Do average students get a scholarship to study abroad?
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A scholarship saves you from the significant financial burden by taking care of the tuition fees and/or living expenses of studying abroad. While students with a strong academic background can expect to be considered for the scholarship, average students may have thin possibility. This article discusses the possibility of an average student to get a scholarship to study abroad.
The dream of studying abroad comes with a high cost, which can be a cause of concern for many aspirants. For meritorious students, scholarship opportunities often come to their rescue, providing them some financial relief. However, if you are an average student with an average academic or professional profile, then getting a scholarship is also difficult. In this article, we will inform you how to get scholarship to study abroad, even with an average profile. It is a well-known fact that students have to arrange funds either through student loans or go for scholarships. However, for this, students should know how to apply for scholarships? Nevertheless, getting a scholarship depends on a lot of factors. Scholarships are awarded to students who achieve excellence in academics, athletics, or extracurricular. However, there are a lot of opportunities for average students to get scholarships for studying abroad, students should know how the scholarships are awarded?
There are two types of scholarships:
- Need-based scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships
- Scholarships for average students
- Tips to increase your chances of getting a scholarship
- Do Average Students Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad FAQs
Need-based scholarships
As the name suggests, need-based scholarships are awarded to students who need financing to pursue their education. This type of scholarship is award by colleges, governments, and various organizations. These are given considering the previous academic records of the students and financial needs of the applicant. The university/college award these scholarships after seeing the significant financial requirements. To qualify for this scholarship, international applicants are required to submit parents' income tax returns, bank account balances, and other records of money earned.
Merit-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded for achieving excellence in academics or sports or extracurricular. Various universities and private organizations offer this kind of scholarship. Various companies also offer these scholarships to meritorious students.
Scholarships for average students
Not every student holds excellence in academics or might be a champion in athletics. However, every student has a unique talent or they hold a passion for pursuing their course. This makes them suitable for getting a scholarship to complete their studies in their dream educational institution. Apart from this, it also depends on which country or college you are going to study and which course you are going to pursue? Do you need full-scholarship to cover the cost of your studies?
Moreover, there are chances that you might not receive fully paid scholarship which covers all your expenses. Say, if you are required to pay $30,000 per year, then you can get $15,000 or $20,000. Rest you have to arrange yourself. If a major portion of your cost is covered, then also it is a big relief for a student. You can also learn whether you can study abroad for free or not?
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Note: Research about the scholarships and then apply for those which you think are appropriate for you, as blindly applying to numerous scholarships might get you a reject and does not benefit you in any way.
Check out about: Scholarships after 12th
Tips to increase your chances of getting a scholarship
If you are wondering how to gain scholarship to study abroad without good academics, then you need to work carefully on your documents and highlight your strengths while applying for a scholarship.
- Even if you don't have a strong academic background, but you have done community or social work, then you can highlight that while applying to the scholarship and show what your contribution was and how it has a positive impact on the society.
- Apart from this, you can showcase your leadership skills. Maybe you have led a team in your office/college while working on a complex project and how it got successful because of your tactical planning.
- If you have good GMAT, GRE scoresor good scores in the English language proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE exams, then also you have a chance of getting a scholarship.
- You can show your problem-solving skills or how you can handle difficult situations, which makes you a perfect candidate for pursuing that course.
While awarding scholarships, universities look at the holistic profile of the candidates. So, if you have a weak point, try to balance it with your strength. Also, applying early increases your chances of getting a scholarship even if you have an average profile. Universities like Pace University, Clark University, and New York Institute of Technology are some of the universities which offer scholarships if you apply early.
Do Average Students Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad FAQs
Q. How to get scholarship to study abroad?
A. As an international applicant, the first step for getting a scholarship is to research about scholarship opportunities. You can look into university’s website for the available scholarships. Also, you can look for external agencies which offers financial support to international applicants. The next step is to check your eligibility for these scholarships and make a list of the ones where you should apply. Then, it is time for you to work on the application requirements, which includes arranging documents, and writing statement of purpose explaining why you are a deserving candidate. Lastly, you should submit the scholarship application within the deadline, and wait for the result.
Q. What should I include in a scholarship essay?
A. An important aspect of scholarship application is an essay or personal statement, which is required by the university to know about your worthiness for the scholarship. Firstly, your essay should include your reason for applying for scholarship. Secondly, you must highlight your achievements both academic and professional, in order to specify why you deserve this scholarship. Thirdly, you should mention how earning this scholarship will help you financially, academically, and personally. Lastly, you must include how you will contribute to the university as a scholar. Please ensure to check essay guidelines or word limit prescribed by the university.
Q. How can I improve my chances of earning scholarship?
A. You can improve chances of earning scholarship by using following tips:
- Applying early to the scholarships definitely enhances your chances as you will have ample time to create winning application.
- Researching thoroughly and applying for multiple scholarship opportunities may land you with earning at least one scholarship. Even a considerable percentage of scholarship can lessen your financial burden.
- Creating an impressive personal statement can give you an edge, as how to present your case can determine the outcome of your application.
- Preparing a strong and focused resume also helps in strengthening your case.
- Your involvement in community service can outshine other applicants as apart from academic performance, other participation, especially social service can earn you the brownie points.
Q. Can an average student get a scholarship to study abroad?
A. Yes, an average student can definitely get a scholarship to study abroad. While high-achieving students often secure prestigious scholarships, there are numerous scholarships available for students with average academic records.
Q. How much percentage is required for a scholarship in abroad?
A. The percentage required to obtain a scholarship for studying abroad can differ significantly based on the particular scholarship, institution, and country involved.
While achieving high academic performance can enhance your prospects, numerous scholarships take into account various elements beyond mere grades, including:
- Extracurricular involvement: Engagement in clubs, sports, or community service activities.
- Leadership roles: Assuming responsibilities or spearheading initiatives.
- Distinct talents or abilities: Skills in the arts, sports, or other specialized areas.
- Financial circumstances: Demonstrating economic need may qualify you for scholarships based on financial aid.
- Compelling essays and personal statements: Clearly articulating your aspirations and motivations.
- Letters of recommendation: Strong support from educators, professors, or employers.
The English language test score required at the Univerisyt of South Wales are mentioned in the table below for the international applicants whose first language is not English
Exam | Minimum Scores |
|---|---|
IELTS | 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each band |
TOEFL | 72 overall and a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing |
PTE | a score of 59 overall and 59 in each component. |
The minimum IELTS score for UK study is mostly 6.0 to 6.5. Undergraduate courses need about 6.0 and postgraduate courses need 6.5. Some schools take 5.5 for foundation or pre-master. You should always check the IELTS score needed for your course.
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After applying to Hertfordshire University UK, the applicants are going to receive an initial decision about their application within 2-3 working days. After the submission of the application and documents, the applicants are required to pay their tuition deposit. Then, complete the Sponsorship interview and the financial declaration. International students are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 before registration. The balance can be paid in line with the liability dates related to the year and entry of the semester.