Funding to study abroad: How do you fund your study abroad program?

March 29th, 2022 by Sagnik Santra

Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity. It opens your mind and broadens your perspective on the world. But, it can be a costly endeavor. That’s why many students rely on outside sources of funding to help them pursue their study abroad goals. There are several ways you can fund your study abroad program including scholarships, grants, loans, and even crowdfunding.

If you are looking for scholarships to help fund your study abroad experience, start by searching the internet and your campus study abroad office. Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for study abroad students. In this article, we will be discussing some of the different ways you can fund your study abroad program. So let’s get started!

Why it is hard to fund your study abroad program?

For many students, the opportunity to study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, the high cost of tuition, airfare and other expenses can make it difficult to finance a study abroad program. Here are some of the reasons why study abroad programs are hard to fund:

1. Tuition fee:

Tuition fee is probably the biggest obstacle when it comes to studying abroad. The cost of tuition for international students is often higher than the cost of tuition for domestic students. The average cost for undergraduate courses in the USA is $26,000 to $35,000. And when it comes to postgraduate courses it’s around $40,000 to $50,000.

2. Living expenses:

The second biggest obstacle is the cost of living. Expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses can add up quickly. In Europe, the average monthly cost of living is around €700 to €1000. And in the USA, it’s even higher with an average monthly cost of living of around $1200 to $1500. It can be even higher if you move to more developed cities like New York or London.

3. Flights and visas

Another cost that you need to consider is the cost of flights and visas. Depending on where you are going, the cost of a flight can be very expensive. And if you are going to study in a country like the USA, you also need to factor in the cost of getting a student visa. The average cost of a student visa for the USA is around $160.

4. Books and other materials

Another cost that you need to consider is the cost of books and other materials. Depending on your course, you may need to buy textbooks, which can be very expensive. In addition, you may also need to buy other materials such as a laptop or printer.

What are some of the best ways to fund your international education?

As you can see, there are several costs that you need to consider when funding your study abroad program. But don’t worry, there are several ways you can finance your experience. Here are some of the best ways to fund your education:

1. Financial aid:

One of the best ways to finance your study abroad experience is through financial aid. If you are a US citizen, you may be eligible for federal financial aid or federal student aid. This includes grants, loans, and work-study programs. You can also apply for scholarships and grants from a private organization, foundation, or financial aid office. If you are an international student, you will be able to apply for international financial aid programs as well.

2. Study abroad scholarships and grants

Another great way to finance your study abroad experience is through scholarships and grants. Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for students who want to study abroad. You can search the internet or your campus study abroad office for a list of scholarships and grants. Countries like the USA, UK, and Australia offer great scholarships for international students

3. Student loan

Student loans are some of the best financial tools to finance your international education needs. Student loans offer many benefits such as low-interest rates, long repayment terms, and deferred payment options. You can apply for student loans from the government or private lenders. Also, you have to remember that student loan debt is a huge issue, so make sure to manage your finances.

Top scholarships for international students to study abroad

Here are some of the most popular and generous scholarships for international students to study abroad

1. Fulbright Scholarships (USA):

The Fulbright Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program that is funded by the US government. The scholarship is awarded to students from all over the world who want to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. in the United States.

2. Chevening Scholarships (UK):

The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship program that is awarded to international students from over 160 countries who want to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom. It is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the world.

3. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (France)

If you are planning to study in France, you may be eligible for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme. The scholarship is awarded to international students who want to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. in France. The scholarship aims for academic excellence and cultural diversity.

4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany):

The DAAD scholarship is a German government-funded scholarship program that is awarded to international students from all over the world who want to pursue a degree in Germany. It is one of the most popular scholarships for international students.

5. Australia Awards Scholarships:

If you want to study in Australia, you may be eligible for an Australia Award Scholarship. The scholarship is fully-funded and is awarded to international students from developing countries who want to pursue a degree in Australia.

How to apply for scholarships?

