College is expensive, we know. The sight of students unable to afford their tuition fees is not uncommon. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get financial aid, one of which is getting a scholarship. You’ve probably heard of these during your academic life, but how much do you really know about how to get a scholarship for students? In this blog, we’ll take a look at what a scholarship is, how to find one, and a few tips to help you increase your chances of getting a scholarship.
What is a scholarship?
Firstly, a scholarship is financial aid provided to students to help them pay for their degrees. These can be a one-time check or renewable, meaning you are provided money each semester or academic year. To answer your doubts about what you can do with a scholarship and how scholarship money is awarded, check out our Scholarships for students guide.
Don’t mistake scholarships, bursaries, and grants for the same thing. Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing. Simply put, a scholarship is a merit-based financial aid offered to students to help cover their living expenses and tuition fees. In contrast, a bursary is a one-off payment offered to students based on their economic background. Similar to a bursary, a grant is also based on the individual’s background. However, grants are offered mainly by charities & trusts, whereas bursaries are offered by universities and colleges or employers and organisations. If you still have questions about the difference between scholarships and bursaries, we’ve got your back.
Now that you’ve understood what a scholarship is let’s move on to the different types of scholarships.
What kinds of scholarships for students are available?
There are two main types of scholarships available – merit-based and need-based. Merit-based scholarships are those awarded on the basis of excellence in academia, sports, and talents. In contrast, need-based scholarships are offered to students who belong to particular groups, such as those who come from military families, minority backgrounds, or low-income families.
Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships for international students are also available based on degrees. Starting at the very beginning, we think about undergraduate courses. You do not need to already be a genius to apply for these scholarships for students. To be eligible for undergraduate scholarships for international students, one must be a college freshman, sophomore or junior. If we think about UK scholarships for international students, the requirements would be different from US scholarships, such as it is recommended to research well beforehand. Some of the most popular undergraduate scholarships are the Fulbright scholarship, MPOWER scholarships and #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship, to name a few.
Graduate Scholarships for International Students
Past the undergraduate stage? It’s time to check out the graduate scholarships for international students as you move on with your next chapter of life. It is self-explanatory as scholarships are designed to provide you assistance as you pursue graduate courses. To be eligible, you must meet certain requirements like merit, be enrolled on a graduate course, and have work experience in certain cases. Of course, these requirements vary from scholarship to scholarship, so do the research and select what fits and helps you! Some of the scholarships for graduate students are the National Council on International Trade Development Scholarship Program, Asian Cultural Council Fellowships and Grants etc. If you are out of options to find more financial aid for graduate programs then you can apply for our Amber Scholar Scholarship. Know more about it our detailed video.
Grants for international students
Full scholarships for international students are beneficial, but do you know about grants? Governments and institutions offer a certain amount of money for a variety of different educational courses. Some grants offered to international students are Open Society Foundations, Margaret McNamara Education Grants etc.
Scholarships for students: Who can apply?
Any student who meets the application requirements is eligible for scholarships. It’s important to note that eligibility criteria vary widely based on the specific scholarships, their sponsor, and their intended purpose. Some financial aid for students may target high-achieving students, and others focus on financial needs and specific career goals. Take a look at some of the common requirements to apply for financial aid for students.
- Application form
- Letter of recommendation
- Certificates of previous education
- Personal essay
- Official financial statements
- Proof of extraordinary academic performance
Difference between scholarships for students and grants
Scholarships and grants are both forms of financial aid providing funds to individuals, but they differ in their eligibility criteria and purpose. Scholarships are merit-based and are awarded to students for their academic achievement, leadership qualities, talents, and other accomplishments. On the other hand, grants are need-based and are awarded to students based on their financial need. They are given to students who may not have the financial means to pursue their education.
Scholarships often focus on rewarding excellence and achievements, while grants primarily focus on students who are not financially well-off. However, both scholarships and grants can play a crucial role in helping students pursue their education and other career endeavours without burdening the finances.
How to find scholarships for students?
Now that you know that there are so many scholarships for international students out there, how do you find the one that’s perfect for you? There are just as many ways of getting a scholarship as there are types. Let’s take a look at some of the answers to how to get a scholarship.
1. Ask Your University
One of the best and most obvious ways to get scholarships for international students is through your university or college since most educational institutions offer scholarships to their own students for various courses. To find these, head to your college or university’s official website and navigate to their ‘Financial Aid’ section. One of the first things you must do is meet the requirements for getting the scholarship you’re interested in. To increase your chances of getting a scholarship, you can start applying early, as your application is one of the main things the university will consider.
If you’re a US citizen applying for USA scholarships, you must also fill out the FAFSA form in order to be eligible for federal aid. In the case of scholarships for international students, you can instead check out other USA scholarships, such as the US Fulbright scholarship and The HAAA Scholarship. Some universities also offer scholarships for certain majors, so browse through the scholarships for your chosen major.
2. Scholarship Finder
Another easy way to find scholarships for students is through scholarship search engines. Here, you can find scholarships apart from your local options. You can even filter out the scholarships to only display those that match your profile, such as if you’re looking for scholarships in Ireland or scholarships for international students in the UK. Here’s a list of the most popular scholarship search engines to help you get started.
