How to Apply for Undergraduate Scholarships to Study Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Getting a scholarship for your undergraduate study abroad eases your financial burden. There are funding options available from governments, universities, and private organizations for your academic merit and financial needs. If you are someone planning for undergraduate scholarship applications abroad this year, this blog is for you!

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Types of Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate scholarships abroad cover your tuition cost, living expenses, and travel costs. The areas of funding differ with the type of scholarship you apply for and the availability of funds. Mainly, 4 types of undergraduate scholarships are offered by universities abroad:

  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Need-based scholarships
  • Country-specific scholarships
  • Subject-specific scholarships

Top Undergraduate Scholarships for International Education

A scholarship to study in a country can help cover tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses, easing your financial burden. Let’s see a few of them:

Scholarship Country 
Clark Global Scholarship Program USA
Yale University Scholarships USA USA
Cornell University Tata Scholarship USA
Australia Awards Scholsrship Australia
Destination Australia Scholarships Australia
Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarships Australia
University of Bristol’s Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships UK
UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship UK
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award UK
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Canada
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award Canada
Entrance Scholarships Canada
DAAD Scholarships Germany
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships Germany

Step 1: Start Your Research Early

Prepare your scholarship applications before getting admission. This proactive approach will help you focus better and be a strong applicant. Start by finding general scholarship options and narrow down to scholarships specifically for your university and course.

Where will you find scholarship options?

  • University websites: Most universities abroad list the scholarships they offer for international students. Exhaust the university pages to find your scholarship options.
  • Government websites: Visit the government’s official page for scholarship options available for international undergraduate students.
  • Nomad Credit: We help you find your top scholarship options in the USA. Connect with our counsellor today.

Step 2: List Down Your Global Undergraduate Scholarship Options and Fetch Details

Once your research is complete, look closer for the eligibility requirements and documents required. Create a timeline for each scholarship application. Prepare the scholarship essays and be ready for the final interview round in advance, even before being shortlisted.

  • Carefully look at the eligibility requirements
  • Start preparing your scholarship essays
  • Be ready for the interview
Tip: Find Your Scholarship Essay Samples

Sometimes, universities publish the previous years’ winners of prestigious scholarships. Note their names and connect with them over social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, or LinkedIn. Alternately, you can do your own research to identify the past winners of the scholarships you plan to apply for. 

Step 3: Prepare the Essential Documents

The document part completes a major stage of your scholarship application abroad. List down your documents and gather them before making your online application.

Documents Required for Undergraduate Scholarships to Study Abroad

To apply for undergraduate scholarships abroad, you typically need documents like academic transcripts, proof of admission, and a valid passport. You may also be asked for letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of financial need.

Academic transcript (mainly 10th & 12 certificates) English proficiency proof – IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo
Statement of Purpose (SOP) Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Documents of Extracurricular Achievements A Scholarship Essay
An Updated Resume or CV Financial Proof (for need-based scholarships)

Step 4: Tailored Scholarship Essays

A focused scholarship essay highlights why you are a top applicant for the scholarship. Write your scholarship essay with a focus on your academic merit, future goals, and the goals supported by the specific scholarship.

  • Your goals for the future
  • Top reasons to choose your program of study and university
  • Scope of the scholarship in supporting your plans
  • Personal stories of overcoming challenges
  • Your leadership examples
GOLDEN RULES for your winning scholarship essay:

Be honest and specific. Don’t use generic statements in your scholarship essay. Connect your sentences to personal stories, your vision, why you need the scholarship, and the advantages of choosing the program and university over a domestic college. 

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Step 5: Map Your Undergraduate Scholarship Application Timeline

Universities abroad have an all-year admission process. Many scholarships are offered at the time of admission. Start with your application at least a year ago and mark the deadlines for each scholarship. Create a timeline for each scholarship you plan to apply to.

Where Do You Apply for Undergraduate Scholarships to Study Abroad?

Each undergraduate scholarship abroad has a different site of application. Many universities commence scholarship applications at the time of admission.

The top sites for your undergraduate scholarship abroad application are:

  • Online application portals
  • University websites
  • Government portals

Step 6: Interview Preparation

Merit-based undergraduate scholarships abroad are awarded to outstanding students with strong academic potential and a clear vision for their future. If your chosen scholarship involves an interview, prepare thoroughly by practising answers to common and relevant questions.

  • Why do you deserve the scholarship?
  • What are your long-term goals?
  • How will you contribute to your home country after graduating?

Step 7: Follow-ups of Your Undergraduate Scholarships Abroad

Don’t make the mistake of missing out on the important updates and changes in your scholarship application. When you refer to an online or offline resource for undergraduate scholarships to study abroad, ensure the data you read is updated. Follow up the scholarships to apply timely and avoid mistakes.

  • Track deadlines for each scholarship. Use a spreadsheet for the same.
  • Check your email regularly for updates.
  • Visit the university website or connect with your designated student official for updates.

Conclusion

Starting your educational journey abroad at an early stage will be a strong foundation for your future endeavours. Undergraduate scholarships can save up to INR 20 – INR 40 Lakhs or more for you. Put your best effort in identifying the right options and preparing for them.

Explore a range of scholarships and education funding options, including loans with or without collateral. Partner with Nomad Credit for personalized guidance and expert insights, and take the first step toward a rewarding study abroad journey today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first if I want a scholarship to study abroad?

Begin by shortlist scholarships that are appropriate to your country of choice, course and background. Get the official sites with such details such as eligibility, coverage and deadlines and put them in one place that way you can ensure you plan ahead.


How do I figure out if I’m eligible?

Read the criteria carefully. Some scholarships look at grades, others at extracurriculars, leadership, or financial need. Make sure your profile matches what they’re asking for before you spend time applying.


Which documents will I need?

You’ll usually be asked for your school transcripts, proof of admission to a university, a valid passport, and letters of recommendation. A well-written personal statement is also common, and some programs might need language test results like IELTS or TOEFL.


How can I make my application stronger?

Tell your story in a way that connects your achievements to your goals. Support the points you make with examples of successes you have had such as awards you have won or a project you have led and make your statement concise and keep it on how the awarding will lead you to succeed.


Do I have to pay to apply?

Applying to most scholarships is free of charge, although some may contain a modest processing charge. Never make transfers via unofficial links or a third party and always check the official information.


 

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