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How to Avail the Best Study Abroad Scholarships?

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  • read time3 min Read
  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Feb 17,2024 05:35 PM IST

Deciding to study abroad can be expensive, but many study-abroad scholarships can assist students. Researching thoroughly and applying for multiple scholarships can increase the chances of receiving financial aid. The key is to be proactive in seeking out and applying for opportunities. Reading instructions and eligibility criteria are essential, and starting the search early can give students enough time to prepare a robust application. Connect with the Canam Consultants for valuable insights and support on study abroad scholarships.

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Choosing to study abroad is often perceived as expensive, but that is only sometimes true. Many study-abroad scholarships and grants help in procuring financial security. So, do not let the misconception of affordability hold  students back from pursuing their study abroad dreams.

Some sacrifices are necessary to study abroad and keep a student financially secure. Students can realize their travel goals by adopting innovative saving tactics and leveraging financial aid opportunities, like study abroad scholarships and grants. The key is to seek out and apply for these opportunities proactively.

Students are constantly worried about finances when deciding to study abroad. Do not worry, we have got our ten sure-fire steps to help students get the best study abroad scholarships and grants!

What are Scholarships and Grants?

Grants and scholarships are sources of financial help that do not need repayment. They are granted based on a variety of factors, including academic accomplishment, financial necessity, particular abilities, or specific professional aspirations. Governments or universities  often offer grants to support tuition, living expenses, and research expenditures to study abroad.

Scholarships, on the other hand, are typically provided by organizations or individual donors and may include non-monetary incentives such as mentoring programs or internships. These financial alternatives play an important role in making education more accessible to worthy students who may not be able to pay for their studies themselves.

Major Differences between Scholarships and Grants

The major differences between Scholarships and Grants are: - 

ParametersScholarshipsGrants
Basis of AwardsAward based on meritNeed- based
Funding sourceUniversities, foundations, corporations, individual or religious organizationsFederal or state government
Application ProcessRequire essays, LOR's, transcripts, achievements etc.Documentation of financial need

How to avail Scholarships and Grants?

Let's cut the chase and sum up the procedure a student need to follow in order to avail scholarships and grants abroad: -

Steps to find and apply for scholarship and grants

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Seek Assistance

Students are constantly keen to see the globe and broaden their experiences through study abroad programs. However, dealing with funds does provide difficulty. Do not panic; there are several tools available to assist students in finding scholarships and grants that will allow them to pursue their ambition of studying abroad.

What should be the first step?


First and foremost, do not hesitate to seek counsel from others. Contact the university's study abroad office, instructors, academic advisers, and financial aid office to inquire about any scholarships or grants that they may be aware of. Visiting these agencies in person is advised since it demonstrates a student's commitment and initiative. It will make it simpler for them to assist a student, and they will appreciate the effort made to meet with them in person. 

Finding study abroad scholarships might be difficult, but with the aid of specialists, the process gets easier. So, why not take use of the available tools and boost the chances of receiving a scholarship or grant for study abroad trip? Begin with scheduling an appointment.

Explore and Research 

Conducting research is an important step in obtaining financial help for study abroad. The more scholarships and grants a student applies for, the more likely he or she will be awarded financial aid. 

Other resources, such as the Association of International Educators (NAFSA), provide lists of scholarships for study abroad students. These may include location-specific grants and scholarships, program-specific study abroad scholarships, subject-specific grants, student-specific scholarships, university-provided study abroad scholarships, organization-provided scholarships, and government-funded scholarships and grants. 

Make sure to conduct comprehensive study and explore all available possibilities. Remember that some scholarships have special eligibility conditions, so carefully read the guidelines to verify a student satisfies the requirements. Also, begin the search early to allow adequate time to develop effective apps.

List of Scholarships Students Can Apply for:

list of scholarships student can apply for.webp

Contact the organization/entity offering scholarships/grants

Students should be well-informed about scholarship and grant opportunities to study abroad and remain up to current on any modifications or new criteria. Do not hesitate to contact the funder directly. They are the experts on how to receive a scholarship to study abroad, so making the effort to contact them is worthwhile. Doing so will indicate the students' proactive attitude and significant enthusiasm in the scholarship, which will only benefit them. Furthermore, contacting the scholarship or grant sponsor allows students to ask questions and obtain individualized feedback on how to improve their application.

Time to Improve Resume 

When applying for study abroad scholarships, student must submit a strong application. A strong CV is an excellent approach to highlight one's talents, expertise, and accomplishments. Always highlight any international experience, such as volunteering or interning overseas. Additionally, make any recent campus events succinct. Keep the resume to a single page.

Work on Cover LetterTailor the study abroad cover letter to the scholarship, focusing on its benefits, research the country's resume organization, and write in the language of the study country.
Letter of RecommendationsStrong letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or employers are crucial for academic achievements and leadership skills. Proofread study abroad scholarship application materials thoroughly for spelling and grammatical errors.

