Study Abroad Scholarships for International Students
Study abroad scholarships are a means of financial aid awarded based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, financial need, or other unique attributes. With hundreds of thousands of dollars up for grabs each year, there is certainly a lot on offer regarding study abroad scholarships.
Though the perks of pursuing overseas education are unlimited, the hefty course fee and living expenses in a foreign land may stand in the way of your study abroad goals. If these costs overwhelm you, you will be pleased to find that many states, associations, and colleges provide study abroad scholarships.
Several types of study abroad scholarships are funded by different public and private organisations that are specifically designed for aspiring international students. Let us delve into this guide to explore different types of study abroad scholarships, find the best scholarship to study abroad for global students, and learn how to get a scholarship to study abroad.
Types of Study Abroad Scholarships
Study abroad scholarships can be funded by the government or a private organisation. The government can be either from the study destination or the home country. The reason for awarding these scholarships may further vary. While two main types of scholarships are widely popular in every education system, viz., need and merit-based, the global education system defines study abroad scholarships in various categories:
- Scholarships by Funding: Awards can either be funded by a government, private organisation, or the university.
- Scholarships by Eligibility: Award winners are defined by the eligibility criteria of need-based, merit-based, subject-specific, or student-specific.
Detailed Categories of Study Abroad Scholarships
Beyond the basic definitions of funding and eligibility, scholarships are best understood by their specific focus, purpose, and awarding body:
Merit-based Study Abroad Scholarships
- Awarded to intellectually gifted international students
- Based on an applicant’s academic qualifying exam scores
- Do not take a student’s financial status into account
- Not only based on academic performance, but a wide range of abilities, including musical knowledge and physical skills
- Usually covers tuition costs
Need-based Study Abroad Scholarships
- Evaluates the student’s financial condition to see if they can pay the tuition payments
- Sponsors consider a variety of financial considerations, including the student’s income and citizenship status
University Scholarships to Study Abroad
- Assists international students in affording their overseas education
- Usually covers a portion of the tuition fees
- Some university scholarships do not require submission, which means that some university scholarships are automatically considered upon admission
Subject-Specific Study Abroad Scholarships
- Aimed at attracting top talent in a specific field
- Offered by several colleges and universities, private entities also give out these awards
Student-Specific Study Abroad Scholarships
- Students who can classify themselves based on gender, colour, religion, family, and medical history are eligible for a student-specific award to study abroad
- Include awards based on hobbies, leadership, community service, or even specific family affiliations
- Examples include National Overseas Scholarship, British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM, Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, and others
Note: The most relevant examples will vary significantly based on the applicant’s home country.
Government Scholarships to Study Abroad
- The home country’s government and state governments offer a variety of scholarships to their students for studying abroad
- Other nations’ governments also offer numerous scholarships to overseas students to promote their education system worldwide, thereby becoming a global attraction
Destination-Based Study Abroad Scholarships
- It varies from country to country
- Aimed at encouraging students from developing nations
- Students from a given country can receive financial aid from several federal organisations, states, and universities
Private Scholarships to Study Abroad
- Granted by private individuals or organisations to international students
- Community organisations and businesses also provide these services
- Donors establish private funds to give scholarships for international study
- Rewards are given out based on academic demands and the financial circumstances of the contributors
- Most of these scholarships have stringent criteria
- Some of these include coming from an impoverished nation or being a woman, or a minority, or studying in a specific field
- While many have stringent criteria, these can be some of the most life-changing and flexible awards available to students
Popular Study Abroad Scholarships by Different Countries
Listed below are the common scholarships for international students offered by various foreign governments and private foundations.
Study Abroad Scholarships in the USA
The United States offers some of the most generous and competitive study scholarships in the world, often covering the full cost of attendance at elite institutions for students who demonstrate exceptional academic merit, leadership potential, or profound financial need.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program: A highly prestigious, fully-funded US government scholarship for graduate studies in Master’s or PhD and non-degree research, it covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance for future global leaders.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars: This competitive, fully-funded graduate-level scholarship programme at Stanford University for students across all disciplines aims to develop a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges.
University Need-Based Aid: Many elite US universities, such as Harvard University, Yale University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), offer substantial need-based financial aid packages to all admitted international undergraduates. These awards meet 100% of the student’s demonstrated financial need.
Study Abroad Scholarships in Canada
Canada's government and leading universities are committed to attracting top global talent, particularly at the graduate level, through a selection of high-value study scholarships focused on research excellence and community leadership.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: A Canadian government programme providing CA $50,000 per year for three years to highly qualified doctoral students. It targets exceptional leadership skills and high academic achievement in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship: A fully-funded undergraduate scholarship at the University of Toronto, covering tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. It recognises outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity.
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award: This merit and need-based undergraduate award from the University of British Columbia (UBC) provides financial support proportional to a student’s financial need. It is granted to new students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, and community involvement.
Study Abroad Scholarships in the UK
The UK is home to some of the world's oldest and most prestigious study abroad scholarships, including flagship government programmes and university-specific awards that seek to develop future leaders and exceptional researchers across all fields of study.
Chevening Scholarships: This UK government’s global scholarship programme offers full funding for a one-year Master’s degree in any subject at any accredited UK university. It targets students with leadership potential and significant work experience.
Rhodes Scholarships: This is the oldest and one of the most prestigious fully-funded postgraduate awards for study at the University of Oxford. It is awarded to exceptional students with high academic ability, character, and a commitment to public service.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships: These are fully-funded scholarships for Master’s and PhD study at the University of Cambridge for outstanding international students. The award covers the full cost of studying and living in Cambridge, plus discretionary funding.
