How Are Scholarships Awarded?

How to get a scholarship remains a common question among scholarship-aspiring students willing to study abroad. There are two types of scholarships namely fully-funded scholarships and partially-funded scholarships. Both ease the financial burden off the students' shoulders. However, since many students from all over the world apply for these scholarships to study abroad, these become extremely competitive in nature and difficult to obtain. Read this article to learn how scholarships are awarded to students for studying abroad.   

Every scholarship has different eligibility criteria. If a student meets those minimum requirements, they are awarded the sum amount of the scholarship. Let us understand what could be the eligibility criteria for all kinds of scholarships in the section below.

Also Read: 

• Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad
• Scholarships to Study in the UK

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships to Study Abroad

Below are a few requirements that the students must meet in order to be eligible for getting granted a scholarship. 

1. Academic requirements – If your scores and GPA are high enough, you will automatically get high points to get awarded the scholarship. These numbers could be different from one scholarship to another. One thing to note is that if the scholarship details mention a 'minimum requirement of grades' and you have the same score, it does not mean you will get the scholarship. A minimum requirement is a kind of cut-off required to apply for the scholarship. Anyone who has scored more than the requirement can apply. And from that pool of students, the ultimate winner or multiple winners will be chosen.  

2. Extra-curricular activities – If you have a well-rounded profile and you have held a leadership position in any society of your college/school, you might be considered for the scholarship. You must have contributed to society in a beneficial manner through your leadership role.  

3. Diversity-based – If you belong to a minority community, religion, affiliation, orientation etc. You may be given preference over other students. For example, students from varied racial backgrounds may have an advantage, as well as female applicants.  

4. Essay-based – If you were required to submit essays along with your application, then your writing skills may get you a scholarship. Usually, a topic is provided for the essay and you need to form your answer in form of the essay. More than one essay could also be required. How well you address the question and how well your answer reflects on your profile decide your chances of getting the scholarship amount.  

5. Need-based – If your family income is not enough to pay for the tuition costs or loans, you may be eligible for need-based scholarships. You will have to prove your source of income and your own academic excellence as well.

Learn more about scholarships:

How are Scholarships Awarded?

Scholarships for studying abroad are awarded through various processes, depending on the organisation offering them. Some require proof of your admission by your foreign university while some require proof of your financial means (for need-based scholarships). Check some of the factors/elements that determine how scholarships are awarded to deserving candidates below. 

1. Application: Most college-specific scholarships need not be applied for separately, they are awarded to you along with your university offer letter if your application is strong. However, this does not imply that all applicants will receive a scholarship. On the other hand, most scholarships require formal applications including essays, personal statements, or project proposals. 
2. Eligibility Screening: All scholarship applications are first screened to ensure they meet basic eligibility criteria. The screening process may typically include checking the GPA requirements, field of study, nationality, etc.
3. Merit-based Selection: Many scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, the factors considered often include GPA, test scores, and academic achievements.
4. Specific Criteria Matching: Some scholarships target specific demographics, fields of study, or countries. Applicants who closely match these criteria may have an advantage. 
5. Holistic Evaluation: Some scholarships look beyond academics and consider participation in extracurricular activities, leadership experience, community service, personal qualities and potential.
6. Financial Need Assessment: Need-based scholarships evaluate the applicant's financial situation. The applications to these scholarships typically require the submission of financial documents
7. Interview Process: Competitive scholarships with numerous applicants often include an interview stage which can be in-person, via phone, or video call. 
8. Committee Review: A special scholarship selection committee typically reviews all the applications received for the current session. The scholarship selection committee may include faculties, administrators, and sometimes alumni or donors. 
9. Competitive Ranking: Due to the limited number of scholarships available for students from different nationalities, applicants are often ranked against each other and only the top-ranked applicants are shortlisted for further rounds of awarding a scholarship.

Also Read:

• International Scholarships for Indian Students after 12th
• How Are Scholarships Awarded?
• Difference Between Scholarship and Fellowship
  

This was all about how the scholarships are awarded to study abroad. If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.