We know that study abroad scholarships are always a popular subject, so this month we have put together a handy guide to help you on your scholarship quest.
Find
The first step in securing a study abroad scholarship, is to find one! Look for country-specific scholarships by contacting institutions you are applying to or find out if there are any subject-specific scholarships available from the university directly.
There are many destinations for you to choose from, and some will offer more scholarships than others. To find out more about scholarships available around the world, take a look at our Countries directory.
Qualify
Once you’ve found a scholarship, make sure you qualify. There is no point applying for a scholarship unless you meet the criteria, so check and double-check these first. Any time spent applying for a scholarship you don’t qualify for is time wasted.
SEE ALSO: Funding and Scholarships for International Students
Research
When you find a scholarship you qualify for, it’s time to start researching the scholarship and its provider. Find out what they are looking for in applicants – are they interested in younger applicants with an entrepreneurial flare, or perhaps they are looking for somebody whose beliefs are closely aligned with a certain charity. Finding these kind of facts out are imperative.
Prove Yourself
At this point it is time to put pen to paper and fill in the application form. This is when all that research you’ve previously completed will come into play – use it as a checklist and make sure you tick off everything the scholarship provider is looking for, and back it up with evidence.
Repeat
The chances of being granted the first scholarship you apply for is slim. So it’s a good idea to apply for more than one at a time. Don’t rest all your hopes on the big scholarships, as these are fiercely competitive. It’s also worth bearing in mind that there are only a few scholarships that will cover your tuition fees AND living expenses, as such you’re better off applying for lots of smaller scholarships, that way you also increase your chances of getting at least a bit of financial help towards your study abroad experience.
