your ultimate guide to securing a scholarship while studying abroad

Your Ultimate Guide to

Securing a Scholarship to

Study Abroad!

INTRODUCTION

Did you know that in ancient India, kings used to sponsor the education of poor

and needy students in universities like Taxila and Nalanda! These are amongst

the earliest recorded instances of scholarships being granted to students.

Similarly, well-to-do Romans supported students in ancient Rome as well.

In the current scenario, dollar and euro values keep fluctuating, and institutions

across the world increase tuition fees and the cost of accommodation on-

campus; so it becomes essential that students plan their finances accordingly.

Most international universities and colleges offer a limited number of scholarships

and bursaries to students. Additionally, a number of private charitable

organisations and leading philanthropists offer scholarships to deserving and

meritorious students who wish to go abroad and study.

As a student planning to go abroad for higher studies, does the cost factor give

you sleepless nights? Do not worry; we, at Hotcourses India, have put together

this guide to offer you information on some popular scholarships that will help

you fund your studies.

Take your time to go through this guide and apply for a scholarship that caters

to your requirements.

Hotcourses India – making your study abroad dreams come true!

CONTENT

What is a Scholarship? - 6

Types of Scholarships - 8

Scholarship Sources and Eligibility Criteria - 11

Popular Non-Subject Scholarships to Study Abroad - 15

Indian Private Bodies and Trusts Offering Scholarships - 19

How to Apply for Scholarships - 22

Do’s and Don’ts – Tips to Apply for Scholarships - 25

Common Myths About Scholarships - 13

What is a Scholarship?

CHAPTER 1

The ‘Oxford Dictionary of English’ defines the word ‘scholarship’ as: ‘a grant or

payment made to support a student’s education, awarded on the basis of

academic or other achievement’.

A scholarship is a reward of financial assistance for students to further their

academic endeavours.

A scholarship is a gift of academic financial support that does not need to be

repaid by the recipient, which makes it the most desirable form of financial aid!

Get free advice on study abroad Call us @ 1-800-103-9634(toll free)

6Your ultimate guide to secure a scholarship

Types of Scholarships

CHAPTER 2

Merit-Based

Generally people think that ‘merit scholarships’ are just for those students who

have high grades or are excellent in academics. Merit scholarships are definitely

given to top-scoring students, but that's not all, ‘Merit’ means ‘to be worthy of or

to deserve’.

So, if you are a brilliant athlete and excel in a specific sport, or you are a

talented singer, musician, or dancer and you excel in a specific performing art

you may still get a ‘merit scholarship’

Top scores in standardised tests such as SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS and TOEFL

etc. are also taken into consideration for academic eligibility. Merit scholarships

are offered by educational institutions and by private organisations. A consistent

top-ranking performance from senior school or class ten onwards ensures that

applicants have a good chance of obtaining a scholarship.

Check this link for more information on TOEFL Scholarship

Check this link for more information on IELTS Scholarship

Need-Based

Need-based scholarships are given to students who cannot afford to pay their

college tuition fee. Students coming from a less well off family can apply for

these scholarships. Students who have financial/economic problems and are

consistently good at their studies are eligible for need-based scholarships. Some

institutions also offer need-based scholarships to single parent students.

Scholarships are primarily one of three types:

• Merit-based

• Need-based

• Student-specific



http://www.ets.org/toefl/scholarships/india

http://www.britishcouncil.in/exam/ielts/scholarships

Student-Specific Scholarship

Student-specific scholarships are provided to a specific category of the students.

This can be based on the student’s race, sex, religion, family, medical history and

many other factors. Minority scholarships for African, Latin-American and

aboriginal students fall under this category.

For example: ‘The Gates Millennium Scholars Programme’ is a minority

scholarship funded by Bill and Melinda Gates for excellent African American,

American Indian, Asian Pacific Islander American and Latino students who enroll

in college. Meanwhile Commonwealth scholarships are offered to students from

countries who are part of the British Commonwealth countries.



Scholarship Sources and

Eligibility Criteria

CHAPTER 3

While the eligibility for a scholarship will vary from one programme to another,

there are some general requirements that all students will be expected to meet.

• Good GPA

• Scholastic & Co-Scholastic Activities

• Exam scores such as SAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL

• No disciplinary action taken against candidate in previous schools /

colleges

Who awards scholarships?

Scholarships are available for both graduate as well as undergraduate education.

Scholarships come from a number of sources which includes:

• Colleges/Universities

• The Government

• Corporations or Non-profit Associations

• Individual donors and Philanthropists

What are the requirements to apply for a scholarship?



Common Myths About

Scholarships

CHAPTER 4

Common Myths About Scholarships

Only academic stars win scholarships

It is a misconception that only top-ranking students get scholarships. Scholarships

are not just awarded for academic merit but also for excelling in sports, the

performing arts or for displaying an act of valour or courage. Some institutions

also offer monetary support to students who are victims of war-crimes.

