If you don't know what is scholarship then it is financial aid that is provided so that students can do their studies in a university or educational institution. A scholarship is given to a student for studying in any country and may help in paying tuition fees, living costs, travel, or other study costs.
Some scholarships for international students are the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Clarendon Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship, Knight-Hennessy Scholars, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, and Melbourne Research Scholarship.
This article gives a detailed explanation of what is meant by scholarship, the types of scholarships, how much scholarship offers and, the eligibility criteria of whom can avail scholarships, and how to apply. Popular scholarships offered by countries like UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand are included as well.
How Does a Scholarship Work?
The process of a scholarship is quite simple. It involves just an application and selection. Each scholarship may have a slightly different procedure, but it involves the following steps:
The provider publishes the scholarship; The provider communicates information about the scholarship, who is eligible, the amount of the scholarship, and the deadline.
The student completes: The student completes the application form and supplies required details.
Documents and qualifications are reviewed: The provider reviews the student's grades, financial status, work completed, nationality, course, etc.
Students selected: Students who meet the requirements and are selected will receive the scholarship.
The scholarship is offered: Funds can be remitted directly to the university or to the student, according to the policies of the scholarship.
For example, the scholarship could be for 50% of the tuition fee. A scholarship may be given to another student that helps finance accommodation or living expenses as well.
Once students understand what is scholarship, they can begin to see the funding opportunities that best match their academic goals and financial needs. Scholarships are not based only on academic merit, but on other achievements or factors such as leadership ability, research results, and participation in sports, among others.
Students can research various categories of scholarships and limit their research to programs that fit their skills and career interests.
Merit-Based Scholarships
These kinds of scholarships are based on academic achievement, leadership skills, successful involvement in extracurricular activities, or exceptional skill.
Examples:
Academic excellence scholarships
Sports scholarships
Leadership scholarships
Need-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are available to students who highlight a financial need and are in need of a helping hand to continue their education.
Examples:
Government financial aid programs
University need-based grants
Government Scholarships
Various governments or non-governmental organizations offer scholarships to foreign nationals.
Examples:
National scholarship schemes
International education scholarships
University Scholarships
Many universities provide scholarships to attract outstanding students from around the world.
Examples:
Merit scholarships
Research scholarships
Tuition fee waivers
Subject-Specific Scholarships
These scholarships are designed for students pursuing specific fields such as:
Engineering
Medicine
Business
Arts
Social Sciences
Research Scholarships
Research scholarships are primarily offered to masters and PhD students and often cover tuition fees, stipends, and research expenses.
Governments of these countries provide scholarships, and universities also provide scholarships to help the best foreign students. These scholarships may include tuition, living, travel, healthcare insurance, or even research grants.
Some of the most popular scholarships for international students and their coverage and eligibility requirements are listed below.
Scholarships Offered by United Kingdom
UK is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities and offers several scholarships for international students.
Up to GBP 992 (about INR 1.08 lakh) per month for bachelors, masters, and postgraduate students and up to GBP 1,400 (about INR 1.52 lakh) per month for PhD students, plus research and travel support
Very good academics, leadership skills, and interest in social issues
A scholarship can cover different education and living costs. However, not every scholarship covers all expenses.
Depending on the scholarship, it may help pay for:
Tuition fees: Money charged by the university or college for the course.
Accommodation: The cost of student housing or other approved accommodation.
Living expenses: Funds for your daily living (food, transportation, etc.).
Books and study resources: Expenses for equipment, books, or study resources.
Travel: Limited travel expenses, including airfares, can be awarded for some scholarships to travel between the home country and the country where the study will be conducted.
Health insurance: There may be scholarships that provide health insurance for the student.
Research expenses: Research-based scholarships may provide money for research work, equipment, or other approved costs.
The meaning of scholarship is not limited to free tuition. The support can include one or more of these expenses depending on the scholarship rules.
For this reason, students should always check the official scholarship information before applying.
The decision of who is eligible to apply depends on each provider and their requirements. There are scholarships for undergraduates, postgraduates, and research students. Most scholarship providers weigh applications based on the following factors, although criteria may vary:
Academic Achievements: Some merit-based scholarships, specifically, may require high grades, GPA, or good academic performance.
Financial Need: These scholarships are awarded based on financial need, and may request proof of family income or financial documents.
Nationality and Residency: Foreign nationals from certain countries or regions may be eligible for certain scholarships. In other words, some government scholarships are only available for Indian students.
Leadership Skills: Joining student clubs and activities, or a leadership position can enhance your resume and show leadership ability outside the classroom.
Community Service: The involvement of those who volunteer and gain experience working in a community is appreciated by many scholarship providers, and demonstrates a desire to make a difference.
Research Potential: Research-based scholarships, especially for master's and PhD programs, often consider research experience, publications, or a strong research proposal.
