How To Apply For Scholarships To Study Abroad
For an expensive education in international destinations students require scholarships. Scholarships in the forms of general scholarships, specialized scholarships, and scholarships offered by government, universities, or colleges or organizations help students in their pursuit of abroad education. Previously it was a misconception that scholarships are not granted to students looking for education in the international destinations. However, by reducing all expenses, today scholarships are attracting the meritorious students from different countries to shape their future from topmost universities and colleges of the world. For example, an amount of 20 lakhs is granted to Indian students that are willing to complete Postgraduate degree in Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities, Law, Architecture, and Management at a United States university.
Types Of Scholarships –
Students that are topnotch performers are getting these types of scholarships –
- Students with good academic records or extracurricular activities are getting merit-based scholarships. If they have performed well in sports or have served the society are eligible for these types of scholarships.
- Based on a student’s gender, religion, family, and medical records, students are eligible for student-specific scholarships.
- Different countries through public organizations, government, or universities collect funds for students interested in pursuing higher education programs in their land. Known as destination specific scholarship, students from particular countries can opt for those.
- For studying a particular subject, a student can apply for the subject-specific scholarship in a definite university.
- Some students face financial problems and need-based scholarships are there to rescue them. Based on the financial records, students are granted need-based scholarships in order to make their dreams come true.
- If students have excelled in sports while representing their clubs, colleges, or states they can apply for athletic scholarships. This scholarship is designed for high-class sportsmen.
Selecting from the above scholarship programs becomes difficult for many students, therefore scholarship counselors guide them through every process and help in selecting the suitable scholarship program. But students face problems in the starting phase while they are engrossed in selecting the university and other paper works. If you are one of them, try to choose a destination and follow the guidelines mentioned below –
- Do not hesitate to contact the people who can help you in these matters. Make contact with the university you have applied to and ask your professors how you can get financial support during the course of your stay. Also, your academic advisors can know much of it and ask them to advise you on the scholarships that you can apply to. It is the toughest part of getting a scholarship as you need to find a proper one, hence visit your professor in person and get your doubts clear.
- Research properly about the scholarships. There is no alternative to it. You will find several resources available on the internet or journals from where you can get authentic details about local specific scholarships, subject-based scholarships, doctoral scholarships, student-specific scholarship, the university granted scholarship, organization granted scholarship, and government-supported scholarships. Know about the different types and apply for the most suitable one.
- It is best to contact the scholarship provider directly as you will get to know every proposition and hidden schemes, requirements, and details on how to apply. As your funder, they will guide you in every step with accurate information.
- The next step is building your resume. If possible you can design the resume in the native language of the country that you are going to study at. It is not recommended to highlight on the skills you have, but it is always preferable to mention how the skills you have gained can help you succeed in life during your stay in the university you are applying to. If you have any job experience, explain about it. Know about the style of resume preferred by the country or university before doing so.
- A recommendation letter is also important. Select your reference based on the subject you are going to study. Be gracious towards your recommendation writer.
- Keep a track of the dates and deadlines. Without this, you will be in trouble with the schedule and might miss out on the important scholarship last dates.
- Do not hesitate to apply for the scholarships you are eligible for. It will be a toiling task as you will need to customize every application. But you are the only one who will be benefitted.
The passion for studying abroad is the driving factor for most of the students. With eligible grades and seriousness, you will be able to crack it down. As quoted by Mark Twain, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” Take logical decisions and you will definitely prosper.