Scholarships for international students

November 30th, 2021 by IEFA

Millions of students from other countries apply for international colleges every year. In the USA alone, more than 2 million applications are received annually by about 3.4 thousand colleges and universities. Studying in an international college brings a lot of benefits to foreign students. Better education, professional development, learning new things and culture, better job opportunities, and many more.

But everything good comes with a price. On average, international students pay around $20,000 in tuition fees. Then there are living costs, study materials, food costs, transportation costs, accommodation costs. All these costs add up to about $30,000 – $40,000 every year.

Not everyone is not capable of paying such a huge amount. But luckily most international colleges offer various scholarships including partial and full scholarships. If you are among those who can’t afford the high costs of studying in an international college, you should look for international scholarships first. In this article, we are going to look at some of the best international scholarships for international students. But first, let’s take a look at what international student scholarships are and how to qualify for one!

What is International Student Scholarships?

An international scholarship is a form of financial aid/financial assistance that is awarded by colleges, universities, organizations, and foundations to students for their international education. Not every college offers international student scholarships. They are mostly offered in countries like the USA, Canada, UK, etc where tuition fees are very high (nearly $25,000 – $30,000 per year).

International student scholarships don’t come as cash. Usually, they are in the form of partial or full tuition fee waivers, which reduce your overall college fees by covering all or part of them.

How to Qualify for an International Student Scholarship?

There is no specific rule that can be applied for every particular international scholarship program. But most colleges use the same criteria when selecting students for their international scholarships. These criteria include:

1. Your academic achievements:

Most of the international scholarships and tuition fee waivers are awarded on academic merit. That means how well you did in high school and your last year. If you have good grades, then you will surely get a chance to receive an international scholarship for college. And if not, then there is less chance that you can even get a partial waiver.

2. Your English Language skills:

Many international scholarships require good English language skills, like IELTS (International English Language Testing System). If you can’t speak and write in fluent English, then it will be very difficult for you to get an international scholarship. There are different language tests accepted by different colleges, so that’s something you should keep in mind! This may vary if you can find a sponsor from your home country.

3. Your college choice:

You must be clear about the college you want to study in, and their international scholarships. If a particular college doesn’t offer international scholarships on academic merit, then you may be better off apply to one that does. You have to choose your options wisely depending on the scholarship programs offered by the colleges.

These three are the most important criteria that will help you get an international scholarship for college. Other than these, there are a few more criteria such as:

  • Your financial need
  • VISA status
  • Nationality (permanent residents of your home country)
  • Health insurance, etc

Best International Scholarship For Students (Post Graduate and Graduate Students)

The following is the list of top international student scholarships in the world for graduate students and undergraduate students. We have listed all types of international student scholarships including partial tuition waivers, full tuition waivers, and even some which come with a monthly allowance or living cost support.

1. The Fulbright Scholarship

The Fulbright program is a full-tuition scholarship, which covers your tuition fees and provides a monthly allowance of $30,000 to $40,000 depending on where you want to study in the USA. It also provides you with the opportunity to explore the US culture and spend an entire semester studying there.

The Fulbright Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship which means you can get a chance to apply for it only if your country participates in the international Fulbright Scholars Program. You have to be at least 18 years old by the time of application, and meet the grade requirements as well as English language skills prescribed by your chosen college.

2. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship that covers the cost of studying at the University of Cambridge in the UK. You can get a chance to apply for it only if you want to do a postgraduate degree in any subject offered by this university

You don’t have to make an actual application for this scholarship. Instead, all you have to do is to show your interest in Cambridge by taking the online test provided by this scholarship program. It’s a completely automated process, so no worries about essays or letters of recommendation!

3. The UK Chevening Scholarship Program

The UK Chevening Scholarship Program covers the cost of studying at any British university, including the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge. It also provides you with a monthly allowance to cover your living costs.

The Chevening Scholarship is a partial tuition waiver that covers 50% to 100% of your full-time postgraduate degree program. You get the chance to apply for this scholarship ONLY if you want to study in the UK and get it only if you are given an unconditional offer from any British university after your college application.

4. The British Marshall Scholarship

The British Marshall Scholarship covers the cost of studying any subject at a university in the USA, other than Oxford or Cambridge. The scholarship also provides you with a monthly allowance to cover your living costs while you are there.

You have to be a citizen of one of the countries listed by this scholarship program in order to get a chance to apply for it. It’s not necessary for you to take an actual application for this scholarship. However, you have to send them all the required documents by email so that they can consider your application.

5. Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships (Netherlands):

The Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships (AEX) is a partial tuition waiver for postgraduate students who want to study abroad at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. It covers 50% – 100% of your college tuition fees, depending on what field you apply for.

