Many students dream of studying abroad because of the exciting opportunities they stand to gain, you can learn new cultures, receive a high-quality education, and build connections with people from all works of life.
10 Tips to Follow to Get Foreign Scholarships
However, the cost of tuition and living expenses abroad is quite high, so many students can’t afford it, and this has stopped many from fulfilling their dreams. Scholarships have been a lifesaver in this situation, they provide financial support to help cover these costs but these scholarships are not easy to get.
There are many students from around the world competing for these opportunities, and to make matters worse, scholarships are often limited. To increase your chances of securing a scholarship, you need to be well-prepared and stand out from the competition, this is why we have prepared these 10 tips to follow to get foreign scholarships. If you are currently applying for scholarships without success, follow these tips.
Start early
Look, if you need this, you’ve to start early, the first step in your scholarship journey is to start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to search for scholarships. it is not the best way.
Every scholarship program has a deadline and it’s usually well in advance of the academic year they’re meant for. Begin your research at least a year before you plan to study abroad, this is the only way for you to maximize your chances of finding and applying for the right scholarships.
Identify your goals
This may not look important but it is, you don’t need to apply for every scholarship you come across its application portal. It doesn’t work that way.
Before you begin your search for a scholarship, have a clear understanding of your academic and career goals. Here is why you need to understand and put down your goal; it will help you narrow down the scholarships that align with your objectives. With this, you can only apply for the right scholarship.
Leverage online resources
Thanks to the internet, you can easily find anything online, take advantage of the internet for your search for the right scholarships.
Utilize dedicated scholarship search engines, websites, and forums to discover scholarships that align with your goals. Subscribe to newsletters, follow scholarship-related social media accounts, and participate in online communities dedicated to scholarship hunting.
These platforms can help you streamline your search process and keep you updated on new opportunities. Look for scholarships that match your qualifications, such as academic excellence, leadership skills, or financial need.
Create a list
Once you find the right scholarships, organize all of them into a list, and note down their deadlines, requirements, and eligibility criteria. This will help you stay on top of your applications and ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities.
Write an outstanding personal statement
A personal statement is not a compulsory requirement for most scholarships but it’s an important ingredient to spice up your application. If it’s required for your chosen scholarships, give it your best. It is your chance to showcase your uniqueness and convince the selection committee why you deserve the scholarship.
When putting your PS together, be honest, and passionate, and demonstrate how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
Attend scholarship workshops
You need to attend scholarship workshops, seminars, and webinars in your community or online. These events can be very helpful, they can provide valuable guidance on the application process, including tips on crafting personal statements, securing recommendation letters, and standing out as an applicant.
Consider lesser-known scholarships
Most prestigious and popular scholarships get a lot of attention and smaller or lesser-known scholarships which are equally valuable don’t get noticed.
Indeed, they don’t provide as much funding as popular scholarships, but applying for and receiving multiple smaller scholarships can significantly reduce your overall education expenses. Don’t ignore smaller scholarships.
Volunteer and get involved
If you want to be noticed by foreign scholarship providers, you should engage in volunteer work and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your dedication to your community and your field of study. Many scholarships value applicants who actively contribute to society and show leadership potential.
Develop specialized skills
The secret you probably never heard is that scholarships often favor candidates who bring unique skills or talents to their field.
You can get involved in anything or develop any unique skill whether it’s excelling in a particular subject, demonstrating leadership, or showcasing exceptional skills in sports, arts, or technology, developing and highlighting these talents can set you apart from other applicants.
Pay attention to details
When filling out your scholarship application form, make sure you pay close attention to details. Do not joke with instructions, they are there for a reason, follow instructions properly, submit all required documents, and make sure your application is error-free.
Apply for multiple scholarships
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, it’s not a good idea. Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of success. Remember, scholarships are competitive, so casting a wide net can lead to better outcomes.
Securing a foreign scholarship is certainly not easy but if you follow these tips and pay attention to each scholarship application guideline, you will stand a good chance of success.
