How to Find Study Abroad Scholarships?
Studying abroad is an amazing experience, but it can be costly. Thankfully, many scholarships can help cover the expenses. Here’s a simple guide to help you find study abroad scholarships and apply for them successfully.
1. Check with Your School's Financial Aid Office
Begin your search to find study abroad scholarships at your school’s financial aid office. They often have information about scholarships from foundations and private companies that support both domestic and international studies. Your school may also have special funds specifically for students who want to study abroad.
2. Use Scholarship Databases
Websites like Fastweb and the College Board list scholarships for studying abroad. These databases are a great starting point to find study abroad scholarships, although they may not include every available scholarship.
3. Look at Different Program Types
Organizations offer various types of scholarships depending on the type of program. Some cover tuition and living expenses through grants or fellowships. Others offer work-study programs, internships, research grants, or summer courses. Note that some programs might not cover travel expenses.
4. Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Don’t limit yourself to one scholarship. Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of receiving financial aid. Different organizations offer different types of scholarships, so cast a wide net to find study abroad scholarships.
5. Pay Attention to Deadlines
Most scholarships have application deadlines several months before the program starts. Some might require applications up to a year in advance. Keep track of these deadlines to avoid missing out on opportunities to find study abroad scholarships.
6. Consider the Number of Awards
The competitiveness of a scholarship can often be gauged by the number of awards available. If only a few scholarships are offered, they might be more competitive but offer larger amounts. If there are many awards, even if the amounts are smaller, your chances of winning are higher. This is important when you find study abroad scholarships.
7. Understand the Award Amounts
Scholarship amounts vary. Some may cover only part of your tuition, while others include a small stipend for living expenses. Some scholarships may also cover additional costs like airfare and health insurance. Knowing what each scholarship covers will help you better plan your finances when you find study abroad scholarships.
8. Check Eligibility Requirements
Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Common requirements include a minimum GPA, a specific major or minor, or good academic standing at your home institution. Make sure you meet these criteria before applying to avoid wasting time. This is crucial in the process to find study abroad scholarships.
Types of Study Abroad Scholarships
Scholarships come in various forms and are offered by different organizations. Here are some common types of scholarships:
- Academic Merit Scholarships: Based on your academic achievements.
- Financial Need Scholarships: For students who require financial assistance.
- Special Circumstance Scholarships: Based on specific criteria like your major, interests, or background.
Sources of Scholarships
- Private Foundations and Corporations: Often have their own criteria, focusing on academic merit or financial need. These are significant sources of scholarships.
- Professional Associations: Many offer scholarships to students interested in their field of study. These are valuable sources of scholarships.
- University Departments/Centers: Your university might have departmental scholarships or those offered through specific centers like a Center for International Education. These are essential sources of scholarships.