English Language Proficiency: Scholarships in countries such as UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand may require scores from tests likeIELTS,TOEFL,PTE, orDuolingo English Test.
Work Experience: Some postgraduate scholarships, like Chevening Scholarships and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, find it preferable when a candidate has experience in their career field.
How to Apply for a Scholarship?
If you take care to follow the requirements for applying to a scholarship, it can be a relatively easy process. You should start preparing and applying for study abroad scholarships 12 to 18 months before your intended course intake.
Here are the steps that you need to follow:
Identify appropriate scholarship opportunities: Search for suitable scholarships that are compatible with your course, level of study, nationality, achievement, or financial situation.
Verify eligibility: Confirm if the person is eligible for the application.
Review the scope of the scholarship: Find out if it will provide a scholarship for tuition, living expenses, travel, accommodation, or other costs.
Get necessary documents ready: Have your academic transcripts, certificates, CV, recommendations, and other documents on hand.
Fill out the scholarship application form carefully: Complete the application with due diligence.
Submit essays/recommendation: Some scholarships request an essay or personal statement or recommendation letters.
Submit before the deadline: Late applications cannot be accepted.
Have an interview, if necessary: Providers will call students to come in for an interview if they are shortlisted.
Check the result: The provider will inform applicants whether they have been selected.
When looking at what is the meaning of scholarship and how to apply for one, it is important to read the official rules. Small details, such as a document format or application deadline, can be important.
Documents Required for a Scholarship
The documents needed depend on the scholarship. Common documents include:
Academic transcripts
Academic certificates
CV or resume
Statement of Purpose or scholarship essay (refer to this SOP format for detailed guidance)
Recommendation letters (check out the correct LOR format)
Proof of financial need, where required
Admission letter, where required
Test scores, where applicable
Identity or nationality documents
Some scholarships may ask for additional documents. Students should prepare these documents early so they have enough time to apply.
It is important that you realize what is scholarship for studying abroad and the worth that it might add to your academic and career path. Beyond the financial aid benefits, scholarships can bring many advantages, such as enhancing college opportunities, preventing financial pressure, and advancing students' career goals.
These are some major advantages:
Saves money on tuition: A scholarship may lower the price that students have to pay the University.
Saves overall education expenses: Some scholarships can also reduce the expenses for study or living, or provide accommodation or travel costs.
Reduces reliance on student loans: Students might be able to save on student loan debt by receiving some of their education payments through a scholarship.
It assists students in financial need: Need-based scholarships help students who are unable to cover educational expenses.
Offers overseas study opportunities: If going overseas is made more affordable with funding, then students looking for study opportunities abroad can do so.
Recognises achievement: Scholarships may be awarded for academic, sports, research, artistic, leadership, or other achievement.
Scholarship vs Bursary vs Grant vs Fellowship
Scholarships, bursaries, grants and fellowships are all forms of financial aid, but with varying purposes and qualifications.
Scholarships are available for high school to masters students, bursaries are available primarily for bachelors and masters students, grants are available for students at various levels of study, and fellowships are available primarily for PhD students, bursaries, and professionals.
Other comparisons are given below:
Funding Type
Why is it given?
What does it mainly cover?
Scholarship
Good marks, sports skills, or leadership
Tuition fees and campus living costs
Bursary
Low family income or financial need
Daily expenses, rent, and some tuition costs
Grant
A specific project or study need
Lab materials, field trips, or travel
Fellowship
Research skills or advanced study
Living costs, research facilities, and guidance
Definitions may vary from one country to another and between institutions. For example, a fellowship might be linked to study or professional activity, whereas a bursary may be on financial need.
Now, whenever you wonder what is the meaning of scholarship, remember that a scholarship is one form of educational financial support. The purpose and rules may be set by the instructions of the organisation.
While both a scholarship and an education loan can help you pay for education, they work in different ways.
For instance, if a student is granted INR 50,000 scholarship amount, it does not have to be paid back. Whereas, if they take a loan for education of INR 50,000, they will most likely be expected to pay it back according to the lender.
Let's have a look at the table and understand the difference between a scholarship and an Education Loan.
Factor
Scholarship
Education Loan
Repayment
Usually does not need to be repaid
Must be repaid with interest
Money Flow
You receive financial help from the provider
You borrow money and pay it back later
What is checked?
Marks, achievements, financial need, or other criteria
Income, credit history, course, repayment ability, and sometimes collateral
When is the main pressure?
Mostly before getting the scholarship due to competition
Mostly after graduation when loan payments begin
Career Choices
More freedom because there is usually no debt
Loan payments may affect career and job choices
This is an important part of understanding what is meant by scholarship, especially when planning the total cost of education.
Planning to finance your education? Explore these education loan guides:
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship?
