How to get a Scholarship to Study Abroad?

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience for everyone. However, the costs associated with it can be challenging to overcome. Scholarships can overcome financial burdens and make the dream of studying abroad a reality. However, securing a scholarship requires planning and effort. In this blog, you will learn how to get a Scholarship to study abroad.

Table of Contents:

1. Understand the Types of Scholarships
2. Research Thoroughly
3. Meet Eligibility Criteria
4. Prepare Your Application Documents
5. Apply to Multiple Scholarships
6. Prepare for Interviews
7. Leverage Support from Study Abroad Expert
8. Explore Alternative Funding Options
9. Stay Persistent and Positive
10. Scholarships to Study Abroad from India
11. Frequently Asked Questions

Understand the Types of Scholarships

The first step to getting a Scholarship is understanding the types of scholarships available. There are several types of scholarships available for international students, they are:

Type of Scholarship	Details
Merit-based	Typically awarded based on academic achievements, leadership, or extracurricular activities
Need-based	Offered to students who have financial difficulties
Program-specific	Some universities offer program-based scholarship
Country-specific	Awarded to students from particular countries
Private and Organization	Typically offered by private companies, NGOs, or organizations

Research Thoroughly

It may sound a little boring or exhausting, but researching thoroughly is your best bet to get the best scholarship. Do your research thoroughly and apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible for. Here are some resources where you can find the best scholarships:

• University Websites
• Government Programs
• Online Platforms
• Professional Organizations

Meet Eligibility Criteria

It is essential to check the eligibility criteria before you apply for scholarships. If you are not eligible for a particular scholarship, do not apply for the same, or try to meet the eligibility criteria before applying. The basic eligibility criteria for getting a scholarship for study abroad are:

• Must have a good academic record
• Good scores in English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc
• Essays or Recommendations (if applicable)

Prepare Your Application Documents

Applying for scholarships often requires several documents. You must be prepared with all the required documents beforehand for a smooth and successful application. Some of the essential documents are:

Documents	Details
Personal Statement	Try to highlight your goals, achievements, and why you need the scholarship
CV / Resume	Your resume or CV must contain your academic and extracurricular achievements
Letters of Recommendations (LoRs)	Good recommendations from your professors, employers, or your mentors can be very beneficial
Official Documents	Academic transcripts, English language proficiency scores, extracurricular certificates

Apply to Multiple Scholarships

Applying to multiple scholarships is often encouraged. Applying to multiple scholarships often increases your chances of securing them. However, remember that you should track your scholarship and keep track of deadlines to avoid missing out on anything.

Prepare for Interviews

Some scholarships may ask you to give an interview to understand you and your application better. Research the scholarship and its provider, and try to understand the goals of scholarships. Here are some of the common interview questions that you can prepare:

• Why did you choose this university/program?
• What are your academic goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
• Why do you think you deserve this scholarship?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• How would you manage your finances if you did not get this scholarship?

Leverage Support from Study Abroad Expert

A study abroad expert can assist you thoroughly with all the scholarship applications. With their expertise, they can guide you through every step of the process. At Nomad Credit, we specialize in assisting students navigate their study abroad experience. We also offer free consultations, so you do not need to worry about the costs.

Explore Alternative Funding Options

If scholarships are not enough to cover your expenses, or if for some reason you haven’t gotten a scholarship, here are some alternatives that you can apply for:

• Education Loans: Several banks offer loans with low interest rates and high moratorium periods. You can look for loans based on your needs and goals.
• Grants and Fellowships: Several universities offer grants and fellowships for their field of study/research.
• Sponsorship: If you are a working employee, you can contact your employer for sponsorship. Several organizations also offer sponsorship opportunities to eligible students.

Stay Persistent and Positive

Getting a scholarship often requires research, dedication, and lots of time. Rejections can be often heartbreaking, but try to stay persistent and positive. If you get rejected, refine your application and explore other opportunities.

Scholarships to Study Abroad from India

Several scholarships are available for Indian students to study abroad. Government organizations, universities, and more often grant scholarships. Here are some of the top scholarships to study abroad from India:

Scholarship	Details
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships	For highly motivated students who possess leadership qualities Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to US bachelor’s) with 55% marks Must have 3 years of work experience Must be committed to return and contribute to communities in India J-1 visa support, round-trip economy class air travel, and funding for tuition and fees are covered
Chevening Scholarships	Fully funded scholarships for Master’s programs in the UK Must commit to return to home country for 2 years after scholarship ends Must have 2 years of work experience (2,800 hours) Must have a Bachelor’s degree Must have an unconditional offer letter from a UK university
Erasmus Mundus	Must have a Bachelor’s degree Travel, visa, and living allowance cost is covered For a Master’s degree of 1 to 2 academic years (60, 90, or 120 ECTS credits)
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships	Must be an Indian citizen born on or after January 1, 1995 Applicant must have a degree from a recognized university from India (or awaiting results in final year or graduation) Applicants with an overseas undergraduate degree must have lived, worked, or studied in India for two years post-graduation to be eligible For Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Fine Arts, and related fields, applicants must have 65% or a CGPA of 6.8/10 For Mathematics, Sciences, and related fields, applicants must have a 70% or a CGPA of 7.2/10 Must have proof of admission Applicants with a conditional English certification must obtain it before applying. To be eligible, applicants with deferred admission must have a valid offer for the intended academic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for applying for scholarships to study abroad?

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship. Academic records, English language proficiency scores, and extracurricular involvement are often required for scholarships to study abroad.

When should I start applying for scholarships to study abroad?

Applying for scholarships as early as possible is the best way to secure one. Try to apply for scholarships to study abroad at least a year before your study date.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships to study abroad?

Yes, applying for multiple scholarships is a must and can often increase your chances of securing a scholarship for your study abroad journey.

Can I work while studying abroad?

International students can work part-time to cover their additional expenses. However, every country has different working hours, so be sure to check it before starting your part-time work.

How do I avoid scholarship claims while applying for scholarships to study abroad?

Research scholarships through official websites and channels. If any scholarship or organization asks you to pay before getting a scholarship or asking for a guaranteed acceptance, it is likely a scholarship scam.

How to get a 100% scholarship to study abroad?

If you are looking for a scholarship covering 100% of your expenses, try applying as early as possible. If you need a full-funded scholarship or free scholarship, modify applications thoroughly to the scholarship you are applying for to increase your chances of getting it.