Heavy competition minimises my chances of winning a scholarship

It is true that competition is fierce but that does not mean your application is

immediately rejected. The best option is to apply to all those scholarships whose

eligibility requirements are met by you.

I am an academic star - I will easy secure a scholarship!

Remember the old saying ‘Pride goeth before a fall’? Being a top-notch student

helps but does not automatically ensure that you will win a coveted scholarship.

Remember that there will be many other students who are academically better

than you, who would have applied for the same scholarship. So remain humble

and apply to all relevant scholarships.

Applying for a loan lessens my chances of securing a college scholarship

Parents often assume incorrectly that if their children get study loans, colleges will

reduce any scholarship money that might have been awarded. Each institution

has its own policy towards the disbursal of scholarships, so please remember to

read all relevant information before applying for a specific scholarship. In most

cases a bank loan does not impact the scholarship amount offered by an

institution.

Scholarship applicants require exceptional talent

Try and be honest with yourself when it comes to your talent, skill or expertise

which will dictate any scholarship you are applying to. While you may excel in a

certain area within your small community or group of friends, you have to be

excellent to compete with others from around the country/world. Whether or not

you have doubts about your abilities, always practice and try to improve them.



Popular Non-Subject

Scholarships to Study

Abroad

CHAPTER 5

Scholarships to Study in the USA

• Fulbright Foreign Student Programme

• The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Programme

• Humane Studies Fellowship

• Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships

Scholarships to Study in the UK

• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

• Charles Wallace India Trust Awards and Fellowships

• Hornby one year MA Scholarship Programme

• Felix Scholarships

• Brendish Family Foundation Scholarships

Students are funded through scholarships, grants and fellowships on a regular

basis by the government and non governmental institutions.

Given below is a list of popular scholarships, which are available for students to

study in USA, UK, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Sweden, Netherlands, New

Zealand, Ireland and Hong Kong.



http://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/

http://www.iie.org/Programs/Fulbright-FLTA

https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCsQFjAA&url=http://www.theihs.org/humane-studies-fellowships&ei=AbkAUtO7J4nArAfTo4GAAQ&usg=AFQjCNFGczwM_Hu0k968nmxc_rfgZoSaww&bvm=bv.50310824,d.bmk

http://www.rotary.org/en/global-grants

http://www.csfp-online.org/

http://www.wallace-trusts.org.uk/cwt_india.html

http://www.britishcouncil.in/study-uk/scholarships/charles-wallace-trust/hornby

http://www.felixscholarship.org/

http://www.ioe.ac.uk/studentInformation/52571.html

Scholarships to Study in Australia:

• Australian Leadership Award

• International Postgraduate Research Scholarships

• JASON (Joint academic scholarships online network)

• CSIRO Postgraduate Scholarship Programme

• Victoria India Doctoral Scholarships

Scholarships to Study in Singapore

• A*STAR India Youth Scholarship

• MOE Secondary and Pre-University Scholarships

• SIA Youth Scholarship

Scholarships to Study in Malaysia

• Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

• And Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MCTP)

• Commonwealth Scholarship And Fellowship Plan (CSFP)

Ref: http://www.mohe.gov.my/portal/antarabangsa/penajaan.html

Scholarships to Study in New Zealand

• New Zealand Educated

• Commonwealth Scholarships

Ref: http://www.minedu.govt.nz/NZEducation/EducationPolicies/Tertiary

Education/ForTertiaryStudentsAndParents/ScholarshipLinks.aspx



http://www.australiaawards.gov.au/

http://www.innovation.gov.au/RESEARCH/RESEARCHBLOCKGRANTS/Pages/InternationalPostgraduateResearchScholarships.aspx

http://www.jason.edu.au/index.pl

http://www.csiro.au/Portals/Careers/Work-experience-and-scholarships/Postgraduate-scholarships/Postgraduate-Scholarships-Program.aspx

http://www.aii.unimelb.edu.au/news/victoria-india-doctoral-scholarships

http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/scholarships/astar/

http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/scholarships/moe-preu/

http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/scholarships/sia/

http://www.mohe.gov.my/portal/penajaan/penajaan-kpt/123.html



http://www.mohe.gov.my/portal/antarabangsa/penajaan.html

http://www.newzealandeducated.com/sg/institutions_courses/scholarships

http://www.aid.govt.nz/funding-and-contracts/scholarships/types-scholarship/commonwealth-scholarships

http://www.minedu.govt.nz/NZEducation/EducationPolicies/TertiaryEducation/ForTertiaryStudentsAndParents/ScholarshipLinks.aspx

http://www.minedu.govt.nz/NZEducation/EducationPolicies/TertiaryEducation/ForTertiaryStudentsAndParents/ScholarshipLinks.aspx

Scholarship to Study in the Netherlands

• Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP)

