How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad for Indian Students?

Introduction

If you're looking for study abroad scholarships but need guidance in finding the right scholarship and how to apply at the top universities? Well, you have come to the right place!

Scholarships are a great way to fund your higher education for your abroad journey. Every year, lakhs of Indian students apply for foreign studies, and only a handful can secure this opportunity. It is because many Indian students don't know where to look for scholarship opportunities for the course & universities they apply to.

For many people, the decision to study abroad is itself a big one. The expensive tuition fees and living expenses make it difficult to pursue an abroad program.Don't hold back just because of financial reasons. There are thousands of scholarships available for Indian & international students.

What types of scholarships are available?

To win a scholarship, you must have a good knowledge of what requirements and qualifications are needed. Each type of scholarship is targeted at different students and depends on the country, institution, and course you're applying for.

Remember that sharing your story in an essay is the best way to stand out. The scholarship committee will want to know how you overcame adversity and how it has impacted your life.

• Need-based-scholarships

  A need-based scholarship is awarded to students based on their financial needs. To obtain this scholarship, you must meet certain financial criteria and are generally open to students whose family income is low and cannot fund their higher education in any way. Many universities, non-profits, governments and businesses offer need-based scholarships.

  Different universities offer different scholarships for international students. E.g. The Gates Scholarship is for low-income minority students, while Harvard University offers $46,508, etc.

• Merit-based scholarships

  The merit-based scholarship is awarded to students who have excellent academic skills. These scholarships are very competitive and for those who excel in academics, sports, or extracurriculars. Many universities award scholarships to student-athletes or students who graduate high school with a certain GPA. The eligibility criteria will also depend on the university you want to apply to.

How can you apply for a scholarship?

Make sure to check if the application deadlines are up-to-date and eligible to meet certain application requirements. Check out the university websites if the scholarship is open to national students, international students, or both.

• Register or fill out the application form
• Letter of motivation/personal essay
• Letter of recommendation
• Letter of acceptance from an academic institution
• Official financial statements and proof of low income
• Evidence of exceptional academic or athletic achievements

Top tips for a successful scholarship application

1. Check university websites for opportunities
   The university websites can be a great place to begin your scholarship search if you know the universities you wish to attend. The institution's website usually has a lot of information about scholarships, financial aid, and other funding.


2. Apply for as Many Scholarships as You Can
   If you're interested in applying for more than one study abroad scholarship, it's best to do so before selecting a program. This will give you a better chance of being accepted and will also help you increase your overall financial aid awards.
   There are various scholarships for students looking to study abroad, from government grants and global scholarships to full-ride athletic scholarships. There are even some that offer a combination of academic and need-based scholarships.


3. Find the Scholarship Mentor
   Scholarship Mentors will help you in achieving your study abroad goals. They help students in choosing the right scholarship. All you need to do is find the right mentor on Zipperminds and filter based on the country, course & university they are studying in. Book a 1:1 live call with them.

How to write a scholarship essay?

When writing a scholarship essay, it's important to remember that it's not only about your talents and abilities but about the impact you will have on your future. It's your chance to show the scholarship provider that you are a strong, committed student and have a real passion for the world around you.

Scholarship providers are interested in seeing how you can use your time abroad to benefit the local community and make a difference in the world. You must demonstrate how this is going to be the case. This could be through volunteering for a cause, participating in extracurricular activities, or simply showing off how your studies have made you more independent and confident in the wider world.

• Step 1: Research the scholarship Providers
  Before you start your application, it's important to find out more about what the scholarship provider is looking for in an applicant. This can help you to stand out from the crowd and make your application impressive. Find out what qualifications they are looking for and research your interests and beliefs to see how you match up with the criteria.


• Step 2: Prepare Yourself
  When applying for a scholarship, you'll need to create an impressive application package showing your strengths and achievements. This includes a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and an essay or personal statement that is written compellingly and engagingly. It should also demonstrate how you've utilised your skills, interests and talents to further yourself as an individual and help others in the community.


• Step 3: Talk to Your References
  The best thing you can do when applying for a scholarship is to get the word out to your potential references as early as possible. You can do this by talking to your teachers, parents or other people who know you from a professional point of view and could write a letter of recommendation for you.Be sure to make an appointment with them as soon as possible, so they can give you feedback on your application and tell you whether or not it is good enough. This can be a great way to catch any errors you might have overlooked and give you some invaluable insight into how to better your application.


• Step 4: Ask for a second opinion
  It is always a good idea to seek out other people's opinions before you send your scholarship application, as this can be an effective way to improve your application without too much effort. This can be done by contacting friends, family members or professionals with experience studying overseas. This can be a great way to find out if your essay is up to scratch and can also catch any typos or grammar mistakes you might have overlooked!
  
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