Studying abroad is the dream of many Indians, but the tuition fee and living costs can add a lot to an individual’s budget. However, to lessen this burden, scholarships are available for students. Every student can apply for the scholarship regardless of their abilities in terms of academics or finances. Universities, the government, and many other private institutions offer scholarships to students from diverse backgrounds.
How can you apply for a scholarship?
Applying for a scholarship to study abroad can be a hassle-free task. Follow the steps below to apply:
Select country and course: The first step in securing a scholarship is to find a country and a course of study you wish to pursue there. It is better to have an idea of where you wish to study in advance.
Collect all of your documents in one location: After researching the country and course for which you are applying, the second step should be to collect and gather all of your documents in one location. You should carefully take care of the documentation process to get a scholarship. Make sure you file all the documents. Failing this can lead to the cancellation of your scholarship. These documents include your academic transcript, financial records, credit score, letter of recommendation, and others.
Make your resume: Your CV is counted as an important document. So, make your resume calmly with deep analysis as what to include and not. Do not add unnecessary pointers in your resume to fill up the pages. Add and highlight your extracurricular activities, skills, and experiences. Aside from your resume, the authority awarding the scholarship will also check for your potential and passion.
Add your references: It is important to have references to give credibility to your profile. You can use references from a teacher or professor, a previous employer, or even a friend. Be mindful while presenting your references to the authority. All the references that you present should be credible and reliable.
Tip: Moreover, choose people who can further recommend you.
Find a scholarship: Now you should start looking for a scholarship. Finding a scholarship can be a problematic task since you don’t know where to start. Try to be specific in your approach to finding a scholarship, like going for country-specific or course-specific scholarships, so that you can narrow down your focus to the appropriate scholarships. You can even find out whether a university is providing any scholarship to study abroad or not. But, the question is, where can a person find a scholarship?
As an applicant, you can find scholarships on the official websites of universities or the government. Multiple portals also inform students about scholarships, and some of these portals even award scholarships to students.
Tip: Ensure that you are referring to the official websites. Besides, seek out help from universities, professors, or academic advisors.
Apply: Lastly, you need to start applying for the scholarship; check the eligibility criteria before starting to apply. Make sure your application form contains everything. To avoid rejection, make sure you check your application multiple times before submitting the application.
Who can apply for a scholarship?
The general requirement for a scholarship can differ, and anyone fulfilling these requirements can avail of one. Here are certain factors that you should take care of:
Academic score: A student applying for a scholarship should ensure that they score over 60% in their graduation or post-graduation.
Age: The age factor becomes essential while applying for the scholarship. Students should not be more than 45 years of age. The maximum age is subject to differ as per different scholarships.
Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Students applying for the scholarship should ensure that they meet those eligibility criteria. Check out the list of documents below:
- Letter of recommendation
- Application form
- Financial statements
- Academic transcripts, and
- Personalized essay
Scholarships for study abroad are available in various categories:
There are various types of scholarships available in India; find one that interests you and apply for it:
Merit-based scholarships: Students with good academic scores are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Universities and the government provide this type of scholarship to bright students.
Location-Specific Scholarships: This scholarship is to encourage students from a typical area or even country to study abroad.
Course-Specific Scholarships: As the name implies, this scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in a specific course. An independent university or the government grants this scholarship to students from various academic backgrounds.
Government-funded study abroad scholarships: These scholarships are granted by the government to students depending on different criteria. There are multiple study-abroad scholarships that motivate students to study abroad.
Scholarships for research or artistic achievements: If you are into the artistic or research sectors then this scholarship is for you.
Scholarships for students in the lower income category: This type of scholarship is offered to students who belong to the lower income category.
University-funded study abroad scholarship: Usually universities grant scholarships on the basis of merit. Universities give away scholarships to undergraduates based on their affiliations with different international institutions.
Scholarships for all international students: This scholarship is offered by private institutions, governments, or non-governmental organizations that want to promote higher education abroad. In addition, international students can apply for the same.
Scholarship for under-represented groups: A few examples of marginalized groups include:
- Women
- Students from developing countries
- Deprived due to some reason
Scholarships available for Indian students to study abroad:
- Fullbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
- Fullbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
- Goa Education Trust Scholarship
- Fullbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship
- National Overseas Scholarship Scheme by the Indian Government
- Scholarship by the University of Waikato
- Great wall program
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree
- The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians
Conclusion:
Scholarships are provided by various private institutions, NGOs, and the government to help students and their families with finances. Students from different backgrounds and nationalities can apply for scholarships as per their eligibility.