Study Abroad Scholarships in Australia
Australia actively funds international study through scholarships in Australia, leveraging its government-backed programmes to foster global development and support world-class research, particularly for students pursuing postgraduate degrees.
Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS): These prestigious, fully-funded scholarships are offered by the Australian Government for undergraduate or postgraduate study. They are available to students from selected Asia-Pacific, African, and Middle Eastern countries to contribute to development outcomes.
Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships: The primary Australian government scheme for domestic and international students pursuing postgraduate research degrees(Master’s or PhD), it covers tuition fees and provides a living stipend.
Destination Australia Scholarships: An Australian Government programme providing up to AU $15,000 per year to students (domestic and international) who choose to study at regional campuses, it aims to boost student numbers in regional areas.
Study Abroad Scholarships in New Zealand
New Zealand's scholarship landscape is strongly supported by government initiatives aimed at developing global leaders from emerging economies and significant funding for high-calibre doctoral research.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: The New Zealand government’s fully-funded scholarship for students from developing countries for postgraduate study, it covers full tuition, a living stipend, travel, and health insurance.
University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships: These are significant research awards offering a NZ $34,100 per annum stipend plus compulsory tuition fees for up to three years of PhD study. All new PhD candidates are automatically considered for this award upon admission.
Victoria University of Wellington Doctoral Scholarships: These merit-based scholarships, covering tuition fees and providing an annual stipend of NZ $29,900 for up to three years of PhD study, are available to high-achieving international research candidates.
Study Abroad Scholarships in Ireland
Ireland offers focused, prestigious study abroad scholarships through its government and research bodies, targeting high-calibre international students who demonstrate exceptional academic and research potential.
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES): A prestigious government scholarship that awards 60 grants per year to non-EU/EEA students for one year of study at Master’s or PhD level. The award includes a €10,000 stipend and a full tuition fee waiver.
University Global Excellence Scholarships: Offered by major institutions like University College Dublin (UCD) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD), these are merit-based awards providing a substantial tuition fee reduction (up to 100%) for international students.
Irish Research Council (IRC) Scholarships: Highly competitive research scholarships open to high-calibre international students for Master’s or PhD level research provide funding for salaries/stipends and tuition fees in various fields.
Study Abroad Scholarships in Germany
Germany provides extensive study abroad scholarship support, primarily through the DAAD and political foundations, focusing on promoting academic exchange, research, and students with a strong commitment to social and political values.
DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is Germany’s largest scholarship provider, offering numerous programmes for Master’s and PhD students. The awards provide a monthly stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance.
Deutschlandstipendium: It is a national, merit-based programme offering €300 per month to exceptionally talented students enrolled at German universities. Funding is split between the German Federal Government and private sponsors.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships: These are for politically and socially engaged Master’s and PhD students who align with the foundation’s values of ecology, democracy, and human rights. It provides a monthly stipend plus various allowances.
Study Abroad Scholarships in Dubai
Scholarships in Dubai are concentrated at top research universities and international branch campuses, often rewarding high academic performance with tuition coverage and substantial stipends to attract talent to the UAE.
Khalifa University Scholarship: This comprehensive scholarship at one of the UAE’s top research universities supports both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. It offers full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, accommodation, and health insurance.
University Merit Scholarships: Most branch campuses, such as Amity University, Murdoch University, and Heriot-Watt University, and local universities offer scholarships based on high academic performance. These allow a reduction of 15-50% or more on the international student tuition fee.
Al Qasimi Foundation’s Doctoral Research Grants: These grants provide financial support for PhD students researching the UAE, covering a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, housing, and assistance with research costs.
How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad?
To get a study abroad scholarship, follow this step-by-step process to research and identify suitable scholarships and prepare a strong application.
Step 1: Thoroughly Research and Shortlist Scholarships
Research for awards based on your profile (qualifying for merit or need-based study abroad scholarships), study destination, and field of study, through university websites, government portals, and dedicated search engines.
Step 2: Understand Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
Once you have shortlisted your scholarships, thoroughly review their eligibility criteria and gather the required documents. This includes academic transcripts with a high GPA, achievements in your academic, extracurricular, community service, or athletic activities, letters of recommendation, scholarship essays or Statement of Purpose (SOP), standardised exam scores (such as IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT for English and GRE/ GMAT for graduate and SAT/ ACT for undergraduate scholarships, if needed), and gather financial documents, such as bank statements or tax returns for need-based scholarships.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
Documentation includes proof of the qualifying aspects as discussed in the previous step, and a copy of your valid passport. Tailor your essays and personal statements to match the specific goals of each scholarship. Check the requirements on the official scholarship website to avoid missing out on essential documents.
Step 4: Submit Early and Apply Strategically
Make sure to apply early. Deadlines for study abroad scholarships are strict, so start the application process well in advance. Also, ensure to apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances of securing funding. Consider seeking guidance from educational experts.
Your scholarship essay is your chance to tell your unique story. It is where you explain why you are a great fit for the scholarship, showcasing your motivations, academic and professional goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
It is vital to understand that most of these international scholarships are highly competitive, and hence, you cannot depend merely on your chances of receiving an award to ease the high costs of studying abroad. If not managed by these awards, you may consider your financial planning and budgeting with the help of education loans to study abroad.
If you need professional guidance in choosing among the best study abroad scholarships for your profile and find the process a bit overwhelming, worry not! Register at AECC and book your free 1:1 counselling session with our experts, who evaluate your profile to understand your requirements and provide you with the best solutions, making your journey smooth.