Good Recommendations Matter

Here are some tips to help students with getting strong personal references in their study abroad scholarship applications:

Make a list of Professors or EmployersMake a list of professors or academic advisors, internship supervisors, volunteer coordinators, or managers from part-time jobs who can write in detail about the skills and achievements of a student for the study abroad scholarships.
Ask for References in AdvanceGive the potential references ample time to prepare and write a strong recommendation. Always email them at least a month before the application deadline and politely request if they would be willing to write a reference letter.
Explain the Purpose of the ApplicationIt is essential to explain the scholarship a student is applying for and why he/she is a good candidate. This will give the reference a better idea of how to tailor their recommendation.
Provide Necessary DetailsMake sure to provide all the necessary details for the reference, such as the application deadline, the scholarship criteria, and how to submit the reference letter. Including a copy of the resume or personal statement is an excellent idea to help them write a stronger recommendation.
Choose the Right Person for the ScholarshipAlways select someone relevant to the scholarship applying for. For example, if a student is applying for a scholarship in environmental studies, reach out to a professor related to the same.
Follow-Up and Express GratitudeAfter the reference has submitted their recommendation, send a follow-up email thanking them for their time and effort. Gratitude goes a long way in building relationships.

Stay Organized

To stay organized and track deadlines for multiple scholarships and grants, create a calendar specifically for study abroad scholarship applications. Use a physical or online calendar to keep track of deadlines and set reminders. Take time with the application process, carefully reading and following directions, and submitting high-quality applications. This will ensure students provide all required information and complete the application correctly, preventing feeling overburdened. This will increase their chances of receiving more financial aid.

Apply 

First, apply for study abroad scholarships as quickly and carefully as feasible. Although it may appear onerous, each step counts and may make a student's experience more inexpensive and less stressful.
 
Take the time to thoroughly review the criteria and submit all required materials. Customizing the applications is also necessary to maximize the likelihood of being chosen. Avoid copying and pasting across applications. Instead, conduct research and design the study abroad scholarship application. This demonstrates a student's genuine interest in their foundation and will help their application stand out.

Follow up with the scholarship providers.

Following up on the applied study abroad scholarships is critical. Keeping track of the application process and response is an important element of the whole process. Always be professional and respectful when following up with study abroad scholarship sources. Begin by writing a thank-you message or email to show gratitude for their consideration of the application. If a student has not heard back from them within the expected timeframe, kindly question about the status of the relevant application and whether any more information is required. Remember that scholarship givers may get several applications, so be patient and courteous.

Get Good Grades

Good grades are crucial for securing a studying abroad scholarship. Scholarship providers invest in motivated and hard-working students who are committed to their study abroad experience. By earning good grades and demonstrating a solid academic record, students can demonstrate their seriousness about making the most of their study abroad experience and are worthwhile for their funding.

A Personal Essay 

When applying for study abroad scholarships, a personal essay is an important part of the application. It might be intimidating, but it also allows students to express their enthusiasm for studying abroad and the nation they will visit. It is also critical to ensure that the essay is well-written, structured, and devoid of errors. Take the time to reread and modify it, and consider having a trusted friend or family member examine it. Remember that the essay is a student's chance to create a lasting impression on the study abroad scholarship givers, so put in the effort to make it the best it can be and avoid mistakes in the essay. 

In addition to the personal essay, study abroad scholarships may need letters of recommendation and transcripts.

Conclusion


Many students aspire to study abroad, but doing so might be costly. Thus, study abroad scholarships and grants are an important instrument for students who want to make their  abroad education dreams a reality. Studying abroad allows students to develop a global perspective while also enhancing their academic and personal progress. It is an invaluable experience that will help a student stand out and soar higher on their résumé. Our handpicked staff is here to help students navigate the scholarship application process and identify the best ways to support their study abroad experience. Connect with the Canam experts in Canam Consultants today.

FAQ

Study Abroad Scholarship is an aid for many aspirants who desire to study abroad. It helps to financial stress away for those who cannot afford to study abroad.

Yes, the study abroad scholarships are government funded and are a way to motivate students to fulfill their dreams. These scholarships provide incentives and cover various costs of studying abroad.

Yes, the resumes are a crucial part of the process while applying for study abroad scholarships. The resumes are enough for the universities to understand the student and their requirements.

Yes,  a student can apply for more than one scholarship at once.

No, only the selected applicants get the study abroad scholarships.

The foremost task is to decide which university/college a student aspires to study in, and then research the scholarships offered by the country/university/state. The next step is to apply for the scholarships that a student fits into and follow the procedure.

If a student’s study abroad scholarship application is declined, it is essential to contact the scholarship providers and find out what went wrong with the application. Wait for the next application process year and apply again, considering the mistakes committed earlier.

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