Applications for scholarships are extremely competitive, and a well-prepared, strong application will help your chances of winning an award.
Here are some tips on how to stand out:
Maintain High Academic Performance: Many scholarships, particularly merit awards, seek out those with a solid track record of good grades.
Take part in Extra-Curricular Activities: Club and extracurricular involvement includes, but is not limited to, sporting and other activities that provide evidence of all-rounder skills and personal initiative.
Show Leadership Experience: Leadership positions in school, college, and/or community organizations highlighting leadership and management responsibility.
Get Volunteer or Work Experience: Internships, part-time employment, or community services can boost your profile and demonstrate your dedication or work-related abilities.
Prepare a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP): A clear explanation of academic ambitions, career goals, and why you are deserving of the scholarship. Each application will benefit from a unique and engaging SOP.
Customize Each Application: Do not use the same application in all places. Tailor your essays, SOP, and supporting documents to the eligibility requirements and goals of the scholarship.
Secure Strong Recommendations: Get letters from professors, teachers, or employers who can provide their recommendations based on your success, skills, and potential.
Apply Early and Meet Deadlines: Read the requirements, documents, and selection process for the research Scholarship thoroughly so that your application is complete and meets all requirements.
Tip: Having more than one scholarship application submitted may give you a chance of receiving financial assistance for studying abroad.
A copy of students' applications and documents should also be retained. The most significant thing they need to do is follow the rules of the actual scholarship rather than use inaccurate information from other sites.
Conclusion
Understanding what is scholarship for studying abroad in simple words means that it is the education money being provided to students who are qualified to receive it without requiring them to return the money paid in any country. Academic achievement, financial need, nationality, subject, sports, talent, research, among others, are possible criteria for scholarships.
Keep in mind that there's no one certain kind of scholarship. Some scholarships pay for the majority of the student's cost of study. Some pay for a portion. Some scholarships pay most of the cost of study; some pay for a part of the cost of study. Before applying, students should carefully review the requirements, advantages, forms, and specifications of the applications.
Yes, it is possible to study abroad after Class 12th on scholarship. A number of universities provide undergraduate scholarships based on academic achievement. Government scholarships are also available. Check whether or not the scholarship is available to international undergraduate students prior to submission.
How can I get a 100% scholarship to study abroad?
Only for fully funded scholarships such as the Chevening Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarship and Australia Awards, one can claim a 100% scholarship. Read all the academic, work experience, nationality, and training requirements for each of the scholarships and submit write-ups that are of good quality before the set deadlines.
How much CGPA is required for a scholarship?
For applications for international scholarships, one needs to achieve a minimum CGPA score of 7.0-7.5 (This is equivalent to 3.0-3.5 GPAs on a 4.0 point scale or 60-65%). On the other hand, the higher the CGPA score, the better the chance for top-tier merit scholarships or fully funded scholarships (8.0-9.0+ or 3.5-3.8+ on a 4.0 point scale).
Which international universities offer full scholarships?
International students can receive significant financial aid from universities like Stanford and Yale. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford provide financial assistance for graduate studies at Stanford, and Yale will provide financial assistance on a need-based scholarships to undergraduate students.
Which country is best to get a scholarship?
Major scholarships are available in UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand, with eligibility level, funding, and requirements for study and for application varying depending on the specific Scholarships.
Which type of scholarship is best?
Each scholarship depends on a particular need. Therefore, it is best to choose the one that is most appropriate for you. Full or partial scholarships may be available to cover tuition and other significant fees. There are various types of scholarships with different eligibility criteria: merit-based, need-based, university, government, and research.
Which scholarship is the easiest to get?
Educations.com International Scholarship, Automatic University Merit Awards, Program-Specific Provider Grants, and NL Scholarship (Netherlands) are some of the easiest scholarships for international students.
What is full vs partial scholarship?
The amount of major study expenses (tuition and living expenses) that a full scholarship covers depends on its terms. A partial scholarship is a partial type of scholarship, and it could be a set amount of money or a percentage of the tuition.
Can I get more than one scholarship?
Yes, but dependent on the rules of each scholarship. However, in some programs, students may not be paid other funds at the same time. When you receive more than one scholarship, please review the eligibility requirements before accepting.
Which university offers scholarships?
Students who qualify for scholarships can look for universities such as Stanford, Yale, Harvard, and MIT. Also, some universities have fully funded scholarships for some courses, so it may be beneficial to know the rules for funding; inquire before applying to a university.
Where can I apply for scholarships?
Scholarships can be applied for on university websites, government scholarship portals, and official scholarship organisations. There are also opportunities for study abroad, such as the Chevening programme in UK, Fulbright in USA, Australia Awards, DAAD scholarships in Germany, and university-based scholarships.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |5048 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
