Chances of Receiving a Scholarship

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Types of Scholarships

College-specific scholarship:  These scholarships are awarded by universities on certain criteria ranging from excellence in academics, athletics, to community and social services. To know about the criteria and requirements for this type of scholarship you can check that particular university’s website and apply accordingly.

 

Individual scholarship granted by Universities: Some universities select scholarship aspirants on their own. Their applications are selected by default if their profile comes out to be above 50% of the class medium. The key to a successful application is providing an impressive and comprehensive profile in the first place. However, these chances are very rare and depend upon university to university. Generally, to be eligible for this type of scholarship, the student would need to apply before a set deadline that is different from the normal applications’ deadline.

 

Need-based scholarships: As is evident by the title itself, need-based scholarships are awarded to students who are in dire need of financing to complete their education. Considering their previous academic performance, aspiration and future career goals of students, participation in other activities and passion towards the chosen course, the university/ college award these scholarships judiciously. This type of scholarship is awarded by both private agencies, colleges, and as well as the government.

 

Government scholarships: There are a few scholarships programmes or student exchange programmes by the Government of any country. For instance, in India, Government of India awards scholarships for study abroad that covers almost all study related expenses of a student such as travel, accommodations, tuition fee, library fee and so on. In addition, Education Exchange Programs (EEPs) are available for students interested in spending six months to one year studying abroad. While it does not exactly cover the expenses of a complete course, yet, the student is offered at least a semester or a year of study in a foreign institution. Government scholarships can be used at any point during a student's academic career, whether it is for undergraduate or graduate education, vocational training or professional development courses.

 

Scholarships by private organisations: While it is no cakewalk to bag a private institution’s scholarship award, yet there are certain firms who help financially weak students to achieve their dreams of studying abroad. A most famous example is the Tata Scholarship awarded by the Tata Education and Development Trust of Tata Group.

 

Tough Competition in Getting a Scholarships

 

• The maximum number, about 25% or more, of scholarships’ deadline is set in March. This intake has the largest pool of amount dedicated to it in terms of scholarships. However, most of the scholarships are awarded in the September intake.
• Scholarships available for women is four times the number of scholarships available for men.
• Reserved scholarships based on the ethnicity of a student is only 6%, yet, the minority ethnic groups enjoy an equal number of scholarships distribution.
• Nationality and study area play a significant role in being a deciding factor while awarding scholarships rather than gender and ethnicity.
• Out the total, 40% of scholarships have location restrictions (based on nationality and citizenship), 37% have study area restrictions, 5% have gender restrictions and 6% have ethnicity restrictions.

 

 

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship to Study Abroad

 

• Try to answer all the questions/ essays provided in the application form for scholarships eligibility. Students often overlook the ‘optional’ section. These trivial things that boost an applicant’s chances of getting a scholarship. It gives you an additional space to talk more about you and your interests. This section provides you with a space to highlight your personal background, hobbies, and participation in activities. Hence, make sure you attempt the ‘optional’ section as well and answer it as sincerely as the rest of them.
• While online research may provide you essential information and details on the availability of scholarships, it is also advisable to search offline as well. You may search for some books by any famous writer who has an in-depth knowledge of scholarships. You would not only get a different perspective on scholarship application, but also get insights and tips about creating a strong profile that is scholarship-worthy.
• Research about all the scholarships that you are eligible for and apply to a maximum of them. However, applying blindly to all available scholarships might get you a direct rejection. Thus, apply to only those that fit your profile. This will enhance your chances of getting a scholarship. 
• If you are eligible for any small scholarships, apply to them all. Even though the amount might be less than what you expect yet a few bucks saved is a lot lighter on your pocket. These can be present in terms of small amounts of grants as well.
• Be professional in all your documents and display a heartfelt gratitude while asking for a scholarship. There might be instances where the scholarships providers may befriend on any social networking sites. Thus, it is advisable to display all your accounts as professional and as clean as possible. They are always on the lookout for any possible red flags. Thereby, make sure to keep your Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. profiles up-to-date, with a professional email address to connect with you, and an appropriate picture. Make sure to remove any immature material/posts from your feeds.