Types of Scholarships to International Students to Study Abroad

There are different types of scholarships to study abroad to suit the different needs of students and even to match the calibre of different types of students. Scholarships may vary based on merit, need, type of funding (partial or fully funded) and the sponsoring body (university, government or external). 

Most students worry about paying back the education loan they took out when they decided to study abroad. You, as an international student, need to remember that if you are meritorious enough, you don’t need to apply for a loan. You can apply for the scholarships available at the university you are applying. You will have to get in touch with the financial aid department of the colleges of your choice and discuss the options available to you. It is also noteworthy to learn the types of scholarships to study abroad, specifically for Indian students. The scholarships are generally categorised into five. different categories, which are- (1) evaluation/assessment-based, (2) awarding body based, (3) study program-based, (4) funding amount based and (5) merit/need based. In this article, we will provide information on all these types of scholarships to study abroad along with the tips on how to find a suitable scholarship for yourself. 

Meanwhile you can also check the Top 10 Life-Changing Scholarships to Study Abroad for Free. 

Types of Scholarships to Study Abroad

Scholarships to study abroad are awards granted to academically gifted students or to students in need. This awards often cover the tuition cost and/or the living and other miscellaneous costs of studying in a foreign country for international students. In some cases, students need to apply only to the university and don’t need to submit an additional scholarship application while in others, a different application needs to be submitted. Due to popularity, number of available scholarships and the amount of tuition and other expenses covered, some scholarships tend to be competitive while others remain underutilised. Below are types of scholarships available for studying abroad- 

1. Merit-based scholarships- These scholarships are based on students' academic, athletic, artistic or similar abilities. These qualities feature in applicant's extracurricular activities. Note that these qualifications and requirements will vary from scholarship and scholarship. 
2. Country or region-specific- These scholarships are awarded by state/city/country government to international students planning to attend a study abroad program in that particular area. These are awarded as a motivation to study in that country. You will have to check with government-sponsored education websites or student bodies to study to see what scholarships are available. 
3. A student from special backgrounds - These are scholarships for applicants who qualify on basis of factors like race, gender, religion and medical history. There could be other student-specific factors. The reason these scholarships exist is to promote equality among different sections of society. The most common awards in this category are minority scholarships. 
4. Subject-based scholarships- Subject-based scholarships are awarded by colleges or government institutions to students according to particular major or field of study they want to pursue. These scholarships require applicant to be enrolled in subject-specific courses while abroad. Please note that qualifications and eligibility will vary from scholarship to scholarship. 
5. Program-specific awards- Program-specific scholarships are presented by universities and colleges. These scholarships are awarded according to academic and personal achievements of applicant. Again, qualifications will vary based on scholarships. 
6. Coverage based- These are mainly of two types, namely partially funded and fully-funded scholarships. The partially funded scholarships cover only tuition fees of selected course whereas fully-funded scholarships cover tuition fee, living costs, airfare, visa assistance and more. 

Criteria for Awarding Scholarships Abroad

Scholarships for studying abroad are offered based on different criteria such as merit, financial need and standardised test scores. Here are all the selection criteria for scholarships abroad - 

1. For merit-based scholarships, consistently proven good academic performance is required in all previous educational qualifications such as - bachelor's and master's degrees.
2. Need-based scholarships require proof of low annual family income
3. Though not needed, but good scores on standardised English and subject tests like IELTS/TOEFL.PTE and GRE/GMAT can significantly affect the chance of you getting a scholarship. Similarly, professional experience is required for postgraduate or MBA scholarships
4.  A well-written essay outlining academic goals, research interests and career motivation, i.e. your SOP is often considered the most important part of a scholarship application

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Tips to Find Scholarships for Studying Abroad

Study abroad scholarships are very huge amounts which do not need to be returned- making them highly sought after among students espcially Indian students. Most Indian students only plan of studying abroad if they get an assured fully or partially paid scholarship. Owing to their highly competitive nature- students are required to follow some tips and advice to enhance their chances of winning such funding opportunities. These tips are given here below. 

1. Apply early- Keep visiting the scholarships page regularly to be aware of their application timelines. As soon as the application window opens- start your application process as it may be really lengthy and require you to gather some significant documents. 
2. Research thoroughly- Match your qualifications and interests with relevant scholarship opportunities. 
3. Pay attention to deadlines- Missed deadlines mean missed opportunities. 
4. Prepare strong applications- Highlight your achievements and demonstrate your potential. 

Also read- 

• What is the right time to apply for a Scholarship? 
• What is a good scholarship amount?

When Should You Apply for a Scholarship to Study Abroad?

Applications of most scholarships to study abroad are dropped at least a year ago before the start of the intended program. This means that if you wish to study a course in the UK in 2026, then you must start looking for a scholarship and submit its application this year itself. This means that you should apply for a scholarship at least 12-18 months in advance of the start of your course. 

• Common expenses covered in Scholarship 
• What to Do Next If You Are on a College Waitlist? 

This was all about the types of scholarships to study abroad for Indian students. For more information, book a free counselling session with our counsellors at Shiksha's Counselling Services.