Getting a scholarship in international colleges is a competitive task. Here are some tips on how to apply for scholarships:

1. Start early

One of the best ways to increase your chances of getting a scholarship is to start your search early. The earlier you start, the more time you will have to find and apply for scholarships. You don’t want to stay behind in the competition. So keep yourself updated with the latest dates and deadlines.

2. Do your research

Before you start applying for scholarships, you must do your research. You need to know what type of scholarship you are eligible for. There are many different types of scholarships available such as need-based, merit-based, and student-specific scholarships. You can use online resources or visit your campus study abroad office to get more information on scholarships.

3. Stay organized

When you are applying for scholarships, it’s important to stay organized. Keep track of all the scholarships you are applying for and their deadlines. This will help you stay on top of your applications and increase your chances of getting a scholarship. Also, keep your documents and materials ready so that you can easily submit your application.

4. Follow the instructions

When you are applying for a scholarship, it’s important to follow all the instructions. Make sure you fill out the application form correctly and include all the required documents. Any mistakes in your application can lead to your application being rejected. So be careful and make sure you follow all the instructions.

5. Apply for multiple scholarships

One of the best ways to increase your chances of getting a scholarship is to apply for multiple scholarships. The more scholarships you apply for, the greater your chances of getting one. So don’t limit yourself to just one or two scholarships. Apply for as many as you can.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! Studying abroad is not an easy task. But with the right planning and preparation, it is achievable. And remember, there are many resources and scholarships available to help you fund your study abroad program. So don’t let the cost of studying abroad deter you from your dream study abroad program. Just do your research and explore all your options. Good luck!

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International scholarships for developing countries

March 29th, 2022 by Sagnik Santra

International education can be costly, especially for students from developing countries. From the tuition fees to living costs to study materials, the expenses can be quite high. This is why many organizations offer international scholarships for students from developing countries. These scholarships help to cover the costs of education and living expenses so that students can focus on their studies.

Scholarships are a great way to finance your education. However, they can be very competitive. To increase your chances of getting a scholarship, it is important to start your search early and to research the various options available. In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about scholarships for developing countries.

What is a scholarship?

A scholarship is a sum of money awarded to a student to help finance their education. Scholarships can be need-based, merit-based, or both. Need-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their financial needs, while merit-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic or other achievements. Scholarships allow underprivileged students to get higher education and also help to offset the cost of education for students from developing countries.

Different types of scholarships for developing countries nationals

There are different types of scholarships for developing countries. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Need-based scholarships: As the name goes, need-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their financial needs. These scholarships are usually awarded by the government or by private organizations.

2. Merit-based scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic or other achievements. These scholarships can be awarded by the government, private organizations, or colleges and universities.

3. Athletic scholarships: Athletic scholarships are awarded to students who excel in sports. These scholarships can be awarded by the government, private organizations, or colleges and universities.

4. Minority scholarships: Minority scholarships are awarded to students from minority groups. These scholarships can be awarded by the government, private organizations, colleges, and universities.

Top scholarships for developing countries students

There are many scholarships for developing countries’ students. Here are some of the top ones:

1. University of Birmingham Global Masters Scholarships:

The University of Birmingham offers a number of scholarships for students from developing countries. The scholarships cover the cost of tuition and living expenses. It is an extremely competitive scholarship with only a limited number of scholarships available. It is also a fully-funded scholarship, which means that the recipients will not have to pay anything back.

2. UEA International Development Full Fees Scholarships:

The University of East Anglia is awarding a number of full tuition fee scholarships for students from low and middle-income countries wanting to study a postgraduate taught program in the School of International Development. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships that you can apply for as an international student.

3. International Ambassador Scholarships at University of West London:

The University of West London is inviting applications for International Ambassador Scholarships. These scholarships are available for international students who wish to pursue both post-graduate and undergraduate degree programs at the university. It offers a full or partial fee waiver to students from developing countries.

