Scholarships
Start researching early, and meet deadlines, and you may be on your way to scholarship success.
Scholarships are gifts. They don’t need to be repaid. There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations.
What kinds of scholarships are available?
There are various scholarships available for study abroad programs, which can help students cover their tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other related expenses. Here are some common types of scholarships for studying abroad:
Government-funded scholarships: Many governments offer scholarships for international students to study abroad. These can be country-specific or available for students from certain regions or countries. Examples include the Fulbright Program (for U.S. citizens), Chevening Scholarships (for students from various countries), and Australia Awards (for students from eligible countries).
University-specific scholarships: Many universities have their own scholarship programs for international students. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both. They can cover various expenses, such as tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs. Check with the universities you’re interested in to see what scholarships they offer.
Private scholarships: Numerous private organizations, foundations, and corporations provide scholarships for study abroad programs. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and requirements. Examples include the Rotary Foundation Global Grants, Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, and Erasmus Mundus Scholarships.
Subject-specific scholarships: Some scholarships are available for students studying specific subjects or fields of study. These scholarships are often offered by organizations or institutions that focus on particular disciplines. For instance, the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) provides scholarships for students pursuing STEM fields, while the Rhodes Scholarships are renowned for postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
Cultural exchange scholarships: Several organizations promote cultural exchange by offering scholarships to students who wish to experience another culture while studying abroad. These scholarships aim to foster mutual understanding and international relations. Examples include the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme and the AFS Intercultural Programs.
Diversity and minority scholarships: Some scholarships are specifically designed to support underrepresented groups or promote diversity in international education. These scholarships may target students from ethnic, racial, or religious minorities, students with disabilities, or LGBTQ+ students. Organizations like Diversity Abroad and the Fund for Education Abroad provide such scholarships.
It’s important to note that the availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes for scholarships can vary widely. It’s recommended to thoroughly research and explore multiple scholarship opportunities, consult with your educational institution, and utilize scholarship search engines or platforms to identify scholarships that align with your study abroad goals.
How do I find scholarships?
- Research online platforms like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Peterson’s.
- Check with your educational institution’s scholarship office or financial aid office.
- Utilize scholarship search engines such as Cappex, College Board Scholarship Search, and IEFA.
- Inquire with your country’s government or embassy for available scholarships.
- Research private organizations and foundations aligned with your field of study or interests.
- Seek recommendations from teachers, mentors, and advisors.
- Attend scholarship fairs and information sessions.
- Check local newspapers and community bulletin boards for scholarship announcements.
When do I apply for scholarships?
That depends on each scholarship’s deadline. Some deadlines are as early as a year before college starts, so if you’re in high school now, you should be researching and applying for scholarships during the summer between your junior and senior years. But if you’ve missed that window, don’t give up! Look at scholarship information to see which ones you can still apply for now.
How do I get my scholarship money?
That depends on the scholarship. The money might go directly to your college, where it will be applied to any tuition, fees, or other amounts you owe, and then any leftover funds given to you. Or it might be sent directly to you in a check. The scholarship provider should tell you what to expect when it informs you that you’ve been awarded the scholarship. If not, make sure to ask.