You can get a chance to apply for this scholarship ONLY if you meet the general eligibility criteria. Applicants must be endorsed by their home institution before they can send their application to AEX.

6. Australia Awards Scholarships:

The Australia Awards Scholarship is a full-fee-paying scholarship that provides candidates from developing countries with the opportunity for undergraduate or post graduate studies at any of the Australian universities. You have to be a citizen of one of the developing countries listed by these academic programs.

In order to be eligible for application, you must meet the entry requirements of a specific Australian course offered at a particular university. You also have to show that you have a certain level of study experience in your country and meet English language proficiency standards.

7. Clarendon Scholarships at University of Oxford, UK:

The Clarendon Scholarship is an international scholarship offered by the University of Oxford to study any full-time postgraduate degree at the university. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees for your postgraduate degree.

You get the chance to apply for this scholarship only if you want to study at Oxford. It does not matter which college or academic program you are applying for since they will be equally supportive of your application. However, you have to make sure that they meet all of your particular requirements before sending them a copy of your application form and personal statement.

Useful tips:

Here is a few helpful information for you to get your application noticed by scholarship program administrators:

1. Work on your English Skills:

Most scholarships will require you to show that your English skills are strong enough for you to be accepted into the course or program. Therefore, make sure that you are comfortable communicating in English before applying for these programs.

2. Researching Scholarships:

Take the time to research all of the opportunities available and what requirements they have. You can find some scholarships via social media, college websites, google, etc.

3. Work on your academics:

If you are applying for scholarships (especially merit based scholarships), work on getting good grades and taking advantage of any opportunities that your college or university has to offer. Most colleges will be looking at your academic ability and then decide whether you are eligible or not!

4. Contacting Scholarships:

If you find a scholarship that you really like but is outside of your country, go ahead and email them. Most universities are international and they will talk to you despite the distance.

5. Don’t miss any important dates:

Due dates and application deadlines can come around really fast, so don’t miss them! Make sure to get your forms in ahead of time and get your references done early.

Final thoughts:

International scholarships are a great way to fund your higher education. They are often highly competitive, but this also means that they are very accessible to students who have the right grades or skills for them! Also, studying abroad comes with a lot of benefits. Make sure to apply for as many scholarships as you can, give it your best shot. In case you don’t qualify for scholarships, you can apply for other awards like grant programs, loan programs, or other financial aid.


Are you searching for a scholarship in Canada?

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Study Abroad Scholarships For High School Students

November 22nd, 2021 by IEFA

What’s a better way to make your kids grow up smart and independent than sending them out for studies in a foreign country? In recent years, there has been an increase in students who want to study abroad. For this reason, many government organizations and private companies have come up with scholarship programs that offer financial aid to students who want to study abroad.

It has been observed that the number of students who are applying for education abroad is increasing by 50% every year. There are many reasons behind this rise in the number of high school students who want to study in another country. The major and most prominent reason is globalization. With so many multinational companies and multi-national universities, the need for a good education has increased so people are now more interested in studying in foreign countries.

In this article, we will be discussing some of the study abroad scholarships that high school students can apply for. These scholarships will help you finance your education and living expenses, wherever you want to study in the world.

Why should you consider studying abroad as a high school student?

High school students are young and energetic. It should be your goal to utilize this energy in doing something productive and useful. If you can get a scholarship for studying abroad, then we suggest that you take the opportunity and learn about new cultures and traditions. Here are a few reasons why studying abroad can be beneficial to you as a high school student:

1. You’ll be more open-minded:

You will gain an understanding of the way people from other cultures live and think. As young students, you will be able to relate better to those who aren’t like you. It will broaden your mind and make you more accepting and open-minded.

2. You can gain a lot of experience at a young age:

Traveling provides an excellent opportunity for personal growth to high school students. It will help you learn more about yourself and allow you to discover who you are when separated from your friends, family, and school.

3. Better education opportunities:

Having experience in studying in another country looks good on college applications. Many prestigious colleges prefer students with international experience in their classes. This can work in your favor when applying for colleges later on.

4. Better career options:

Learning about other cultures can open new doors for your future career. For example, today there are so many companies that are opening their offices abroad, especially in countries like China and India. If you learn about these countries now, it will help you open new doors to your career in the future.

Best scholarships for high school students to study abroad:

So here are a few study abroad scholarships for high school students. These scholarships are offered through several different organizations and companies that try to encourage international exposure at a very young age. So here they are:

1. Rotary Youth Exchange Scholarship:

This scholarship is available for students who want to study abroad in another country. This scholarship covers tuition, room and board, textbooks, travel expenses, pocket money, and other necessary expenses that a student may have during the course of his/her study or training period.

2. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship:

This study abroad program is offered by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation to high school students who want to study at the University of Cambridge in England, UK. This scholarship covers full tuition, travel expenses during your tenure as an awardee, as well as personal expenses such as health care and pocket money. This scholarship is only available for students who want to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject.

3. The Critical Languages Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the US government to school students who are planning to study less commonly taught languages across the world in various countries, such as China, Russia, Japan, Brazil, and other countries. The scholarship was created to build a strong foundation in less commonly taught foreign languages, and the students it benefits will be able to do a lot of things with these skills.

4. Reach Cambridge University Scholarship

This scholarship is available for students who want to study at the University of Cambridge, UK. This scholarship gives out full tuition to students who come from low-income backgrounds and cannot afford their education otherwise. The Reach Programme was started by the University of Cambridge trust, with a goal to increase access to world-class teaching at the university. If you are between the age of 14-18 and want to study at the University of Cambridge, UK, then this scholarship may be for you.

5. American Foreign Service Association Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the American Foreign Service Association to qualified students who want to major in international relations, foreign affairs, or a related field. This scholarship provides full tuition and also covers living expenses of up to $18,000 per year. You will also get a chance to meet the secretary of the USA in Washington DC! You’ll get to participate in National High School Essay Contest to showcase what you’ve learned about US foreign policy.

6. Sons of Norway Scholarship

The Sons of Norway Scholarship is available to students who are of Norwegian descent. Applicants must plan on pursuing higher education in an accredited college or university, full-time. The scholarship award generally ranges from $500-$2000 for one academic year of study. You can apply to any Norwegian Folk High School. Norway is the home of the Vikings and a visit to Norway is on the bucket list of most people.

7. Congress-Bundestag Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the German government to students who are planning to study in Germany. The program offers full tuition, monthly allowances, travel expenses for visits home, and health insurance during your tenure as an awardee of this scholarship. Germany is known as one of the most popular destinations for international students. Their education system is very different from other education systems. So if you want to study abroad and get comfortable with a different culture, this is your chance.

8. The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program

It’s a student exchange program offered by the US State Department to American high school students. The scholarship offers full tuition, monthly allowance, all your travel expenses including your tickets to and from Germany. You will be studying in Germany for one academic year. The scholarship aims to promote mutual understanding between the US and Germany by fostering opportunities for young people of both countries.

9. Greenheart Travel Scholarship

This scholarship is available for students and graduates who are “first-time travelers” and have the desire for travel and cultural immersion. You must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled full-time at an accredited university to apply for this scholarship. Applicants should also be enrolled in a program related to tourism, such as hospitality management, environmental studies, arts, social sciences, literature, conservation, or international affairs.

10. DC College Access Program Scholarship

The DC College Access Program is offered by the District of Columbia Government to high school students who want to pursue college education in the US. The scholarship awards $10,000 for four years of study at any accredited institution of your choice. This scholarship is available for students who don’t have access to other forms of financing and will be used towards your freshman year expenses.

A few tips for a scholarship to study abroad during high school

1. Talk to your parents:

This is vital! Don’t make the mistake of thinking your parents won’t be supportive. If they are against this idea, talk to them about what you can do to change their minds or at least take their concerns into consideration. The truth is that many scholarships don’t pay for housing and other expenses. It’s important to include your parents in all the plans to make it a successful experience for you and them.

2. Work on your grades:

Merit based scholarships are offered to talented students. So it’s important that you maintain your grades by having good attendance and being involved in school activities outside the classroom. It’s always easier to get a scholarship when you already have a good academic record.

3. Do research:

Know what countries fit your needs before applying for a scholarship. For example, if you want to study in France and will need to learn the language before going there, apply for a scholarship that will cover your French classes. There are plenty of scholarships out there; all you have to do is look!

4. Apply for multiple scholarships:

This is a common-sense tip but many students still don’t do it. If there is more than one scholarship you are eligible for, apply for all of them! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from being as thorough as possible.

5. Talk to your home country’s department of education

It’s a good idea to talk to your home country’s representatives and ask them for advice on getting a scholarship. They will know which scholarships are available and may even be able to help you apply!

6. Keep track of deadlines

You don’t want to miss the deadline by just a few days and let $10,000 slip away from your hands. Check out important dates and plan ahead. It might be a good idea to set up a calendar on your phone or on the wall with all the dates that you need to remember on it. That way, there’s no room for error!

