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If you study abroad, you’re bound to have an experience of a lifetime – but one that comes at a cost. Some of the world’s most popular study destinations are also unfortunately some of the most expensive. And no matter where you choose to study, it’s likely that you’ll need access to some additional funding to help cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
The good news is that a large number of scholarships are available for international students of a variety of backgrounds to help them study abroad. Funding is often offered by the governments of countries which are keen to attract more international students, as well as by individual universities.
Scholarships can also be accessed via independent organisations; for example, QS ImpACT runs a popular scholarships scheme, in partnership with universities around the world.
Scholarships are, of course, highly coveted and highly competitive. Since they don’t need to be repaid, they’re the most appealing form of financial aid, but also often the most difficult to secure. To be in with a chance, you need to start your research early, persevere, and put in the time to ensure your application is a strong one.
Read on for information about the types of scholarship available, where to find relevant scholarships to study abroad, and how to improve your chances of success.
Types of scholarship
Merit-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who show an exceptional talent in their subject. They recognise students’ academic achievements, such as an impressive grade point average (GPA), or a high score in a standardised test.
Athletic scholarships are a subtype of these, and are most commonly found in the US (they are rare or unheard of elsewhere). These are awarded based on excellent sporting ability and can be quite competitive. You don’t have to be on a sports-related course to apply for athletic scholarships.
Need-based scholarships
Need-based scholarships are awarded based on an assessment of your own financial situation, and that of your parents. They are intended to aid less-fortunate students in following their academic dreams, and consider a range of factors, including income and dependents.
Student-specific scholarships
These are scholarships which are offered for a particular group of students, often aiming to provide additional support for an under-represented or disadvantaged group. This includes scholarships for minority groups, scholarships for women in male-dominated industries, and scholarships for LGBTQ students.
Subject-specific scholarships
Many scholarships are also available within specific subjects, often centred around a particular career path.
Examples include medical scholarships, business school scholarships and engineering scholarships.
University-specific scholarships
Many universities offer their own scholarships, often including a combination of the types of scholarship listed above. Eligible students may be automatically considered for these when they apply to the university, or may need to submit a separate application.
How to apply for scholarships
In most cases, schools, governments and external organisations will list their scholarship opportunities online, alongside details of how to apply. You’ll usually be able to submit your application online, along with supporting documentation. In some cases, you may also be able to apply by post.
How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
You will know if you are eligible to apply for a particular scholarship by reading the details on the provider’s website. Eligibility may depend on nationality, the programme you’re applying to, and other criteria.
In most cases, university scholarships are only open to students who have already been accepted to study a program at that particular university. Government scholarships will usually have separate schemes for domestic and international students, so make sure you apply to the right one.
Other common eligibility requirements include good grades at prior level of study, a degree from a reputed university (for postgraduate scholarships), and proficiency in the language of study.
When is the best time to apply?
Many study abroad scholarships have similar deadlines, linked to the start dates of the academic year in the relevant country. If your studies are due to commence in autumn/fall, you’ll often be able to apply for scholarships up until the late summer months.
If your programme starts in January, you’ll often have until late in the year to apply. However, you should start searching and applying much earlier than this, and always check the deadlines set by each scholarship provider.
Make yourself a schedule, keep a calendar of key dates and start each application in plenty of time, to avoid any missed deadlines or last- minute panics.
Supporting documents
The materials required will vary depending on the scholarship, but you’ll often be asked to submit:
A transcript of grades
Letter(s) of recommendation
An essay on a given topic
For some need-based university scholarships in the US, applicants will also be asked to submit a ‘Free Application for Federal Student Aid’ (FAFSA) to establish whether they are in need of financial aid.
If you have any specific queries about applying for scholarships, contact the scholarship provider using the contact information on the official website.
How to write a scholarship essay
If you’re asked to write a scholarship essay as part of your application, this is your chance to convince the judging committee to choose you.
Make sure your essay follows the question or topic set, and use this opportunity to highlight your academic achievements, ambitions, interests, and how these relate to the programme you are applying for.
You should:
Carefully read the essay statement you are being asked to respond to, and identify the key themes.
Read the guidelines on how essays will be assessed, and remind yourself of the overall criteria and ethos of the scholarship scheme.
Make a clear plan for your essay, which answers the essay question and allows you to show how you match the criteria for the scholarship.
Try to capture the reader’s interest with an engaging opening, and ensure your essay is easy to read and memorable throughout.
Stick to the stated word count and any other guidelines provided.
Ask a friend or tutor to read the essay before you submit it, to check for errors and identify any relevant information you’ve missed out.
Submit the essay within the deadline, and take the time to create a separate essay for each scholarship you’re applying to – your chances of success will be higher if your essay is closely matched to the essay question and scholarship criteria.
There are plenty of scholarships out there; the tricky part is finding all the opportunities that are relevant to you. Use a variety of online searches and resources to create your own list of scholarships that match your profile.
Consult the websites of universities you’re interested in, government agencies, independent scholarship database sites, and other online listings.
To stay up to date, it can also be useful to join relevant social media groups, which regularly post new information about scholarships for students in your own location, demographic or subject area.
