International study is a truly enriching experience. It’s no wonder many students dream of studying abroad – they achieve mastery in their fields, gain experience and opportunities, explore a different place, immerse themselves in a foreign culture and meet new people. For many students, though, pursuing education overseas is only possible through international student scholarships.
In this article, we’ll go through the different ways to apply for a scholarship as an international student and the kinds of scholarships for international students available from all around the world.
International student scholarships
The great news is that scholarships for international students are abundant and continuously increasing. There are many different kinds of scholarships offered to international students, with varying schemes serving different demographics and focusing on particular fields of study. While some scholarship applications abroad may be highly competitive, the vast selection of international student scholarships available provides students with many options and opportunities to apply. Here are some of the major categories for international student scholarships:
Government-funded
These are scholarships provided by a country’s government to attract the brightest students from around the world. They aim to foster international cooperation and cultural exchange. Some of the most popular ones include Australia’s Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS), the USA’s Fulbright Program and the UK’s Chevening Scholarships.
University-funded
Various institutions often offer their own scholarships for international students to attract and support top talent and promote diversity on their campuses. These scholarships can range from partial to full tuition waivers and sometimes include living stipends. They are typically awarded based on academic merit, financial need or a combination of both.
Non-governmental organisation (NGO) or private organisation-funded
NGOs and private entities offer scholarships for international students, often rooted in specific values and with clear goals in mind. These scholarships can cover tuition, living expenses, airfare and other costs associated with studying abroad. Some of the most reputable ones include the Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarship by Rotary International and The Gates Scholarship (TGS) Program by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Merit-based
Awarded based on academic, artistic, athletic or other forms of merit, these scholarships recognise students’ high achievement and potential. They often consider grades, test scores and other accomplishments, even in extracurricular activities. These scholarships aim to reward excellence and encourage students to continue excelling in their respective fields.
Needs-based
These scholarships are awarded based on financial need, helping students with great potential but who may not have the means to afford to study abroad. Financial background and personal circumstances are key criteria for eligibility. The goal of these types of scholarships for international students is to make higher education accessible to talented individuals regardless of their economic situation.
Industry-specific
These scholarships support students pursuing degrees in specific fields like engineering, technology or healthcare. They aim to cultivate talent in particular sectors and often include internships or job placements as part of the scholarship package. These scholarships are designed to address workforce needs and promote growth and innovation in targeted industries.
Country- or region-specific
These scholarships are offered exclusively to students from specific countries, often as part of international collaboration or aid agreements. Often, the intent is to strengthen ties between countries by providing opportunities for students from developing or underrepresented regions. They may be offered by governments, universities or other organisations and can include both tuition and living expenses.
Program-specific
Designed for students enrolling in particular programs or courses, these scholarships are often provided by the institutions offering the programs. They aim to attract students to fields of study deemed important or underrepresented, such as STEM or the arts. These scholarships can help to develop expertise in critical areas and ensure a diverse student body in specific academic disciplines.
Where to get international student scholarships
Regardless of their desired program or study abroad destination, there’s definitely a scholarship that each international student will be eligible to apply for. To guide students on some of the best scholarships for international study offered in the top study abroad destinations, we’ve prepared comprehensive lists for key locations:
For more information on scholarships for international students and scholarship applications abroad, connect with our business development experts today.