7. Talk to the scholarship provider

There is no better way to get money to study abroad than through the scholarship you’re applying for! If possible, send an email or call the people who are offering the scholarship and let them know your story. They may be touched by your situation and will give you an extra push to apply.

Final thoughts:

If you want to study abroad in high school, don’t let anything stop you. You can do it! The most important thing is to make sure your parents are on board and understand why this is a good idea for you. Don’t let a lack of money hold you back. There are scholarships out there that will pay for all the expenses related to studying abroad. Make sure to do your research and apply for as many scholarships as possible to increase your chances of succeeding. Follow these tips and you’ll be studying abroad in no time!

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Canada: Scholarships for International Students

November 8th, 2021 by IEFA

Due to high tuition fees in International colleges, students are unable to afford their studies. And when it comes to Canadian colleges and universities, the tuition fees for international students are one of the highest in the world.

However, if you qualify for a scholarship, your tuition fees would instantly decrease. And good news for international students, Canada has a lot of scholarship schemes to support students.

In this article, we are going to talk about the top scholarships that are available to international students who seek admission to Canadian colleges. So let’s look at Canada scholarship 2023 opportunities!

What are International Scholarships?

Scholarships are types of financial support/grants that students receive to study in Canada or study abroad in other countries. The number of scholarships for international students has been increasing over time as the number of students applying for admission every year is on the rise.

A lot of scholarship programs have been introduced by Canadian colleges and universities which make it easier for students to study in Canada. And the main motive behind these scholarship programs is to attract more and more international students towards post-secondary studies in Canada.

These scholarships help both local citizens and international students to pay their living costs, tuition fees, transportation costs, etc. These scholarships are mostly given to outstanding students who have the highest potential and exceptional academic achievement.

From a scholarship for Nepalese students in Canada to others for PhD degree courses, you can find a huge variety of opportunities.

International Student Scholarships for Studying Abroad

Many well-known Canadian universities offer scholarships for studying abroad. Let’s look at some schools giving scholarship in Canada.

1. The University of British Columbia (UBC)

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a lot of scholarships for students interested in studying at the university. The university has a dedicated department that negotiates with various agencies and organizations to offer financial aid to deserving students from around the world.

2. Ryerson University, Ontario

Ryerson University is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario. The university offers a number of scholarships for students from various countries around the world.

3. Simon Fraser University, British Columbia

Simon Fraser University is one of the well-known public universities in Canada that offer a number of scholarships to students every year. There are a total of 42 scholarship programs offered by SFU and one can get a scholarship in almost any field they wish to study.

4. University of Victoria, British Columbia

The University of Victoria is one of the most well-known universities in Canada and it offers several scholarship programs for international students who seek admission to one of their campuses located across Canada. A total of 18 scholarships are offered through this university and one can apply in almost any field they want to study.

5. University of Alberta, Alberta

The University of Alberta is a public research university located in Edmonton, AB. The university offers scholarships for international students from around the world who wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies at their campus.

6. York University, Ontario

York University is a public research university located in Toronto, Ontario. The university offers many different scholarship programs for international students every year and one can find scholarships in almost any field they wish to study.

7. Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton University is a public Canadian university that was established back in the late 1990s. It is located in Cape Breton Island and offers scholarships for international students who wish to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies at this university.

8. Canada Christian College, Ontario

Canada Christian College has been the leading school for success in ministry since it was founded over 50 years ago. With a history that dates back to 1967, and an enrollment currently sit at 6500 graduates- including many leaders within these fields of work who have gone on to make significant impacts not only locally but globally as well! You may be eligible for Canada Christian College scholarships.

9. University of Toronto, Ontario

The University of Toronto is one of the world’s leading research institutions, and it is also a great place for international students. The university has a long tradition of welcoming students from around the world, and its diverse community is one of its biggest strengths. One of the reasons why the University of Toronto is such a great choice for international students is because of its excellent academic reputation. The university is home to some of the most respected scholars in the world, and its research facilities are second to none. In addition, the university offers a wide range of programs and courses, so there is something for everyone. Finally, the University of Toronto is located in one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Toronto is a multicultural city with something to offer everyone, and it is an ideal place to live and study. When you choose the University of Toronto, you are choosing an institution with a proven track record of success.

These are some of the major universities in Canada that offer a number of scholarship programs for international students every year. A lot of other Canadian colleges also offer scholarship programs for international students but many receive very few applications so the chances of getting these scholarships are very low.

Now let’s take a look at some of the most popular Canadian scholarships for international students.

Undergraduate International Student Scholarships in Canada:

There are a number of Canadian scholarship opportunities that offer full undergraduate scholarships for undergraduate programs every year. These degree level scholarships cover both tuition fees and living expenses and can be awarded to international undergraduate students every year.

