Around 1.2M students apply to study abroad each year, and only 15-20% secure a good scholarship. Universities abroad offer numerous scholarships and grants, along with government and private funding options. Keep reading to learn how to get a scholarship for abroad studies!
Table of Content
Types of Scholarships to Study Abroad
There are various types of scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, like government-funded and university-funded scholarships. Students usually target these international scholarships depending on their academic performance, financial needs, or chosen study destination.
Below are the main types of scholarships for abroad studies:
Government-Funded Scholarships
Government scholarships are sponsored by a country’s government to promote international education and cultural exchange. These scholarships usually cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel allowances.
Examples: Fulbright Program (USA), Chevening Scholarships (UK), Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (Europe), and many others.
University-Funded Scholarships
Universities offer their own scholarships to attract talented international students. These can be based on merit, need, or specific achievements like leadership or research potential.
Examples: Oxford University – Clarendon Fund (UK), University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (Australia), Harvard University Scholarships (USA), and others.
Externally Funded Scholarships
These are provided by private organizations, NGOs, or international foundations that aim to support students in specific fields or regions. They may cover partial or full study expenses and often include networking opportunities.
Examples: Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation (India), Rotary Foundation Global Grants, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK).
Country-Specific or Exchange Scholarships
Some programs are designed through bilateral agreements between two countries or universities to encourage student exchange and collaboration.
Examples: DAAD Scholarships (Germany), MEXT Scholarships (Japan), Australian Awards Scholarships (Australia), and other scholarships.
How to Get Scholarships to Study Abroad?
Getting a scholarship to study abroad requires strong academics, timely applications, and well-prepared documents. The key is to apply smartly by targeting the right programs, proving merit or need, and presenting yourself as the ideal candidate.
Below are some genuine, practical ways to secure scholarships abroad:
Maintain Excellent Academic Performance
Strong grades help you stand out among global applicants, especially for merit-based funding.
- Focus on core subjects: Most scholarships evaluate your performance in relevant academic areas, not just overall marks.
- Take advanced coursework: Enrolling in higher-level or research-based subjects boosts your academic profile.
- Show consistency: Universities prefer candidates with a steady academic record rather than last-minute improvement.
Apply Early and Stay Updated
Early applicants have better chances of getting financial aid since funding is often limited.
- Track deadlines: Major scholarships like Chevening or DAAD close months before the university intake starts.
- Prepare documents in advance: Keep your transcripts, SOPs, and recommendation letters ready before applications open.
- Use official websites: Always apply directly through the university or government portal to avoid missing authentic updates.
Craft a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)
A compelling SOP can make your profile stand out even if your scores aren’t the highest.
- Show impact: Explain how your education will benefit your home country or chosen field.
- Connect to goals: Link your academic journey to future ambitions clearly and convincingly.
- Personalize your essay: Avoid generic templates, write specific details about your motivation and chosen program.
Get Relevant Work or Research Experience
Scholarship panels value candidates who have applied their knowledge practically.
- Internships count: Even short-term work experience in your study field adds practical world credibility.
- Research projects: Publishing or presenting academic work gives you an edge for postgraduate funding.
- Community involvement: Experience in NGOs or educational initiatives shows leadership and social awareness.
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
A well-written recommendation can validate your achievements from an external perspective.
- Choose the right referee: Pick professors or employers who know your work closely.
- Provide them context: Share your achievements and goals so they can write detailed, personalized letters.
- Avoid generic letters: A specific example of your academic or project success makes your application memorable.
Target Scholarships Based on Your Profile
Not every scholarship suits every applicant, so filter by your background, goals, and study level.
- For academic excellence: Programs like Fulbright or Rhodes reward top-performing students.
- For financial need: University bursaries or private grants support those from low-income families.
- For specific regions or fields: Scholarships like MEXT (Japan) or Erasmus+ (Europe) are ideal for focused applicants.
Sample SOP for Scholarship
Writing an SOP for a scholarship to study abroad is different from a regular university SOP because it focuses on your need, merit, and impact. You must explain why you deserve financial aid, how it supports your academic goals, and how you plan to give back through your education.
Below is a sample SOP for a scholarship to help you understand how to structure your essay and highlight your achievements, motivation, and future vision clearly and convincingly:
|
Course Applied For: MSc in Data Science, University of Glasgow My fascination with data-driven problem-solving began during my undergraduate studies in Computer Engineering at the University of Mumbai, where I graduated with distinction. While leading a project on predictive analytics for traffic management, I realised how powerful data could be in shaping smarter, sustainable cities. This motivated me to pursue advanced study in Data Science, and the University of Glasgow’s research-driven program perfectly aligns with my goals. Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently performed at the top 5% of my class and interned at TCS, where I worked on optimizing database performance for large datasets. This experience strengthened my analytical and coding skills in Python and SQL while teaching me to apply theory to real-world problems. In addition to academics, I volunteered with an NGO that uses data insights to improve local education systems — a project that deepened my desire to use data for social good. However, pursuing this program abroad comes with significant financial challenges. Receiving this scholarship would help ease my financial burden and allow me to fully focus on academics and research. More importantly, it would empower me to bring advanced data practices back to India and contribute to smart city development. I am confident that, with this opportunity, I can uphold the values of excellence, innovation, and community impact that this scholarship represents. |
Explore Destinations
Explore All Guides 
Tips to Secure a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study Abroad
One of the best ways to get a fully funded scholarship is to share your personal story in a way that connects with the scholarship’s purpose. Below are practical tips that can significantly improve your chances of success.
Tip 1: Write a Strong Scholarship SOP
Your SOP should tell a clear and interesting story, not just list achievements. Focus on specific challenges you faced and how your goals match the scholarship’s purpose.
Tip 2: Show Real Impact
Scholarship committees value results you can prove. Highlight projects where your actions made a difference, such as increasing participation in a program or improving efficiency in a community initiative.
Tip 3: Match Your Goals With the Scholarship
Learn what the scholarship values and explain how your academic and career goals fit with it. For example, if it focuses on sustainability, show how your research, internships, or volunteer work relate.
Tip 4: Build a Strong Academic and Activity Record
Include not only grades but also leadership roles, international exposure, and special skills. For example, mention if you led a college club, participated in a global competition, or ran a community project.
Tip 5: Get Powerful Recommendation Letters
Pick recommenders who know you well and can give specific examples of your skills or achievements. Letters that share real stories of your contributions carry much more weight than generic praise.
From the Desk of Yocket
Many students struggle to find the right scholarships when planning to study abroad. With so many options available, it can be confusing to know which programs fit your profile or are worth applying for. Focusing on scholarships that match your academic achievements and career goals can save time and improve your chances of success.
Yocket Premium can simplify this process by giving you personalized scholarship recommendations, updates on deadlines, and expert tips for crafting strong SOPs and essays. It also helps you track applications and stay ahead with verified information from universities and funding bodies.
