Radiance MarcusIt may seem expensive to study overseas, but that’s a common misconception. Study abroad scholarships number in the thousands, and they are just waiting for you! All you need to do is be aware of the scholarship application process.
In this guide, we will help you to navigate the process of applying for a scholarship abroad shedding light on the process of applying and effective tips to help you increase your chances of getting a scholarship abroad.
How to get Scholarship to Study Abroad
Scholarship applications differ from one another. Some are quick and simple, while others may require you to jump through hoops and be much more involved. They all, however, generally adhere to this procedure. Applying for scholarships to study abroad can be done as follows:
1. Find
Finding a study abroad scholarship is the first step towards obtaining one! Find out if any subject-specific scholarships are offered by the university directly, or get in touch with the institutions you are applying to to look for country-specific scholarships.
You can select from a variety of locations, and some will provide more scholarships than others. See our list of countries to learn more about scholarships that are offered all over the world.
2. Qualify
Verify your eligibility for any scholarships you find. Make sure you meet the requirements before applying for a scholarship, as there’s no sense in doing otherwise. It is a waste of time to apply for a scholarship you are ineligible for.
3. Gather your Documents
It’s time to gather your documents after you’ve done your research, decided which country you want to study in, and selected the scholarships you want to apply for and you are sure you are eligible for it. To avoid worrying later, get them ready as soon as possible. You will need to do this beforehand.
A financial record and an academic transcript that shows your entire academic history are important documents. Make this request of your present school as well as all previous educational institutions you have attended.
4. Research
Once you’ve identified a scholarship that meets your eligibility requirements, it’s time to learn more about the award and its provider. Find out what kind of applicants they are interested in; perhaps they are searching for someone whose values are closely aligned with a particular charity, or perhaps they are looking for younger applicants with an entrepreneurial flair. It is essential to find out these kinds of details.
5. Prove Yourself
It’s now time to actually put pen to paper and complete the application. This is where your earlier research will be useful. Use it as a checklist, make sure you check off everything the scholarship provider requests and provide supporting documentation.
6. Find your References
This is something that is extremely important, so you need to prepare ahead of time. If you’re unsure of who can write a reference for you, consider friends who can speak highly of you, former employers who appreciated your work, and teachers and professors with whom you’ve had a close relationship.
Ascertain that you inform them of your application and allow sufficient time for them to compose a well-considered reference that you can utilize. Take your time with this one, or you risk creating a boring, unconvincing reference that the reviewers will quickly forget.
7. Write a unique essay for each application
Your personal essay is one thing you can’t replicate or use again. Every time, you want it to be brand new. Don’t get it wrong; you can draw inspiration from your first essay, but don’t write it exactly the same. Reducing it to its essential components will make the task easier to complete.
Ultimately, what you need is a compelling, well-written, and intimate essay that articulates your interests, objectives, and aspirations, along with how the scholarship will help you realize them. Give a convincing description, be sincere, and be clear.
7. Repeat
It’s unlikely that you’ll get the first scholarship you apply for. Thus, it’s a good idea to submit multiple applications at once. You shouldn’t put all of your hope in the large scholarships because they are very competitive.
You should also keep in mind that there aren’t many scholarships that will pay for both your living expenses and tuition; therefore, you’re better off applying for a large number of smaller scholarships, which will also increase your chances of receiving some financial assistance for your study abroad experience.
Tips to get the scholarships you want
Now that you know how to apply for scholarships, here are some of the best tips to get scholarships for higher education:
Find what makes you stand out
Providers of scholarships review hundreds, if not thousands, of applications. Given this, it should come as no surprise that the majority of applications are forgotten.
Consider it a marketing initiative. Discovering your advantage and taking advantage of it is what you need to do. To begin with, jot down a list of your strengths and things you excel at. When you have them, figure out how to make a statement about them in your application. Applying your life experiences—events or challenges that are pertinent to your application—will also help you stand out.
Write an incredible essay
If your scholarship application calls for a written essay, be sure to tackle it in a novel way. Here’s another way you can draw attention and make an impression. If the essay has specific instructions from your application, follow them, but make sure you write as well as you can. The difference lies in how you respond to the prompt.
You must be able to use storytelling to convey your passion in order for your essay to be outstanding.
Reuse your own material
If your scholarship application calls for a written essay, be sure to tackle it in a novel way. If the essay has specific instructions from your application, follow them, but make sure you write as well as you can. The difference lies in how you respond to the prompt.
You must be able to use storytelling to convey your passion in order for your essay to be outstanding. Go deeply into your aspirations and goals, and make a meaningful expression of them. Keeping your reader interested is the key to writing a fantastic essay!
Consult with other people
It is essential to have a second pair of eyes review your applications before sending them. This will enable the person you choose—a friend, teacher, or relative—to provide you with feedback. But it’s best if you speak with a qualified counselor with experience in studying abroad. Furthermore, a new set of eyes can spot any mistakes and typos that you might easily miss yourself.
Always get a second opinion; it won’t take much work to make your applications better. Just be sure to select individuals whose viewpoints you respect.
Avoid waiting until the last moment.
When applying for scholarships to study abroad, the last thing you want to do is wait until the last minute. Time is on your side, so take advantage of it by starting early. As soon as candidates receive their final results, they can begin applying for scholarships.
Conversely, college students can begin the application process up to a year in advance of the semester in which they wish to study abroad. Utilize that early advantage and make appropriate preparations.
Arrange your recommendation letters in advance.
Requesting recommendation letters is arguably the most nerve-wracking aspect of the entire procedure. Leaving it until last is the last thing you should do. Speak with instructors, employers, counselors, professors, and other relevant parties at least four weeks before the deadline to request a recommendation letter in advance.
They will have enough time in this manner to write a sincere recommendation letter that you can be pleased with. Also, be sure to select the appropriate individuals. For instance, speak with your Spanish or French teacher rather than, say, your gym teacher if you wish to study a foreign language overseas.
Where to find scholarships for studying abroad
There are many different ways to find financial aid for studying abroad. The first place to look would be at your school or your college if you’re already enrolled. If you don’t find any relevant information on your school’s or college’s website, reach out directly to someone about scholarship opportunities for studying abroad.
There are also many websites with scholarship databases that will allow you to find what you’re looking for in no time. Here’s a list of a few:
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several steps involved in the process, so it’s critical to understand how to get a scholarship abroad in advance. But if you know what you’re doing, your process can succeed.
FAQs
Q1. When should I begin applying for scholarships?
It is advisable to start looking and applying for scholarships as early as possible to increase your chances of being selected. Check for deadlines.
Q2. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for many scholarships but make sure to tailor your application in a way that suits the requirements.
Q3. How long does it take to find out if I receive a scholarship?
Scholarship results are typically announced one month after the scholarship deadline. Deadlines can be found in your To-Do items on your Dashboard and on the Scholarship page.
Amarachi Agwu
Scholars Admin
Faith patrick