1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

The Pearson International Scholarship Program is offered by the Government of Canada in order to attract a number of the best and brightest students from around the world in various fields. The scholarship program awards up to 100 scholarships annually to internationally-trained students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies at any one of 39 participating universities across Canada.

2. York University International Student Scholarship Program 

This program is open to international students who have applied or are applying for an undergraduate program at York University. Eligible students can get $60,000-$100,000 in scholarship funding for the entire length of their undergraduate degree. It brings great opportunities for students from various countries to study in Canada for a very affordable tuition fee.

3. University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students

The scholarship offers a wide range of undergraduate scholarships for international students every year. International students who seek admission to one of the programs offered by this university can get full or partial funding for their tuition fees and living expenses.

4. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships

This scholarship is awarded to international students who wish to pursue studies at Humber College. Selected candidates can get up to $4,000 per year for the first two years of their program that covers both tuition fees and living expenses.

5. Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders

The Winnipeg International Scholarship is offered by the Government of Canada to attract some of the best international students from around the world. Eligible students can get full scholarships for their tuition fees, living expenses, books, and other miscellaneous fees including airport transfers upon arrival in Canada.

International Student Scholarships in Canada for Graduates

Just like undergraduate students, Canada also offers numerous postgraduate scholarships for students who are looking to pursue graduate studies in Canada. The following are some of the most popular Canadian scholarships for international graduate students:

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

This scholarship program is awarded to doctoral students by the Government of Canada. The scholarship program awards up to $50,000 annually in order to attract some of the brightest minds from around the world for doctoral program/graduate studies at Canadian universities.

2. Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

A number of scholarships are available to international students looking for doctoral studies at any one of the seven universities across Canada. The scholarship program covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel allowance, health insurance, and book allowance.

3. Canadian Commonwealth Fellowship Program

The fellowship program awards up to 10 scholarships each year to international graduate students who wish to pursue advanced studies at one of the four universities across Canada. Doctoral-level students can get up to $75,000 (backed by the Canadian Government) that covers tuition fees and living expenses for their entire period of study.

4. University of Waterloo Master’s Awards of Excellence

A number of scholarships are available to international students looking for graduate studies at the University of Waterloo. Selected candidates can get up to $2,000 as a fellowship award and $10,000 as a research grant that covers some part of their tuition fees and living expenses.

5. Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

Under this scholarship, selected candidates can get up to $60,000 that covers everything for three years for their master’s degree. This scholarship is also given to candidates who are applying for PhD Scholarships in the social sciences and humanities. The Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships are open to foreign PhD students from the developing world.

Eligibility Criteria for an international student

The eligibility criteria generally differ according to each scholarship program. However, there are some common eligibility criteria that you need to meet in order to apply for international student scholarships. This includes:

1. You must hold a valid passport and student visa from your home country of origin or legal residency

2. You should have the required academic and language credentials for the scholarship program that you are applying for.

3. You should meet certain age and other eligibility criteria that may be specified by the scholarship program that you are applying for.

4. You must demonstrate your financial need in order to help support yourself while studying in Canada.

5. Most importantly you must have outstanding academic achievement.

Scholarship Application Procedure

The application procedure varies depending on the scholarship program that you are applying to. Usually, it includes:

1. Completing the scholarship application form

2. Writing an essay/research proposal

3. Attaching proof of your academic achievement, language skills, and employment experience

4. Submitting all required documents to the given authority

5. Participating in an interview or test if necessary for your application

6. Monitoring changes in government regulations and other scholarship program requirements

How to apply for an international student scholarship?

You can get details on how to apply for an international student scholarship by visiting the official website of the scholarship provider. However, the general process involves filling out a research abstract and submitting your application before deadlines set by each scholarship provider. Besides this, you are required to participate in an interview or written test if necessary.

A few suggestions:

  • Do proper research of the scholarship providers and their eligibility criteria before you apply
  • Make sure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria for an international scholarship
  • Doing well in the required test or interview can significantly increase your chance of being selected for a scholarship.
  • Keep track of the latest changes in government regulations, application deadlines, and other requirements
  • Other essential tips include keeping copies of all required documents before sending them to the scholarship provider

Final thoughts:

Canada is one of the finest countries for higher studies. Not only is it a popular destination for international students from all over the world, but also attractive to candidates looking for scholarships and visitors in general. There are various scholarship programs available for international students to get admission in Canada and finance their education expenses. So make sure to do proper research and select the best scholarship program to apply for.


You might also be interested in studying in the U.S.

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