How To Get Scholarships To Study Abroad In 7 Steps
If you’re considering studying abroad, one of the biggest questions is: can I get a scholarship? The answer is yes! There are plenty of fantastic scholarship opportunities out there that many students might never know about. This article will give you a rundown on how to source for scholarships, as well as some tips on how to maximize your chances of getting one.
The world has grown smaller with technology. As a student, you can take advantage of this fact by turning to the Internet when looking for scholarships. Many scholarship search engines allow you to search for scholarships by subject field, funding source, and country.
Also, you can use the Internet to learn the ins and outs of scholarship applications and deadlines by doing some research on your own. This allows you to tailor your applications to what is required for a particular type of scholarship to maximize your chances of winning one.
Many different scholarships are available, so your options are limited only by what you’re looking for.
You need to research where to find them and how to apply! This article will give you all the information you need to know about how to get a scholarship for studying abroad.
How To Get Scholarships To Study Abroad In 7 Steps
1. Ask! Ask! Ask!
Scholarship opportunities are everywhere; you must know where to look for them. Start by asking friends, family members, and educators who may have connections at the school you’re looking to attend if they know of any scholarship opportunities. Then, check out local community centers. Even the local library may have some information on scholarships.
Please put all your leads on a list and start calling or emailing them. You might be surprised at the helpful suggestions you will receive and the resources waiting to be discovered. It’s never too late to start asking for scholarships to study abroad! There are plenty of opportunities out there that many students might never know about.
2. Search Online
There are many free scholarship search engines available on the Internet today. Armed with a bit of knowledge about what scholarship you are looking for, these sites provide an excellent resource for locating appropriate scholarships that may apply to your particular circumstance.
Some popular scholarship search engines include scholarships.com, Fastweb.com, and ScholarshipOwl.com.
You can even use a general search engine like Google and then type in scholarships followed by the location of your choice. For example, you could search and find scholarships to study abroad in Warren, MI, or scholarships to study abroad in Kuwait. This will give you a sense of what type of scholarship opportunities are available for that particular location.
Once you have decided on a particular location for your application, use the Internet to research that particular scholarship program. The site may have information about the application process, terms and conditions, and even contact information for the scholarship committee. Look over the application carefully.
3. Networking
Once you have a better idea of what scholarship opportunities are available, it’s time to develop strategies to maximize your chances of getting a scholarship. When talking to counselors at local colleges and organizations, they may be able to direct you to upcoming scholarships that are in the works.
Also, consider connecting with other scholarship hunters through your local high school or community center. A powerful networking element improves your chances of winning a scholarship application. Having someone to give you feedback and suggestions is helpful when writing the essay portion of your application.
4. Contact the Scholarship Provider
Once you have determined which scholarships are relevant to your needs, it’s time to contact the scholarship provider directly. Most scholarship providers are willing to provide you with some helpful information about the process for applying for their scholarships and updated requirements for application.
By getting in touch with the organization responsible for the scholarship, you will not only be increasing your chances of winning the scholarship, but you will also be able to get a better idea of the specific requirements they have for applicants. In other words, you can tailor your application to what that scholarship provider requires. You can get their contact details from their website.
5. Update Your Resume
It would be best if you considered updating your resume to ensure that it portrays you in the best possible light. If you are serious about studying in your chosen country, you should ensure that your resume is updated to appeal to the committee. You may have to re-write your resume and ensure that it includes the details such as what you studied and how you performed in class.
In addition, you should include all your volunteer work on the resume, attendance at relevant conferences, and international experience to increase your chances of winning a scholarship application. Remember to keep your resume brief and organized, as this will help your application do well.
Creating an attractive and professional resume is essential if you want to apply for a scholarship. A simple mistake can make all the difference between winning and losing a scholarship application. Remember to complement the resume with an attention-grabbing cover letter too.
6. Get Your Reference Sorted in Advance
Another critical aspect of a successful scholarship application is a solid reference. Remember to contact your references and get them ready in advance. If you are a student, you will have to engage your professors and ask them to provide you with some references for the application.
A good reference will come in handy in support of your scholarship application. It is highly recommended that you contact your references at least one month before sending off an application to keep them up-to-date on the process. Tell them about your plans to study abroad, what course you will be taking, and what program the scholarship is meant for.
7. Apply! Apply! Apply!
The more scholarships you apply for, the more chances you have of getting a scholarship that matches your needs and qualifications. Remember to use every opportunity to apply for a scholarship, even if you think it might not be relevant to you.
You never know when a scholarship opportunity will cross your path, and applying early rather than later is always better. The worst thing you can do is apply too late! Do not procrastinate! Apply early, and apply often!
Conclusion
Applying for a scholarship is a challenging task. The key to success is to be perseverant, organized, and passionate about your goal of studying abroad. If you are passionate about your goals, you are likelier to do everything it takes to accomplish them.
Remember, there will be many application deadlines that you will need to meet, and there may be several rounds of interviews too. The best thing you can do is start early and give yourself time to figure out what you’ll need to be successful.