How to get fully-funded scholarship to study abroad

A girl and a boy who is an international student reading together.

Some students have gotten the opportunity to study abroad through a fully-funded scholarship. You may be thinking it’s by luck. However, most of these “lucky” student have researched how to get free and fully-funded scholarship online. 

Now it’s your turn to read this article so you can know how to get get these scholarships and how to apply for them. 

Welcome to Gurusarena, where we spill all academic and study aborad tips.

Types of Study Abroad Scholarships  (short explanation and give examples)

Before applying for a scholarship to study aboard you need to understand which category is available for you to choose from. 

1. Merit-based scholarships

This is usually a fully-funded scholarship to study aboard and it is given based on academic excellence, leadership, and achievements. 

Typically, these type of scholarship requires a personal essay filled with achievement of performance from your academic and success you have from volunteering position. 

Hence the eligibility criteria are;  

Examples of these scholarship are: Fulbright Scholarships (US), Chevening Scholarships (UK), Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (EU)

2. Need-based scholarships

    This type of scholarship is given to intelligent student who are from low income background. The difference of Need-based scholarship from merit-based scholarship because this here the scholarship is given to only student who can not afford going to school because of the number of dependent in the family, economic status of the family.

    The eligibility criteria for need-based scholarships are; 

    Examples of these scholarship are; Gates Millennium Scholars Program, MEXT Scholarship (Japan), Norwegian Government Quota Scheme

    3. Country-specific scholarships

    This type of scholarship targetes students from particular countries or regions. For example; Australia Awards (for developing countries), Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), Swedish Institute Scholarships (for developing countries)

    4. Subject-specific scholarships

    This scholarship is available to people in a particular feid of study. For example if your field of study is healthcare, then you are eligible to WHO Fellowships, 

    NIH Global Research Fellowship, Pfizer Global Health Fellows. Then if you are in Business & Economics field, then you’re eligible for: AAUW International Fellowships, CFA Institute Scholarships.

    5. Government scholarships

    This scholarship isf unded by national governments. Example; Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France), Endeavour Scholarships (Australia), China Scholarship Council Awards

    6. University scholarships

    This scholarship is given by educational institutions.

    Examples:

    7. Private organization scholarships

    This is funded by companies, foundations, or NGOs. This type of scholarship is easy to get because competition is low. Most people are not aware of this option. 

    So in your country, look out for big brands giving scholarships. In Africa, Total & MTN communications give fully funded scholarships to lucky student. 

    Examples of this scholarship are; Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships, Google Women Techmakers Scholarship, Rotary Peace Fellowships

    Government Scholarships Available Worldwide

    Sometimes how to keep track with scholarship to study abroad can be hard. 

    So these are 5 scholarships for you can process online to study abroad:

    1.  Fulbright Scholarships

    This fully funded scholarship for international student to come to US to study.  To qualify for this scholarship you must hold a bachelor’s degree, with 3.0 GPA. 

    This program is runned by the US government and it awards approximately 8,000 grants annually worldwide, provides recipients with full tuition fees, a living stipend, health insurance, round-trip airfare, and research allowances. 

    The application timeline is typically from February to October. Applicants must apply through their home country’s Fulbright Commission. This is an online application process wher you will provide personal statement, research proposal, academic transcripts, and references. 

    2. Chevening Scholarships

    The UK government offers this fully funded scholarship to international students pursuing master’s degrees. To be eligible, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and have at least two years of work experience, with a commitment to return to their home country after completing their studies. 

    The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return flights to the UK, thesis allowance, visa fees, and health surcharge. 

    The application process is conducted through the Chevening website and requires candidates to select three UK university courses and submit reference letters, academic transcripts, and personal essays. 

    Applications are typically accepted from September to November.

    3. Commonwealth Scholarships

    This is a fully-funded scholarship given to citizens and permanent residents of Commonwealth countries who wish to study abroad.

    To qualify, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honors, along with a commitment to return to their home country after their studies. 

    This is one of the best fully-funded scholarship because it covers full tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel allowance, study travel grant, thesis grant (where applicable), and even a warm clothing allowance. 

    The application process requires candidates to submit an online application form, research proposal (for PhD applicants), academic references, development impact statement, and supporting documents. Application deadlines typically fall between October and December for master’s programs, while PhD applications usually have earlier deadlines in September, though specific timelines may vary by country.

    4. Erasmus Mundus

    This scholarship is available to international students to pursue master’s and doctoral studies across European universities. 

    Again this is one of the best scholarships to study abroad because it provides a monthly allowance ranging from €1,000 to €1,400. Also they cover the full tuition cost, travel and installation contributions, insurance coverage, and program-specific additional allowances. 

    To apply, candidates must select their specific Erasmus Mundus program and submit an online application through the program website, including academic transcripts, diplomas, motivation letter, CV, references, and language certificates.

    Applications are processed in two rounds, with the first round running from October to January and the second from January to March.

    Step-by-Step Application Process Guide to Study Aboard

    You also need to know how to apply for scholarship to study abroad. If your concern is how to find a scholarship, you will be lucky to get the opportunity to apply. But may not make the cut. 

    So this section is for you to get the basis in how to apply rightly so you can increase your chance of getting the scholarship. 

    1. Required documents

    Start now and create a folder in your Google Drive and add the following documents: 

    Academic Documents

    Personal Documents

    2. Essay writing tips

    The next step is to get know how to write your statment of Purpose (SOPs) or Personal Statemtet essay. 

    This is a rule of thumb to follow when writing this essay:

    Statement of Purpose (SOP)

    You will have an edge if you’re authentic when writing. So ensure you use specific examples and stories. The goal of this essay is to show rather than tell. Address any academic gaps or weaknesses you have. Also demonstrate leadership and initiative you have accomplished. 

    Don’t forget to proofread multiple times and stay within word limits. If you can afford it, then give the letter to an editor to help you. 

    3. Letter of recommendation guidance

    Every school you apply for must need a reference. So choose professors or supervisors who have a strong understanding of your capabilities. Preferably this reference must be within the last 2-3 years. 

    4. Interview Preparation

    Before the interview research the scholarship program thoroughly. Practice common interview questions so that you will be eloquent. During the interview, make sure you dress professionally. Some of these ethics below may help you stand out:

    Learn some common interview questions and how to answer them. 

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