1. FastWEB
2. Chegg
3. FastWeb.com
4. Peterson’s Scholarship Search
5. CareerOneStop
6. Scholarships.com
3. Go Local
As mentioned earlier, some scholarships for international students are need-based or background-based, meaning they are only offered to those requiring financial support. There are several local organisations and non-profits offering such scholarships to help low-income students afford college. Such local scholarships usually have lower competition, increasing your chances of getting a scholarship.
4. Score a scholarship!
If you’re known for topping the class, you might find merit scholarships for international students the easiest to get, as these are awarded based on academic performance and other accomplishments. These are generally based on the student’s GPA or performance on standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT. The best way to get a scholarship based on your academic performance is by improving your GPA and other test scores by using various study techniques to help you study more efficiently. You can also learn to calculate your GPA so as it evaluate and improve your scores. Read our ultimate preparation guide for SAT and preparation guide for ACT to steer clear of any doubts.
5. Ask your employer
If you have a full-time or part-time job, you’ll be glad to learn that many companies offer scholarships to their employees and their children. This is another great way of getting a scholarship and saving money on college tuition while working a part-time student job!
6. Funds for Jocks
As a high school athlete, you have the opportunity to get a scholarship for your academic abilities and your talent in sports. Several private scholarships are offered to athletic students as a reward for their strong leadership and teamwork skills in sports and their athletic abilities. If playing a sport is
7. Ask your mentor
When you’re trying to find the perfect scholarships for international students, asking your mentor might be one of the best ways of getting a scholarship. Your mentor could be someone who works in your field of interest and can answer your questions or even help you get an idea of the industry and which types of scholarships you might be able to apply for.
8. Essay competitions
One of the most important things to keep in mind when finding scholarships for international students is your scholarship essay. It’s important to write an essay that stands out as you will be competing against hundreds of other applicants, especially when applying for scholarships that are as well-known as the Chevening Scholarship. If you’re unsure where to begin, you can check out our blog on how to write a winning scholarship essay.
9. Scholarship sweepstakes
If you don’t think you can get through another scholarship essay explaining why you are worthy of financial aid, you can check out a scholarship contest instead. Without the drawn-out search, apply, and follow-up procedure, these are a lot easier to get into. The amount covered might be little, but it is well worth the time and effort these require, which is just as little.
Scholarships for Students: How to apply?
To apply for scholarships, you start by researching the scholarship you want to apply for and get the application or registration form for the same. You then need to check the eligibility criteria for the specific scholarship. We have laid down the process you need to follow to apply for scholarships for students.
- Research: Identify scholarships that align with your academic goals, field of study, and personal background.
- Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for the scholarship you want to apply for. Pay attention to deadlines, specific qualifications, and documents required.
- Application Form: Register for the scholarship by completing the online application form.
- Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays or personal statements, educational qualifications documents, and proof of achievements.
- Prepare Essays or Statements: Write compelling essays or personal statements to demonstrate your qualifications, goals, and why you’re an ideal candidate for the scholarship.
- Complete and Submit Application: Submit your application by the specified deadline using the method indicated by the scholarship provider.
- Submit Acceptance Letter: Submit the acceptance letter from the university.
- Wait for Results: All you have to do now is wait for the results.
Scholarships for Students: How to Get It?
With so much competition around, getting a scholarship is definitely not that easy. However, with the right approach and a little effort, you can increase your chances of getting your dream scholarship or multiple scholarships. Here are some tips you can follow to get that scholarship you have your eyes on.
1. Research
The first step is to look for the scholarships for students offered by the university you want to apply to. Make sure the scholarship aligns with your goals, interests, and background.
2. Preparation
Determine your strengths, be it academic, athletic, artistic, leadership, or community service, and work on them. Some universities also take interviews and may ask questions about your goals and motivations, so prepare well.
3. Maintain Strong Academics
Many financial aid for students consider academic performance for granting scholarships. So study hard and maintain a high GPA to get a step closer to your dream scholarship.
4. Participate in Extracurricular Activities
When it comes to getting scholarships, extracurricular activities hold a lot of value. Engaging in extracurricular activities provides universities with a comprehensive view of your qualities and attributes, leaving a positive impression by showcasing your openness to acquiring new skills and ability to collaborate effectively within a team. You can take part in leadership activities, internships, sports, creative pursuits, academic teams and clubs, or volunteer for some social work.
5. Submit an Exceptional Cover Letter
Your cover letter should beautifully state who you are, your goals, and your relevant education and work experience (if any). Keep it clear and concise, use flawless grammar, write a strong, attention-grabbing introduction, and do thorough proofreading.
Remember that scholarship opportunities vary widely, so putting effort into each application is important. Scholarships for students can greatly alleviate the financial burden of education, so invest time and energy into the process, and you are good to go.
When should I apply for a scholarship?
Based on which scholarships for international students you’re applying for, the deadline for doing so will change. Since some scholarships for students stop accepting applications even a year before college begins, it’s always better to start searching for scholarships early. Ideally, students should research scholarships between their junior and senior years. Even if you’re past those years, you can still get a scholarship by applying to those still accepting applications.
So there you have it! No matter which group you belong to or what you excel at, there’s a scholarship out there for you. With just a bit of research and asking around, you can easily find and apply for scholarships for international students that fit you. Right from athletic, merit-based, need-based and interest-based, there are plenty of scholarships for students to pick from. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get your scholarship, and after that, make sure you also book your student accommodation to ensure you have a place near your university!