Manage your time well
Apply as early as you can, but don’t rush your application. Time management is especially critical if you’re juggling multiple scholarship applications.
Make a calendar of all the deadlines and give yourself plenty of time to work on each one, ensuring you submit all the required documents. Some of these – such as academic transcripts or letters of recommendation – could take several weeks to obtain, so start to gather everything as early as you can.
Pay close attention to the application essay topic
Once you’ve identified relevant scholarships to apply to, the next stage is to ensure each scholarship application you write is well-targeted for the opportunity in question.
Don’t be tempted to simply submit the same application essay each time. Instead, ensure your essay is closely matched to the topic, and makes reference to the specific criteria and aims of the scholarship programme in question. This is much more likely to impress the scholarship committee.
Get someone else to read your application
As well as helping you identify typos or other errors, constructive feedback can also help you ensure the essay is a good reflection of your strengths.
If you find it difficult to write about yourself, ask a friend or teacher what they see as your best qualities and achievements. Make sure these are highlighted in your essay, through examples and through the quality of your writing.
Apply, apply, apply!
Finally, try and give yourself enough time to find and apply for as many scholarships as possible, and be ready to persevere if your first applications are unsuccessful.
Most successful scholarship recipients have to go through lots of unsuccessful applications before they finally succeed, so don’t let a few rejections deter you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t be fooled; scholarships are highly competitive. After all, there are many students around the world trying to get funding for their studies.
Although some scholarships depend on outstanding academic records (‘merit- based scholarships’), your chances of success are often determined by the quality of your application, and whether or not you are in financial need.
There are a number of things you can do to improve your chances of gaining a scholarship. When applying for scholarships, you should make sure to include all the documentation requested, and dedicate plenty of time to writing your application.
In particular, it’s important to clearly communicate your motivations for studying and explain how gaining a scholarship will support your ambitions. Stay within the deadlines and, most importantly, show the scholarship providers you have the potential to do great things!
If you’re relying on scholarship funding in order to be able to study, you should let the university know of your situation. Some universities offer only ‘fully funded’ places, meaning all applicants must have sufficient funding in place. But many allow you to apply to a programme before gaining scholarships, on the understanding that you let them know as soon as possible if you have to reject the place due to lack of funding.
If you do not get the scholarship, you should still have time to withdraw your university application or find an alternative method of funding before the start of term.
A common way of identifying scholarship scams is to ask yourself if the scholarship sounds simply too good to be true. If the application process seems too easy, or if you have to pay to apply, you should be wary.
If a website is offering a ‘guaranteed scholarship’, or you receive an unsolicited email, you should be very skeptical.
If you are worried about the authenticity of a scholarship, conduct an online search to see if there is any more information online about the same scholarship. If there is very little information, or the information provided is somewhat vague or unclear, walk away!
To minimise your chances of being taken in by a scam, stick to official websites belonging to universities, governments and other reputed organisations.
As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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How to find scholarships to study abroad
Craig OCallaghan
Updated Apr 15, 2025Save
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If you study abroad, you’re bound to have an experience of a lifetime – but one that comes at a cost. Some of the world’s most popular study destinations are also unfortunately some of the most expensive. And no matter where you choose to study, it’s likely that you’ll need access to some additional funding to help cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
The good news is that a large number of scholarships are available for international students of a variety of backgrounds to help them study abroad. Funding is often offered by the governments of countries which are keen to attract more international students, as well as by individual universities.
Scholarships can also be accessed via independent organisations; for example, QS ImpACT runs a popular scholarships scheme, in partnership with universities around the world.
Scholarships are, of course, highly coveted and highly competitive. Since they don’t need to be repaid, they’re the most appealing form of financial aid, but also often the most difficult to secure. To be in with a chance, you need to start your research early, persevere, and put in the time to ensure your application is a strong one.
Read on for information about the types of scholarship available, where to find relevant scholarships to study abroad, and how to improve your chances of success.
Types of scholarship
Merit-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who show an exceptional talent in their subject. They recognise students’ academic achievements, such as an impressive grade point average (GPA), or a high score in a standardised test.
Athletic scholarships are a subtype of these, and are most commonly found in the US (they are rare or unheard of elsewhere). These are awarded based on excellent sporting ability and can be quite competitive. You don’t have to be on a sports-related course to apply for athletic scholarships.
Need-based scholarships
Need-based scholarships are awarded based on an assessment of your own financial situation, and that of your parents. They are intended to aid less-fortunate students in following their academic dreams, and consider a range of factors, including income and dependents.
Student-specific scholarships
These are scholarships which are offered for a particular group of students, often aiming to provide additional support for an under-represented or disadvantaged group. This includes scholarships for minority groups, scholarships for women in male-dominated industries, and scholarships for LGBTQ students.
Subject-specific scholarships
Many scholarships are also available within specific subjects, often centred around a particular career path.
Examples include medical scholarships, business school scholarships and engineering scholarships.
University-specific scholarships
Many universities offer their own scholarships, often including a combination of the types of scholarship listed above. Eligible students may be automatically considered for these when they apply to the university, or may need to submit a separate application.
