Merit-based Scholarships for International Students

Education is not as affordable as it used to be. As the education system improves, so do the tuition fees. Students aspiring to study in a foreign institution also carry the burden of their living expenses. The cost of studying and living abroad is way higher in abroad than in India. Under those circumstances, attaining a scholarship becomes a need. For some more than others.

Scholarships come in a handful of types. From merit-based scholarships to need-based scholarships, from government scholarships to university scholarships, from fully-funded scholarships to partially-funded scholarships, and so on. Regardless of the type, it is the financial aid students need to focus solely on academic performance. It helps them availing a smoother transition and settlement. Students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses can apply for them. Well, as long as they pass the eligibility criteria.

In this blog, we will discuss the merit-based scholarships available for international students coupled with their eligibility criteria.

Read more: How to Choose from the Best Destination for Study Abroad?

Study in the USA

The US Department of State funds and regulates the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. As one of the most prestigious awards in the US, it exclusively encourages talent. Indian students aspiring to either study, research or gain specialisation in any accredited university in the USA can apply for this scholarship. It finances their tuition, living, health insurance and travel. However, only candidates with a bachelor’s degree can apply. Another valuable option is for students applying to an undergraduate program at Cornell University. The Tata Scholarship by the Tata Education and Development Trust is for merit students. This means that students with exceptional academic achievement can gain full financial support during their study at CU. The Tata Group also recognises leadership potential for this scholarship.

Read more: Study in the USA After 12th

Study in Canada

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) help students aspiring to study in Canada. The scholarship avails about $50,000 per year for 3 years. It aims to attract world-class doctoral students who enrol to their global universities. Other than that, students with a combined MA/PhD to MD/PhD can also apply for this scholarship. They can attain global excellence in higher learning and research.

Read more: Choosing your Designated Learning Institute in Canada

Study in Australia

The Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship provides partially funded scholarships to students enrolling at the university. The scholarship is awarded on a merit basis. Students with outstanding academic records and excellence should try their luck on this scholarship. Notably, selected students can avail of an amount of up to AUD 10,000.

Read more: LLM in Australia: Universities, Admission, Scholarship

Study in the UK

Most UK scholarships come with generous amounts of financial aid. Students aspiring to study in the UK can apply for Chevening Scholarships or Felix Scholarships. While both support students enrolling on postgraduate programs, the latter is specific for students at Oxford University. Students with high academic achievements can apply for either or both of them. Particularly, the Chevening Scholarship favours candidates with at least 2 years of work experience demonstrating leadership qualities. While the Felix Scholarship does it for students interested in humanities, social sciences, law and theology. Another scholarship opportunity for students aspiring to study at Oxford University is the Clarendon Scholarships. Unlike the Felix Scholarship, students in all degree-bearing subjects at the graduate level can apply for it. Similarly, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships supports students enrolling on postgraduate programs at the University of Cambridge.

Read more: 5 reasons to study in the UK in 2024

Study in Germany

Most public universities in Germany offer free education. However, postgraduation and doctoral programs may cost significantly similar to the global programs. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers the DAAD Scholarship Programs to support graduates, postgraduates and doctoral students. Aspirants can pursue courses in Germany with these fully-funded scholarships. Graduates can avail of monthly covers of up to €934 while PhD and doctoral students can gain up to €1,200. Apart from that, they can also get insurance coverage and travel allowances based on their academic achievements.

Read more: Top Cities to Study in Germany

Study in Ireland

There are multiple scholarships available for students aspiring to take up a course in Ireland. Students applying to undergraduate or postgraduate courses at Dublin City University can apply for Dublin City University Scholarships. On the other hand, the Government of Ireland Scholarship (GOI-IES) covers tuition fees, living expenses as well as research expenses. Students from all parts of the globe can apply for postgraduate courses in Ireland with this scholarship. Research students can also apply for Irish Research Council Scholarships and/or Walsh Fellowships to gain similar benefits. However, the latter only benefits agriculture, horticulture, food, agri-food economics, and rural development and environment among other specific topics.

Read more: Study in Ireland After Completing 12th with Commerce

Bonus

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program supports international students from developing countries. It aims to provide for students with academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to serving their communities. Consequently, it weighs both the merits and needs of the applicants to finalise the receivers. Notably, it only undertakes students pursuing postgraduate courses.

How to Apply

After carefully understanding the coverage, payment periods and methods, students can apply for their choice of scholarships online. As these scholarships weigh their academic achievements, they must gather and submit all documents that could help the cause. Further, English test scores from IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo and entrance tests like the GRE and GMAT could also highlight the application. Remarkably, leadership and teamwork are always appreciated. If the candidate has documents or certificates to symbolise that, it could give them and edge.

Need a hand? Connect with Studywise International for a FREE CONSULTATION today!