Essential Guide to Scholarships for Studying Abroad

What is Scholarship

How does winning a scholarship feel? You feel more empowered right? A scholarship makes you the master of your educational journey. That said, what is a scholarship exactly? And how do you get one? We know, these and more questions are knocking your mind. Keep reading the blog as we answer each of your questions.

Definition of Scholarship

A scholarship is a financial aid or a grant extended to support student education. Unlike loans, they are rewards and do not require repayment. There are broadly two types of scholarships, merit-based and need-based.

The merit-based scholarship is awarded recognizing a student’s commendable academic performance.
Need-based scholarship is awarded to students based on several criteria. For example, some scholarships, especially national scholarships, are awarded to students from low-income groups to help them pursue education.

Scholarships are either paid as a one-time check or are paid to the students at the beginning of a new semester. Usually, the organization or donor awarding the scholarship decides the criteria for availing it. On the other hand, the grantor decides how to spend this grant.

Importance of Scholarship in Education

Have you ever tried to reason the hype for scholarships? Well, getting a scholarship is not only prestigious but financially beneficial. Thus, it is not surprising that students work hard to secure a scholarship. If you are reading this blog then chances are that you know about the multifaceted benefits of a scholarship. Let us look into them together.

Zero Financial Burden: Student loans burden the learners with a lump sum amount of money to be repaid. Unfortunately, the rising interest rates make the burden on young professionals heavier. On the contrary, scholarships allow students to concentrate on education without any financial burden lurking around.
Scholarships offset the rising tuition fees: The cost of education has been rising owing to inflation. Fortunately, scholarships shield students from bearing the brunt of the rising financial cost of education.
Increased study time: To finance their education many students take up part-time jobs. So, the time they could have spent studying is sacrificed at work. With a scholarship to support them financially, students can devote more time to learning.
Potential job opportunity: In addition to national scholarships, various companies also award scholarships to capable students. If the companies deem fit, these students are offered internships as well. So, they get exposure to industry knowledge, work techniques, and guidance. Moreover, they bag valuable experience. Drawing on these gifts the students can get high-salaried job opportunities.

How to get a Scholarship to Study abroad

Now that you know what scholarships are and their importance, you must be eager to apply for one. In the next few paragraphs, we are going to talk all about the nitty-gritty of getting a scholarship.

Researching Available Scholarships

Finding the right scholarship can be more difficult than you think. Where can you know about them? Which one is right for you? There are many scholarships available. Scholarships can be given based on academic brilliance, need, diversity, and educational programs. We have covered some sources that can aid your scholarship research process here.

You can collect information about scholarships from online databases, websites, newsletters, blogs, and even social media pages. Here is a list of 5 sites to begin your scholarship search.

5 Websites to Help Your Scholarship Search	Purpose
1.Scholarship.com	Posts information about scholarships for college students
2.Scholly	Helps students find uncommon scholarships.
3. Fastweb	Free website to search for scholarships
4.BigFuture	Helps students find scholarships and pay for college.
5.RaiseMe	The website showcases scholarships available for students from as early as their freshmen years.

You can also make a list of potential institutions of your interest and consult their admission offices to learn about internal and external scholarship opportunities.
It may seem surprising to know that your peers and alumni might be a valuable source of information too. So, be in touch with them via platforms like LinkedIn to stay updated.

Meeting Eligibility Criteria for scholarship

The donor of the scholarship determines its eligibility criteria. It is needless to say that scholarship applications meeting these requirements will receive the aid. Merit-based scholarships are given to students who have achieved a certain predetermined score. Apart from the academic eligibility criteria, there might be others as well. Here are some common eligibility criteria for getting a scholarship to study abroad

Minority scholarships are given to students belonging to a certain section of the population.
Often scholarships are given to students performing cultural services.
Working scholarships are given to people who spend certain hours of the week working on the college campus.
Students working in a certain career field after graduation are often eligible for Scholarship to study abroad

Crafting a Standout scholarship Application

Hundreds of eligible students apply for scholarships every day. Unfortunately, only a few get selected. The question is what does it take to get selected? Well, the manner in which you fill out the scholarship applications is certainly one of the determining factors for selection. How to craft a standout application? Here are some tips for you.

A good way to begin is by learning the scholarship requirements and arranging the application materials accordingly.
You can create a checklist to make a note of materials to be submitted like resumes, letters of recommendation, essays, portfolios comprising sample work, and other materials.
Most scholarships require an essay to portray your skills, life objectives, talents, and experiences. Through this essay, the authorities try to assess you.
- It is wise to start after reading and understanding the requirements and instructions of the essay.
- You should use this essay to tell your story. It should not seem like something generic. Showcase your achievements, and explain why you deserve the scholarship with the help of examples, anecdotes, and data.
- Your essay must highlight your educational contribution.
- Keep the tone of the essay engaging and avoid any kind of grammatical errors.
Before submitting your application make sure to check if everything is in place.