If your dream is to study in Germany, then you should definitely apply for this scholarship. The DAAD Scholarships are available for international students from developing countries who wish to study for a development-related postgraduate degree at a German university. It is a fully-funded scholarship, which means that the recipients will not have to pay anything back.

5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program in the USA:

If you want to study for master’s and Ph.D. degrees in the USA and looking for PhD scholarships then you should apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. It is a highly competitive scholarship with only a limited number of scholarships available. The recipients will not have to pay anything back. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships that you can apply for as an international student.

6. Fully-Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships:

If you want to study in the USA, Japan, UK, Australia, Sweden, Thailand, or Uganda and looking for both postgraduate scholarships and undergraduate scholarships then this might be the scholarship you have been looking for! The Rotary Peace Fellowships are awarded to those who wish to pursue a Master’s Degree or a Professional Development Certificate in peace and conflict resolution. If selected, you will receive funding for your entire program along with several other benefits.

7. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships:

The Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship is for students who are looking to complete their higher studies in France. The scholarship offers a full tuition waiver as well as a monthly living allowance. It is a highly competitive scholarship with only a limited number of scholarships available.

How to apply for scholarships from a developing country student?

If you want to apply for scholarships for developing countries students, you will need to:

1. Research: Look for scholarships that you are eligible for and match your interests. If you want to study a certain subject in a certain country, look for scholarships that fund students in that country studying that subject.

2. Check the requirements: Make sure you meet all of the eligibility requirements before applying. There is no point in applying for a scholarship if you do not meet the requirements. You can also contact the scholarship providers to get more information.

3. Write a strong application: This is one of the most important parts of the process. Make sure you write a strong and convincing application that will make you stand out from the other applicants.

4. Follow up: After you have submitted your application, make sure you follow up with the scholarship organization to ensure that they have received your application and that you are still being considered for the scholarship.

5. Be persistent: Applying for scholarships can be a long and frustrating process. Do not give up if you do not get the first scholarship you apply for. Keep trying and eventually, you will find one that you are successful in getting.

Top tips for applying for scholarships

1. Start early: The sooner you start looking for scholarships, the better. There are many scholarships out there and the earlier you start looking, the more likely you are to find one that you are eligible for.

2. Be organized: Keep track of all of the scholarships you are applying for in one place. This will help you to stay organized and not miss any deadlines.

3. Follow directions: Make sure you read the instructions carefully and follow them precisely. Many scholarships are rejected because the applicants did not follow the instructions correctly.

4. Proofread: Before you submit your application, make sure you proofread it carefully. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors. These can be costly mistakes that will make you look unprofessional.

5. Apply for multiple scholarships: There is a high chance of getting rejected for scholarships, so it is important to apply for multiple scholarships. This will increase your chances of getting at least one of them.

6. Focus on your academics: Your grades are one of the most important factors in getting scholarships. Make sure you focus on your academics and get good grades in order to increase your chances of getting a scholarship.

Conclusion:

Applying for scholarships can be a long and difficult process, but it is worth it in the end. If you are a developing country student looking for scholarships, make sure you research your options, write a strong application, and be persistent. These tips will help you to increase your chances of getting a scholarship and funding your studies.


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Partner Live Event on International Student Loans

March 11th, 2022 by IEFA

partner live webinar on international student loans

On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, our lending partner, MPOWER Financing, will be hosting a special live session about a limited-time 2.00% interest rate reduction. This will reward international students applying for future semesters with a better rate (because it pays to be an early planner!).

The live session is to help students understand the finer points of this program and interact with MPOWER student loan experts.

Why should you attend the event? Well, to get answers to questions like:

  • What can you do to qualify for a lower interest rate?
  • What can you do to get your application approved faster?
  • Free Q&A session: Ask the panel anything!

The international student loan information session takes place on Tuesday, March 15, 2022

9:00–10:00 a.m. EST (USA) / 9:00–10:00 p.m. BJT (China) / 6:30–7:30 p.m. IST (India)

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