Scholarship Opportunities for International Universities
Financial constraints always pose a significant barrier for students aspiring to pursue their education at international universities and colleges. Over 5.3 million students have enrolled in universities outside their home countries, illustrating the high demand despite economic barriers. This surge reflects a growing global interest in international education, yet many students grapple with the steep costs.
Fortunately, numerous scholarship opportunities are available to help ease this burden. These scholarships offer financial relief and open doors to diverse cultural experiences and academic excellence.
This blog provides the diverse landscape of different types of scholarship to study abroad based on various factors at different international universities. It empowers students to navigate the pathways toward achieving their goals.
Understanding International Scholarships
International university scholarships are financial awards for students who wish to study in a country other than theirs. These scholarships can cover various expenses, including tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses, making education abroad more accessible.
Types of Scholarships
The following are a few common types of scholarships to study abroad:
Merit-Based Scholarships
These are awarded for academic, artistic, or athletic prowess. For instance, the Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious award for students showing exceptional academic achievements.Need-Based Scholarships
These target students who cannot afford the cost of education. Examples include the Harvard University Need-Based Scholarships.Country-Specific Scholarships
These are aimed at students from specific regions or countries, like the Commonwealth Scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries.Program-Specific Scholarships
These are linked to specific study areas or universities, such as the MIT Scholarships for engineering programs.
Leading Scholarships and Universities
International university scholarships catalyse fostering global talent, promoting diversity, and breaking down economic barriers to education. The following table summarises some renowned international scholarships for students willing to study abroad:
Scholarship Program | Country | Overview | Eligibility | Notable Feature |
Fulbright Program | USA | Most prestigious scholarships globally, offering research, study, and teaching opportunities. | Open to international students in various fields. | Rich cultural exchange experience. |
Chevening Scholarships | UK | Funded by the UK Government for postgraduate studies. | Leadership qualities are significant. | Over 1,500 scholarships are awarded annually. |
Erasmus+ | Europe | Supports education, training, youth, and sport. | Open to both EU and non-EU students. | Study in multiple European countries. |
DAAD Scholarships | Germany | German Academic Exchange Service offers various levels of study and research scholarships. | Open worldwide, focus on specific subjects. | Both full and partial scholarships. |
MEXT Scholarship | Japan | Covers tuition, airfare, and more for various study levels. | Undergraduate and graduate students. | Stipend approximately ¥117,000 to ¥145,000 per month. |
KAIST University Undergraduate Scholarship | South Korea | Fully funded for master’s studies, known as the MIT of Asia. | Master’s students. | Includes tuition, monthly allowance, and insurance. |
Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship | Japan | Covers tuition, accommodation, and travel. | Japanese language proficiency for most programs. | Undergraduate, research, and teaching. |
Full Sail University Pathways Scholarship | USA | For undergraduate programs in diverse fields at Full Sail University. | International students, selected through an interview. | Covers entire tuition fees. |
Kent State University Global Scholarship | USA | For a range of undergraduate programs at Kent State University. | International students, full-time enrollment. | $4,300 per year. |
Gates Scholarship for International Students | USA | For various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the U.S. | High school seniors. | Covers full cost of the degree. |
Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships | UK | For students of low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue master’s and PhD at UK universities. | Master’s and PhD students from eligible countries. | Fully funded, including tuition and stipend. |
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | USA | For Master’s degree programs at select U.S. colleges for Indian students. | Bachelor’s degree holders with leadership qualities. | Varies based on program and institution. |
Tata Scholarship at Cornell University | USA | For a range of undergraduate courses at Cornell University for Indian students. | Accepted for admission and demonstrated financial need. | Covers up to full tuition and living expenses. |
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships | USA | For graduate-level courses at Stanford University’s GSB, mainly for Indian students. | Indian citizens with exceptional academic record, leadership, and community commitment. | Varies based on program and financial need. |
University of Dayton International Merit Scholarships | USA | For various undergraduate programs at the University of Dayton. | Strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement. | $10,000 to $20,000 per year. |
Scholarships from the University of Glasgow and Oxford
This table highlights a selection of scholarships from the University of Glasgow and the University of Oxford, showcasing the diverse opportunities available for students from various backgrounds and academic levels.
University | Scholarship Name | Amount per Year | Level | Eligibility and Features |
University of Glasgow | Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships | Undergraduate | AAA at A Level or equivalent, international/EU new students, academic excellence | |
International Leadership Scholarships | Postgraduate | UK 1st class Honours equivalent, international students, academic excellence | ||
Adam Smith Scholarship | Undergraduate | Outstanding academics, strong leadership skills, international new students | ||
University of Oxford | Reach Oxford Scholarships | Undergraduate | Low-income backgrounds, merit-based, outstanding academics | |
Oxford-Nizhami Ganiavi Scholarships | Full tuition + living grant | Undergraduate | Students from specified Central Asian countries | |
Clarendon Scholarships | Full tuition + living grant | Postgraduate | Global prestige and open to all countries |
The Bottom Line
International university scholarships for students offer a gateway to a world-class education, illuminating a pathway towards a brighter future and a world of limitless opportunities. International students gain access to world-renowned universities through these scholarships, immersing themselves in intellectually stimulating environments and collaborating with renowned scholars.
Scholarships for international students are not merely financial lifelines; they are catalysts for them to achieve their dreams in these international universities. These help students pursue their academic aspirations and foster the global exchange of culture with their unique perspectives.
Are you eager to embark on your international educational journey but unsure where to start? Career Launcher is here to guide you. With our expert counseling, personalized guidance, and comprehensive resources, we aim to streamline your path to securing the ideal scholarship. Connect with us today and take a significant step towards achieving your international education goals.
Shaifali Bhardwaj
Content Writer
About Author
A people- and story-person, Shaifali enjoys crafting narratives inspired by the life of people she meets. She likes to read autobiographies and fiction, indulge in some YRF drama, and even spin stories inspired by everyday objects (like her work desk). Stories being her oxygen, she began her career with HT Media, where she wrote health and entertainment news stories, and later started helping students write and edit essential application documents like statements of purpose. This fulfilled her desire to uncover unique stories and articulate them in the most compelling manner, while forming lasting bonds with her students. Presently with Career Launcher Study Abroad, she’s expanding her skills in website content and copywriting to advance in her field. On weekends, you may find her at a dance workshop or requesting weekday leaves for trekking adventures.