How to get a scholarship after 10th

Education empowers generations. Unfortunately, often students give up studying after the tenth standard and join the workforce due to financial crisis. In such situations, a scholarship is a magic tool that helps learners continue their education by financing it and motivating the students. Several private and national scholarships are available for students after the 10th class. Usually, these are given on the basis of marks secured in the 10th standard or performance in the entrance exam. How do you know about potential scholarships? What is the application process? In the following sections, we will answer these questions.

Identifying Opportunities

The internet is the best place to learn about available scholarships for students after passing their 10th standard. Blogs, websites, and social media pages equip you with all the information you need. In this blog, we are sharing some links that aware students about scholarships after the 10th.

Website

Blog Article

URL

Infinity Learn

Scholarships for 10th Passed Students

https://infinitylearn.com/surge/blog/scholarship-for-10th-passed-students-2021-2022-eligibility-reward-and-more/

Learn CBSE

Scholarship for 10th Passed Students 2023-2024 | Eligibility, Reward and More

Scholarship for 10th Passed Students 2023-2024 | Eligibility, Reward and More

Academic and Extracurricular Achievements

Want to stay ahead of the competition while applying for scholarships? Academic performance and extracurricular achievements are keys to score. Most scholarships after the tenth standard are given on the basis of your academic scores. In some scholarships, extracurricular activities are a criterion for scholarships. As much as 30% weightage can be given to the extracurricular activities of the students. Some popular extracurricular activities include creative activities, sports, music creation and volunteering at NGOs. To be on the safe side you should equally balance education and extracurricular activities to raise your chances of getting a scholarship.

Application Process

How can you apply for a scholarship? Applying for a scholarship is easier than you think. It gets done in just a few steps. We are listing the steps for you.

Learn about the scholarships in detail from the official website of the scholarship donor.
Search for the scholarship to study abroad that you are eligible for.
Apply for the scholarship by clicking on the application button.
Provide all the required details in the application.
Submit all the documents
Check the entire application once before submitting it.
Submit the application after verification.

How to get a scholarship after 12th

Passing the 12th standard opens up an array of opportunities for students. This is the time when they make pivotal decisions about their career. There is nothing better than having a scholarship to back your dreams. So, let’s talk about scholarships after 12th class.

Transitioning to Higher Education

Stepping out of school life right into the threshold of college makes students feel both excited and overwhelmed. In this new world, with immense freedom comes immense responsibilities. During this time most students are busy figuring out a lucrative career path for themselves. Moreover, students coming from poor financial backgrounds also worry about financing their academic journey. Luckily there are several scholarships for 12th passed students by government and other organization.

Exploring College-Specific Scholarships

Both the government and educational organizations help learners in the journey of knowledge. In this segment, we will talk about some college-specific scholarships for students. We have included scholarships for students eager to study abroad as well as for those who want to study in India.

Scholarship name	National / International	Details
Deakin University Merit Scholarship, Australia	International	Available for undergraduate Indian students who passed Class 12 with 65% marks and have an IELTS score of 6.0
Trinity College Dublin Scholarship, Ireland	International	Undergraduate scholarships are offered
NIU (The Noida International University) Scholarship cum Admission Test (NSAT)	National	Offers undergraduate scholarships for courses like BTech, BBA, BAJMC, BBA+MBA, and BTech + MTech. The selection happens based on the score in NSAT
ICTS (International Centre for Theoretical Sciences) – S.N. Bhatt Memorial Excellence Fellowship Program	National	Offers undergraduate scholarships for Indian students enrolled in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering.
ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) Commerce Wizard	National	Offered to students of Class 9/10/11/12 and B.Com/BBA/BMS/Allied Subjects

Aligning Goals with Scholarship Criteria

The scholarship criteria vary across donors. Some are based on educational achievements, some are based on needs while some others are minority scholarships. Before applying for each scholarship, you must research it in detail. After understanding the requirements, modify your application to match the scholarship’s goals and mission. It will be wise for you to elaborate on how your personal and academic goals relate to the scholarship’s focus area.

How to Fill a Scholarship Form

One of the first steps in applying for financial aid is to fill out the scholarship form. Whether you want to study abroad or in your country you cannot afford to go wrong here. Although this is not a difficult process, you have to be careful while doing it. Keep reading while we walk you through the process of filling out a scholarship form.

Understanding Application Requirements

You can apply for as many scholarships as possible and still not get one. When it comes to scholarship applications the secret is quality over quantity. Your application should be tailored to fit the particular scholarship. Your achievements, career objectives, and expertise should align with the scholarship’s requirements. But how will you do it without understanding the application requirements? We advise you to spend a good 10-15 minutes reading and comprehending the requirements for the scholarship.

Here is a sample of a scholarship application form for you to get an impression: scholarship form 2023

Tips for a Polished Application

Surpass your competition with a stellar scholarship application. Here are a few tips that are key to creating a strong application.

Tips for a strong application

● A good step would be to begin by reading the scholarship to study abroad requirements, eligibility, application guidelines, and benefits. Remember, you should apply only if you fit the criteria. Also, do not forget to adhere to the application guidelines strictly.