How to apply for scholarships
In most cases, schools, governments and external organisations will list their scholarship opportunities online, alongside details of how to apply. You’ll usually be able to submit your application online, along with supporting documentation. In some cases, you may also be able to apply by post.
How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
You will know if you are eligible to apply for a particular scholarship by reading the details on the provider’s website. Eligibility may depend on nationality, the programme you’re applying to, and other criteria.
In most cases, university scholarships are only open to students who have already been accepted to study a program at that particular university. Government scholarships will usually have separate schemes for domestic and international students, so make sure you apply to the right one.
Other common eligibility requirements include good grades at prior level of study, a degree from a reputed university (for postgraduate scholarships), and proficiency in the language of study.
When is the best time to apply?
Many study abroad scholarships have similar deadlines, linked to the start dates of the academic year in the relevant country. If your studies are due to commence in autumn/fall, you’ll often be able to apply for scholarships up until the late summer months.
If your programme starts in January, you’ll often have until late in the year to apply. However, you should start searching and applying much earlier than this, and always check the deadlines set by each scholarship provider.
Make yourself a schedule, keep a calendar of key dates and start each application in plenty of time, to avoid any missed deadlines or last- minute panics.
Supporting documents
The materials required will vary depending on the scholarship, but you’ll often be asked to submit:
If you have any specific queries about applying for scholarships, contact the scholarship provider using the contact information on the official website.
How to write a scholarship essay
If you’re asked to write a scholarship essay as part of your application, this is your chance to convince the judging committee to choose you.
Make sure your essay follows the question or topic set, and use this opportunity to highlight your academic achievements, ambitions, interests, and how these relate to the programme you are applying for.
You should:
Testimonials
Tips for scholarship success
Search for as many opportunities as you can
There are plenty of scholarships out there; the tricky part is finding all the opportunities that are relevant to you. Use a variety of online searches and resources to create your own list of scholarships that match your profile.
Consult the websites of universities you’re interested in, government agencies, independent scholarship database sites, and other online listings.
To stay up to date, it can also be useful to join relevant social media groups, which regularly post new information about scholarships for students in your own location, demographic or subject area.
Manage your time well
Apply as early as you can, but don’t rush your application. Time management is especially critical if you’re juggling multiple scholarship applications.
Make a calendar of all the deadlines and give yourself plenty of time to work on each one, ensuring you submit all the required documents. Some of these – such as academic transcripts or letters of recommendation – could take several weeks to obtain, so start to gather everything as early as you can.
Pay close attention to the application essay topic
Once you’ve identified relevant scholarships to apply to, the next stage is to ensure each scholarship application you write is well-targeted for the opportunity in question.
Don’t be tempted to simply submit the same application essay each time. Instead, ensure your essay is closely matched to the topic, and makes reference to the specific criteria and aims of the scholarship programme in question. This is much more likely to impress the scholarship committee.
Get someone else to read your application
As well as helping you identify typos or other errors, constructive feedback can also help you ensure the essay is a good reflection of your strengths.
If you find it difficult to write about yourself, ask a friend or teacher what they see as your best qualities and achievements. Make sure these are highlighted in your essay, through examples and through the quality of your writing.
Apply, apply, apply!
Finally, try and give yourself enough time to find and apply for as many scholarships as possible, and be ready to persevere if your first applications are unsuccessful.
Most successful scholarship recipients have to go through lots of unsuccessful applications before they finally succeed, so don’t let a few rejections deter you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t be fooled; scholarships are highly competitive. After all, there are many students around the world trying to get funding for their studies.
Although some scholarships depend on outstanding academic records (‘merit- based scholarships’), your chances of success are often determined by the quality of your application, and whether or not you are in financial need.
There are a number of things you can do to improve your chances of gaining a scholarship. When applying for scholarships, you should make sure to include all the documentation requested, and dedicate plenty of time to writing your application.
In particular, it’s important to clearly communicate your motivations for studying and explain how gaining a scholarship will support your ambitions. Stay within the deadlines and, most importantly, show the scholarship providers you have the potential to do great things!
If you’re relying on scholarship funding in order to be able to study, you should let the university know of your situation. Some universities offer only ‘fully funded’ places, meaning all applicants must have sufficient funding in place. But many allow you to apply to a programme before gaining scholarships, on the understanding that you let them know as soon as possible if you have to reject the place due to lack of funding.
If you do not get the scholarship, you should still have time to withdraw your university application or find an alternative method of funding before the start of term.
A common way of identifying scholarship scams is to ask yourself if the scholarship sounds simply too good to be true. If the application process seems too easy, or if you have to pay to apply, you should be wary.
If a website is offering a ‘guaranteed scholarship’, or you receive an unsolicited email, you should be very skeptical.
If you are worried about the authenticity of a scholarship, conduct an online search to see if there is any more information online about the same scholarship. If there is very little information, or the information provided is somewhat vague or unclear, walk away!
To minimise your chances of being taken in by a scam, stick to official websites belonging to universities, governments and other reputed organisations.
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As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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