Scholarship to Study in Ireland

• Irish University Scholarship for Indian Students

Ref: http://www.icosirl.ie/eng/irish_aid_fellowships

Scholarship to Study in Sweden

• The Swedish Institute Study Scholarships

Scholarship to Study in Hong Kong

• HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund



http://www.nuffic.nl/en/scholarships/netherlands-fellowship-programmes-nfp

http://www.iua.ie/international/scholarships/

http://www.icosirl.ie/eng/irish_aid_fellowships

http://www.studyinsweden.se/Scholarships/SI-scholarships/The-Swedish-Institute-Study-Scholarships/

http://www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/postsecondary/local-higher-edu/publicly-funded-programmmes/scholarship.html

Indian Private Bodies and

Trusts Offering Scholarships

CHAPTER 6

Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships are PhD level scholarships offered to

researchers with excellent academic record and leadership qualifications.

R.D. Sethna Scholarships are awarded to students irrespective of any caste,

religion or creed. Loan scholarships start from Rs.10, 000 and more.

JN Tata Endowment is an interest free loan given to students pursuing

undergraduate, graduate and research programmes. The JN Tata Endowment

loan ranges between Rs. 60,000 to 4, 00,000.

Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarships are awarded to women with

an exceptional academic record or work experience.



http://www.britishcouncil.in/study-uk/scholarships/dr-manmohan-singh-scholarships

http://www.rdsethnascholarships.org/eligibility.htm

http://www.dorabjitatatrust.org/id/72/J.N. Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians/

http://www.dorabjitatatrust.org/id/73/Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarships/

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships are awarded to graduate and

research students with good academic record.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships are awarded on a 50%

grant and 50% loan basis through application once a year around June or

July.

BD Bangur Endowment Scholarships are loan scholarships offered to

students pursuing graduate and research programmes in the fields of

medicine, engineering, technology, humanities, science and business

administration.

K. C. Mahindra Scholarships are loan scholarships provided to students

pursuing graduate degree. The loan amount ranges from Rs. 2, 00,000 to Rs.

8, 00,000.

Vishwa Konkani Student Scholarships are awarded to students from

Konkani communities for higher education abroad, with scholarship

amount of Rs 1 lakh per year per student.



http://www.inlaksfoundation.org/inlaks-scholarship.aspx

http://www.akdn.org/akf_scholarships.asp

http://www.bdbangurendowment.com/

http://www.mahindra.com/How-We-Help/Education/Grants-and-Scholarships

http://www.vishwakonkani.org/scholarships/scholarship-programmes/

How to Apply for

Scholarships

CHAPTER 7

Scholarship policies differ from institution to institution. Some cover entire

education fees, while others will cover accommodation, food and other charges

as well. When researching colleges, read up on scholarship programmes and

gather information gradually on how to apply.

Some institutions might insist on specific documents, while others might need a

letter from the bank. Please ensure that you submit all necessary documents

mandated by the institution and the scholarship awarding body.

Do your researchCheck if you are

eligible

Prepare all relevant

documents

Write winning essay(s)

Get good referees to

recommend you

Prepare for scholarship interview



Documents that are to be submitted:

• Academic transcripts

• Curriculum Vitae

• SAT / GRE / GMAT and TOEFL / IELTS / PTE Scores

• Essays or Statement of Purpose

• Letters of Recommendation

• Cover Letter

It is extremely important to be organised and have all necessary documents

with relevant photo-copies arranged neatly in a folder or file. If you are filling

an online application then all the documents should be converted into a PDF

format. If you are sending a printed application, then all the documents

prescribed in the application form should be attached to the form.



Do’s and Don’ts – Tips to

Apply for Scholarships

CHAPTER 8

There are many scholarships available, and not all of them require you to

prove you’re the most academically gifted person on earth. But they are

incredibly competitive. So how do you make sure you get the scholarship or

bursary you deserve?

• Apply for as many as you can

• Be confident

• Avoid scholarship scams

• Allow plenty of time

• Keep a record of all the documents

Avoid these mistakes:

• Not knowing the type of scholarship you are applying to

• Not following instructions properly

• Not answering the essay question properly

• Forgetting to do a spell-check and proofreading the form and essay

• Sending sloppy applications

• Not including information such as transcripts or recommendations

• Missing the deadline

Further Reading:

How to Avoid Scholarship Scams?



http://www.purdue.edu/dfa/sandg/scams.php

Scholarships checklist:

Are you eligible?

Do you know the deadline?

Have you got all the necessary information? This will vary

depending on the scholarship application, but usually includes:

academic records, proof of financial circumstances and

confirmation of your study plans.

Do your referees know what scholarship(s) you are applying for?

Have you and a friend/family member proofread your scholarship

application?

Have you submitted your application before the deadline?

Remember that you are not the sole applicant for a scholarship;

numerous applicants apply for the same scholarship and only the most

suitable applicant wins it. Hence it is important that you apply for all

relevant scholarships. Also remember to apply for a bank-offered student

loan as a back-up plan.

All the best for your studies!

