For many international students who want to study abroad, scholarships can be the deciding factor for which country and university to study at. Receiving a generous scholarship can change your life and educational trajectory!
Which countries offer the best scholarships, and how can you find scholarships around the world? Our guide will explain what you need to know and give you all the resources to start your scholarship hunt.
3 Tips to Finding Global Scholarships
Before you begin the process, here are three things you need to know first…
1. Begin your search early
Each country has very different deadlines and requirements for their scholarships. Early applicants get first priority for the best scholarships, so make sure you search for appropriate scholarships and programs far in advance.
2. Keep your grades up!
Many scholarships go to students with strong academics and high grades. Keep your grades in the upper percentile to have the best chance!
3. Search Widely
You shouldn’t just compare scholarship options between different countries and universities…scholarships can come from many different sources, including: private businesses, religious organizations, private donors, national and local governments, and more! Don’t hesitate to thoroughly research your options.
Scholarship, Financial Aid, Fellowship, or Grant?
As you research scholarships, you may see many different types with different names. What is the difference between scholarships, financial aid, fellowships, and grants?
Scholarships:
- Awarded to students for having high grades or excellent accomplishments
- Students can increase their chances of winning one by applying early, earning high grades, and doing meaningful extracurriculars
- Do not need to be paid back
- Can be awarded by private, public, or government organs
Financial Aid:
- Awarded to students with financial difficulties
- Low-income or poor families may qualify for financial aid
- Some countries may not award financial aid to international students
- Some financial aid is a loan, and will need to be paid back
Fellowships:
- For graduate students only
- Funds for research projects
- Often covers tuition and a stipend for multiple years
Grants:
- The definition and use of “grant” can vary by country and university
- Mostly need-based, and do not need to be paid back
- The amount can vary
Best International Scholarships
What are the best and most prestigious scholarships worldwide? There are many scholarships that will fund your studies in many countries around the world. Here are a few of the best:
- Deadline: May 15 each year
- Eligibility: Students from any country who will study Master’s degree programs or Professional development certificate program in peace and development
- Scholarship Amount: Funds to cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses
- Countries you can study: USA, Japan, UK, Australia, Sweden, Thailand, Uganda
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
- Deadline: 6 months before your program begins
- Eligibility: Check link
- Scholarship Amount: full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence and housing allowance, an allowance for books and instructional materials, medical insurance, and travel expenses
- Countries you can study: New Zealand, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, USA
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
- Deadline: March 31 each year
- Eligibility: Students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique. In France, Portugal, UK, USA and Canada, under age 30, who will study a master’s in a course related to development
- Scholarship Amount: tuition fees and living expenses
- Countries you can study: Any university except universities in UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, The Netherlands, Italy, Norway and Ireland.
- Deadline: October-January
- Eligibility: Masters students who hold Bachelor’s degrees, high grades and good English
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition, insurance, various other costs
- Countries you can study: Various across Europe
University Scholarships
Most universities will post their scholarship information on their website, and some even have unique scholarships just for international students. You can find them by searching on the university website for their scholarship/financial aid page.
How to Find Scholarships
How can you find scholarships to study internationally?
There are many websites that offer scholarships, fellowships, and grants to international students. You can visit these websites to find scholarships that you are eligible for.
Make sure you begin researching well in advance, some scholarships have separate application deadlines and essay requirements.
Scholars4Dev.com – International scholarships, especially for students from developing countries
Profellow – Fellowships, fully-funded masters and PhD
ScholarshipPortal – International scholarships
Mastere – International scholarships for US/Europe/Canada/Australia
China Scholarship Guide – Chinese scholarships
Scholarship Roar – International scholarships
Unigo – US Scholarships
