Don’t Let Your Budget Stop You: Scholarships for Low-Income & Part-Time International Students

Key Takeaways:

• Financial constraints don’t have to stop you from studying abroad.
• Scholarships for low income students to study abroad can cover tuition, living costs, and other expenses.
• Many universities and organizations also offer scholarships for part time students abroad.
• International students can combine study abroad scholarships with an education loan for higher studies abroad to reduce borrowing.
• Start researching scholarships early to improve your chances of securing funding.
• Compare university-specific, government-funded, and external scholarship opportunities before applying.
• Create a funding plan that balances scholarships, savings, and a student loan for overseas education.
• Expert guidance from Nomad Credit can help you find the right funding options and simplify your study abroad journey.

Need-based scholarships like Fulbright, Chevening, DAAD, and Erasmus Mundus are specifically available for low-income international students, covering tuition, living costs, and in some cases travel. Part-time students can also access scholarships through universities offering flexible or executive programs.

Education overseas is not meant only for those who have infinite resources to spend. Many international students are able to afford their studies overseas through the help of study abroad scholarships, university scholarships, and education loans. Whether you’re from a low-income background or planning to study while working part-time, the right funding strategy can make your global education dream achievable.

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Who Can Apply for Need-Based Scholarships?

Need-based scholarships help students who have strong academic potential but limited financial resources. If you’re looking for scholarships for low income students to study abroad, these awards can significantly reduce your tuition and living expenses.

Popular Need-Based Scholarships

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
• Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (Europe)
• DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
• Chevening Scholarships (UK)
• Australia Awards Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarships

Many of these programs support both undergraduate scholarships abroad and study abroad Masters scholarships.

Can Part-Time Students Get Scholarships?

Yes. Although many scholarships are designed for full-time study, funding opportunities are also available for part-time, online, and flexible Master’s programs. Many universities recognise that working professionals may want to study Masters abroad without taking a break from their careers.

For example, the University of Liverpool provides scholarships and fee waivers to eligible candidates attending their online postgraduate courses, and this includes international students too. Likewise, the Open University (UK) provides bursaries and financial assistance to eligible candidates undertaking flexible and distance learning courses.

Some UK universities also offer Chevening-supported part-time programs in selected professional and executive courses, depending on the institution and program.

You may be eligible if you are:

• A working professional
• Enrolled in a part-time or flexible degree
• Pursuing an executive or online Master’s program
• Receiving employer sponsorship
• Returning to higher education after work experience

Which Universities Offer Financial Support to Low-Income International Students?

Some of the best universities offer need-based assistance to international students in order to make university education affordable to applicants from low-income backgrounds. Depending on the institution and the student’s financial circumstances, this support may cover tuition, living expenses, or both.

In addition to study abroad scholarships funded by the government, some universities provide need-based aid and scholarships to international students from low-income backgrounds.

Whether you’re looking for undergraduate scholarships or Masters scholarships, checking university-specific funding opportunities can significantly reduce your overall education costs.

Note: Financial aid programs vary across different institutions of higher education. Although Harvard gives need-based financial aid which can cover 100% of the established financial need for qualifying international students, institutions such as Yale and Princeton have their own requirements for financial aid. For more information, always refer to the financial aid website of the institution.

Can You Combine Scholarships with an Education Loan?

Yes, and it’s one of the smartest ways to fund your education abroad. Since many study abroad Master’s scholarships cover only part of your expenses, combining them with an education loan for higher studies abroad can help you pay for the remaining costs without putting extra financial pressure on your family.

The scholarships will decrease the amount of tuition charges, while an educational loan for pursuing a Master’s degree abroad will pay for things such as housing, transportation, insurance, and personal expenses. In this way, you will be borrowing only what you need.

A smart funding strategy for education loan for Masters abroad includes:

• Use scholarships to reduce tuition costs.
• Take a loan only for uncovered expenses.
• Compare lenders to find the best interest rates.
• Calculate your total budget before borrowing.
• Keep all financial documents ready for your student visa application.

How Can You Build a Smart Study Abroad Funding Plan?

A successful study abroad journey rarely depends on a single source of funding. The best approach is to combine scholarships, personal savings, and a student loan for overseas education to create a financial plan that covers both tuition and living expenses.

A well-planned funding strategy can make studying abroad more affordable while helping you graduate with lower financial stress.

According to the OECD’s Education at a Glance 2025, “About three-quarters of countries and economies award means-tested grants based on financial need.” This clearly demonstrates that financial need has been seen more and more as a valid ground for funding higher education.

Your Dream to Study Abroad Is Closer Than You Think

Financial challenges shouldn’t stop you from pursuing a global education. With the right mix of study abroad scholarships and smart funding options like an education loan for higher studies abroad, studying overseas can be far more affordable than many students expect. The key is to start your research early and apply to multiple funding opportunities.

At Nomad Credit, we help students build a personalized funding plan, from finding scholarships with our Scholarship Finder tool and comparing the best student loan for overseas education options to guiding them through the entire application process.

Whether you’re planning an undergraduate program or a Masters degree abroad, our study abroad consultants are here to help you take the next step with confidence.

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