How to Find a Scholarship to Study Abroad for Free
Studying abroad is becoming more popular every year. Although many still think that education in Europe or the USA can be obtained only with rich parents or ingenious abilities, this is not so. This requires a desire to learn, self-confidence, diligence in finding a grant, filling out an application and preparing documents. However, having received a scholarship, you need to continue to demonstrate high academic success, which is not always as simple as it seems. Therefore, it is necessary to objectively evaluate your strengths and, in case of difficulties, not be afraid to seek help in the writing service WriteMyEssayOnline. A training grant can cover all expenses, including travel and accommodation, or pay only for the training itself. In this article, you will learn how to find a suitable scholarship and what you need to apply for it.
What do you Need for a Scholarship Application?
You have not applied for a scholarship yet? Then these documents may come in handy.
• Motivation letter
• Fellowship application form
• The CV
• Letter of recommendation
• Copy of diploma, certificates, and translation certified by a notary
Often, the commission that accepts applications looks for outstanding candidates who can impress with their successes or personal qualities. This does not mean that scholarships are given only to people with exceptional abilities, but the fact that you need to prove yourself somehow is true for any scholarship.
The requirements for future scholarship holders have a lot in common: you need to have high grades, demonstrate outstanding abilities or achievements, and one of the most important “unwritten rules” is to clearly understand your future after graduation. A personal essay, which is often required to be written to participate in the competition, is the first and decisive impression about the candidate, so we can say that the decision to issue a scholarship often depends on how the student explains his motivation and the need to receive funding.
There are many criteria for issuing a scholarship, and therefore it is difficult to systematize them. This is the most individual aspect of scholarships, and the decision on financing depends on the requirements for the recipients and their clear implementation.
The main criteria are an academic success or the need for financial assistance. Usually one of these criteria determines the type of scholarship.
Are you Eligible for a Scholarship?
To receive a scholarship, you must meet certain requirements.
- Academic performance.
Unfortunately, if you were not a diligent student and do not like to study, there will be little chance of getting a scholarship. The academic component of the educational process at universities abroad is in the first place, and students are required, especially at the postgraduate level, with very great mental effort, diligence, and concentration.
Graduate and doctoral students devote all their time to research, writing scientific papers. Even more outstanding abilities are expected from a scholarship student than from students who themselves pay for their tuition.
- Specialty.
Financing of the fields of exact, natural, technical sciences is available to a greater extent than other sciences. Mathematicians, programmers, biologists, chemists, physicists, engineers, ecologists are more likely to find an interesting curriculum and research program in master's and doctoral studies than economists, linguists or historians.
This can be explained by the fact. that developed countries are interested in scientific research and invest in practical research and innovative technologies. This is especially true in the USA, where a lot of funds are financed in new technologies. Therefore, those who want to devote themselves to practical research are more likely to receive a scholarship or grant. In other, less applied and more theoretical fields, much more outstanding abilities need to be shown in order to get a chance for a scholarship or grant.
- Motivation.
It is very important to find the answer to the question: “How can I benefit science, society, the university community?”. This aspect is required to be revealed in motivational letters and essays, which are often crucial for the candidate.
It is necessary to logically describe how previous experience, knowledge, and abilities are combined with plans for the future; how could you diversify the social life of the university, what new things could you bring to the scientific community. In future plans, it is important to show compliance with the requirements of the program, university or foundation. Therefore, try to EXPLORE all POSSIBLE information about the requirements for candidates.
How to Find a Scholarship Abroad?
Step 1. Go to the official website of the university you are interested in and study the Scholarships section. Here you can find out the number of grants offered, as well as the requirements for their applicants.
Step 2. If the university offers a scholarship, it is necessary to clarify whether the program you are interested in is covered. Grants are often offered to students of certain specialties or levels of study (for example, only to graduate students or only to undergraduate students).
Step 3. If the program within which you plan to study can be covered by a scholarship, then you will first need to collect and submit to the university a package of documents required for enrollment in the program of your choice.
Step 4. Only after receiving an offer for admission, will you be able to submit a separate application for a scholarship. In some universities, all applicants who have received a proposal for admission are automatically considered as candidates for awarding scholarships. In this case, there is no need to fill out a separate grant application.
Step 5. Become a happy scholarship holder!
So...
Studying abroad is not just the acquisition of new knowledge and acquaintance with other academic traditions, but also the invaluable experience of immersion in another cultural environment. It is not surprising that almost every student dreams of such an opportunity. Unfortunately, very often the issue of financing studies abroad becomes a serious obstacle for foreign students. But do not rush to despair. Many world universities and non-profit organizations offer talented students full scholarships or significant discounts on tuition. Choose a few options that meet your requirements, and try.