there are scholarships for international students available at the school you will be attending.

An international scholarship will help to offset the cost of attendance at a university abroad.

More than one million international students study at U.S. colleges and universities every year. With many more studying in other countries around the world, too.

Universities and private sponsors offer a wide array of programs with various amounts for tuition and fees. Many schools offer university scholarships in order to attract a diverse range of students to study at their institution.

Getting a study abroad scholarship can make a huge difference if you want to study in another country, especially for international undergraduate students. Why? Because the majority of schools often have two levels of tuition fees. One for residents of the state or country you study in, and the other for non-residents. Without additional financial aid it is difficult to afford an international education.

Can international undergraduate students get full ride scholarships?

Full ride scholarships pay the cost of tuition in full – plus, other expenses like fees, meals and housing.

In the US alone, according to the Fulbright Commission, over 600 universities offer scholarships worth $20,000 or more to international students. Around 250 schools in the US offer ‘full ride’ scholarships.

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is one example of a full-ride scholarship for international students. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, housing and travel costs. It also covers internship and field study expenses. It is for international graduate students who want to pursue a master’s degree in areas related to peace, conflict prevention and resolution.

Finding Scholarship Sources

Finding the right scholarship can be a daunting task, but online platforms have made it easier for international students to search and apply for scholarships. Here are some popular online platforms that can help you find the perfect scholarship:

• InternationalStudent.com: This platform offers a comprehensive database of scholarships, grants, and loan programs for international students. It is a valuable resource for finding financial aid opportunities tailored to your needs.
• Fastweb: A widely-used scholarship search engine that allows students to create a profile and track their applications. Fastweb matches students with scholarships based on their profile, making the search process more efficient.
• Buddy4Study: This scholarship search engine is particularly useful for Indian students applying to schools in the USA and other countries. It provides a curated list of scholarships and simplifies the application process.
• Edukasyon: A platform that lists various scholarships for students from the Philippines. It helps students find scholarships that match their academic and financial needs.
• InternationalScholarships.com: An online scholarship database for students from any country. It offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities, making it easier for international students to find financial aid.

These platforms can significantly streamline the scholarship search process, helping international students find and apply for scholarships that can make their study abroad dreams a reality.

How can I apply for an international scholarship?

The process of applying for an international scholarship will vary from one school to another – or if you are applying with an external sponsor. There is some paperwork to complete in order to apply. As a student from another country, this may be complex as depending on your destination country you may need to fill out forms that are not in your native language.

In many cases you’ll want to make sure to practice your English writing skills if you are applying to attend school in an English-speaking country.

It is quite common for scholarship applications to require an essay and test scores to be submitted along with the paperwork.

Before you apply, do some research on the values held high by your intended school. Apart from good grades many schools are looking for students with character. Leadership, experience in work or as a volunteer, and good communication skills are also highly valued.

Do your best to communicate all of the above in your application and adhere to any special requirements the school or sponsor has. And make sure you stick to the application deadline as a late entry will not usually be considered.

For listings of scholarships for international students, see IEFA.org.

Building a Strong Application

A compelling personal statement is a critical component of a scholarship application. It can make or break an applicant’s chances of winning a scholarship. Here are some tips for crafting a personal statement that stands out:

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to write and edit your personal statement. Starting early allows you to refine your thoughts and present your best self.
• Show, don’t tell: Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills, achievements, and passions. Instead of simply stating that you are a hard worker, provide an example of a project or experience that showcases your dedication.
• Be authentic: Write in your own voice and avoid clichés. Authenticity resonates with readers and helps you stand out from other applicants.
• Edit and proofread: Carefully review your personal statement for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A polished and error-free statement reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
• Get feedback: Ask teachers, mentors, or peers to review your personal statement and provide feedback. Constructive criticism can help you improve your statement and ensure it effectively communicates your strengths and goals.

How can I get free scholarships and financial aid to study abroad?

Many study abroad programs around the world offer scholarships. You should look for nonprofit organisations in your field and check your university website for their undergraduate and graduate scholarships listings, especially if you are a prospective undergraduate student.

The types of scholarship program available might depend on your status – whether you are studying abroad for a semester or full degree. Your status as an undergraduate or graduate student also plays a role in the type of scholarship you may be eligible for. Similarly with a phd scholarship.

In any case, the majority of international scholarships do not charge any application fees – if you are applying for a private scholarship and are asked for a payment up front in order to secure the scholarship, you should be very cautious and ensure that this is a reputable organization – be wary of scams targeting vulnerable international students.

Which countries give scholarships to international students?

Many countries have universities that offer scholarships to international students.

The United States is one of the most popular with students from other countries. But if you are an American and want to earn your degree abroad, there may be options too – just as if you are an international student in any country.

For example, if you want to study in China there are Chinese government scholarships. There are Bahrain scholarship for international students,

There are tuition-free public universities in Germany. Norway, Australia, Sweden are other countries that encourage international students to study there through incentives such as scholarships.

There are many uk scholarships for international students.

Find an extensive list of scholarship opportunities at IEFA.org/scholarships.

Information about Scholarships in Canada.

US Citizens studying abroad: Can You Get Financial Aid For Studying Abroad

International Students in the US: Financial Aid For International Students in the US: Explained

You may also be interested in reading about Engineering Scholarships.

Find Universities that offer full scholarships.

Other useful posts:

Posted in International Education, International Financial Aid News, International Scholarships, Study Abroad, Study in Canada, Study in Germany, Study in the UK, Study in the USA