● While you sit to fill out the application keep all the essential documents close. Storing soft copies of the required documents on your computer or cellphone can save you some time.

● Remember to check your application multiple times before submitting it. Your application should be complete and contain authentic information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for a scholarship to study abroad is a lengthy process. Hence, mistakes can be highly probable here. We are listing some common mistakes in filling out an application form that you must avoid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling a Scholarship Application

● Fill up and submit the application form as early as you can. In case of any problems, you will have ample time to resolve them. You will also be able to avoid heavy traffic during the last few days before the deadline.

● Incorrect information or misinformation might lead to rejection of your scholarship to study abroad. Check your application at least once before hitting that submit button. This will also prevent you from submitting an incomplete application.

● Avoid sharing personal details like user ID, application ID, and password with anyone.

● Stay away from inauthentic sources of information. Always trust popular websites for collecting information on scholarships.

How to check scholarship status

What should you do after sending the scholarship application? A lot of us tend to sit and wait for a reply. Agreed that waiting and being patient is an important activity post-submission of the application, but there are a few more steps you might want to add to this.

Post-Submission Procedures

A well-written scholarship application increases your chances of getting it. Just as you put a lot of hard work into filling out the application you need to do a few things post-submission as well. Do not panic, we have curated the list of these activities for you.

Post-Submission Procedures

1.Write a thank you mail to the scholarship donor right after submitting your scholarship application

2. After 7-10 business days of submitting your application, you can send a follow-up email inquiring if the donor has received the application.

3.You must read the details of the scholarship to know about the tentative result date. It will be easier if you set a reminder to check your emails and the relevant website around this time.4.

4.In case you do not receive feedback within the specified period, you can send a mail to the concerned authorities requesting one.

5.Do not wait for the scholarship results to start preparing for the interview. Begin your preparations soon after you applying.

6.Keep applying for other scholarships in the meantime

7.It is a good gesture to attend any webinar or program hosted by the concerned institution where you have applied for the scholarship

Communication Channels with Scholarship Providers

Communication is a powerful tool. You should be extremely careful while communicating with your scholarship providers. A tone that is polite, respectful and patient is best while communicating with them. Some of the most recommended communication channels include the following:

Phone calls

Face-to-face meetings

Social media platforms like LinkedIn

Patience in the Waiting Game

Once you have applied for the scholarship, one thing you need in plenty is patience. Remember, that throughout the entire period right from the start of the application process to the end of the result declaration, the concerned authorities study your behavior. There will be many people applying for the scholarship along with you. Please remember, that the scholarship provider will need some time to go through all the application forms and shortlist suitable students for interview. So, it is important that you wait patiently to hear back from them. You can ask for feedback only after the date for the results has elapsed.

How Will You Spend the Scholarship Money If Awarded?

Not only does winning a scholarship open up opportunities for higher education but it also leaves a lot of funds at the student’s disposal. With money comes great responsibilities. It is their responsibility to decide how they wish to spend the financial aid.

Setting Educational Goals

The government and private institutions offer scholarships to help students fulfill their educational goals. To ensure that you are spending the aid money properly, having a clear idea about your educational goals is important. Knowing your destination will help you maintain focus and save you from wasting the grant money.

Allocating Funds Wisely

When we get a lot of money, the general tendency is to spend it on unnecessary things. However, you must refrain from this. If spent wisely, your scholarship money can cover all your educational expenses and more. So, before spending that money, lay out a proper plan. Here are some tips that might come in handy while creating the budget.

Right after getting the fund, calculate your tuition fees and the expenditure on other education essentials. Accordingly, set this amount aside.
Next come to the necessities. Allocate a fraction of the remaining funds for food, medicine, and transportation.
The amount that remains can be spent on clothing and some other items.
It is wise to set some emergency funds aside. It will be of immense help in times of need.

Long-Term Impact on Academic and Career Journey

Scholarships are a perfect solution for a student to continue their education. In fact, a good scholarship also adds value to your resume. Moreover, it increases the chance of cracking a good job in the future. Let us explain in detail.

Scholarships offer financial aid to eligible students. The students can use this to support them in achieving their long-term educational goals. Furthermore, with the scholarship fund taking care of their necessities, the students can focus on studying.
A good scholarship is a great boost to the resume. So, one such scholarship opens up doors to lucrative jobs with a handsome package.

Conclusion

Education is a fuel for present and future development. It is quite unfortunate that often students are forced to drop out owing to their financial conditions. In such a scenario, scholarships come as a lifesaver. In this blog post, we have discussed scholarships in detail. From unpacking the steps of the application to guiding you through the allocation of funds we have done it all. If you are planning to apply for a scholarship then this blog will surely help you. Although every year a lot of students apply for scholarships, the right approaches will keep you a step ahead of the others. The key is to stay focused on your performance and be positive at all times. Remember, there is no point worrying about the results. All that matters is giving your best efforts. Scholarships have the power to pave the path to a successful future. So, focus on preparing yourself. Also, be sure to do your research and apply for the right opportunities.

All the best!

We are sure you will make it.

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