How to Get Scholarships to Study Abroad? Expert Guide for Indian Students

The multicultural exposure and the excellent education that students get from esteemed colleges across the globe is all that it takes to mould them into global citizens. But with the increasing school fees and competition, many students aim for scholarships to study abroad that will support them in their journey to success. 

The total number of Indian students overseas increased from 66,713 in 2000 to 3,01,406 in 2016, based on the analysis of data from the UNESCO Institute of Statistics. 

With this increasing competition, it is important to be well-prepared to get a scholarship and join your dream global university. But how to get a scholarship to study abroad is a question all students ask.

Types of Scholarships to Study Abroad

Let’s first begin by understanding what kind of scholarship would suit your needs the best. The following are some types that cater to the needs of students:

Also Read: Everything You MUST Know About Scholarships [And How To Secure One]

• Merit scholarships
  Firstly, these are awarded to students who perform well throughout their academic life and top eligibility exams such as SAT, IELTS, and more. These are also the toughest scholarships to secure, owing to the increasing competition. However, the financial situation of the student is not taken into consideration while granting these scholarships. 
  
• College-Based Grants
  Students can enquire about grants that are awarded by the colleges they attend and apply if they find themselves eligible. At times, students admitted are automatically considered for the grant, if deemed eligible. Therefore, it is wise to select colleges that offer these financial aids to pursue higher studies.
• Country-Specific
  These could be government-funded or private scholarships that assist students who go abroad to pursue higher education. Some country-specific grants might require students to return once they complete their education.
• Need-Based
  These scholarships are meant for students who hail from financially backward families. Family income certificate, academic records, expense, the standard of living, etc. are taken into account before granting this.
  

How to Get Scholarship to Study Abroad

Obtaining a scholarship is a time and energy consuming matter.

Here are a few tips to attain that perfect grant:
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People and institutions do not give away their money for free. If they find even a single reason why they should not grant the scholarship, it will be out of your reach. Hence, it is advisable to apply to all financial aids you are eligible for, even the small grants that do not promise to cover the entire expense.

Be prompt and patient
Scholarships might take a while before they can come by your side to assist you. It is vital that deadlines be met while applying for it. Also, make sure you have all the documents needed to validate the reasons behind your application. Make sure that you keep personal copies of the same as well.

Getting scholarships to study abroad could be a herculean task. Hence, plan ahead and seek out other ways to finance your education such as student loans and other sponsorships.