In this technology-driven society where every age group indulges in some or the different goals, a category of our youth is dedicated towards their career. Drilling day and night to achieve their goals while being ahead in the race, being on the top is where they aspire to be. One such segment is our study abroad aspirants, highly dedicated to turning their dream of studying at a global University a reality. However, along the journey, they face some ups and downs, emotions of doubt rolling up in their minds. The main concern is arranging financial aid for study abroad to sustain themselves in a foreign country, searching and jumping on different websites to learn how to find scholarships for studying abroad. And that's why we created this blog, a guide on Unveiling Scholarship Opportunities for Study Abroad Aspirants.

Funding Options for Studying Abroad:

There are various funding options for studying abroad apart from scholarships. Before jumping onto study abroad scholarships, you should know the type of financial aid for study abroad; without any further ado, let's get started:

• Merit-based Scholarships: As the name suggests, merit-based scholarships are awarded based on the student's past academic performance. The scholarship assesses individuals' academic track records to determine eligibility. Irrespective of the financial background, any student who is academically exceptional and has a consistent track record in extracurricular activities is considered for this type of scholarship. The scholarship covers tuition fees, books expenses, accommodation expenses, etc.
• Need-Based Scholarships: As the name suggests, need-based scholarships can be availed by students needing financial assistance to complete their higher education. Students with definite proof of a weak economic background or low family income are eligible for need-based scholarships. They prioritize supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds or facing financial challenges.
• Field-based Scholarship: Students interested in and willing to pursue a particular field can apply for study abroad scholarships in their respective fields. For instance, some scholarships are tailored for students pursuing studies in specific fields such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), arts, humanities, business, healthcare, and social sciences.
• Grant: Grants differ from Scholarships in terms of purpose. While both provide financial aid for study abroad, grants are given to those who need financial assistance for educational purposes, research, or project work.
• University-Specific Scholarship: Another type of financial aid for study abroad aspirants is a University-Based Scholarship. These scholarships are funded by Universities for students enrolling with them. They have specific criteria, such as academics, leadership skills, or proof of a weak financial background. The scholarship covers all or part of tuition fees, accommodation expenses, or more, depending on the University's policies.
• Government-Funded Scholarship: This is one of the best scholarship opportunities for study abroad aspirants. Funded by the Home country or the country you choose as your study abroad destination, this scholarship covers partial or complete education and living expenses. Again, to avail yourself of this type of scholarship, you must fulfil specific requirements and submit valid documents.

Scholarship Resources for International Students:

Above, we have briefed you on some of the many types of study-abroad scholarships. Now, you must be wondering about the top scholarships for International Education.

Let's quickly resolve this issue by mentioning some of the scholarship resources for international students:

• Fulbright-Nehru Program - One of the most sought-after scholarships is the Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowship. The scholarship is offered for up to 2 years to complete a Master's in USA Universities in various fields or courses. The eligibility criteria include completion of graduation from a university equivalent to a US graduation degree or 3 years experience in the related field (if the bachelor's degree is less than 4 years). It is a merit-based scholarship.
• National Overseas Scholarship - Another on the Study Abroad Scholarships list is NOS, offered to Indian students to pursue higher studies abroad. The National Overseas Scholarship assists low-income students who seek to complete their education abroad administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It covers tuition fees, allowances, travelling expenses, visas, and miscellaneous expenses. NOS is a need-based scholarship; the eligibility criteria vary depending on the individual's caste and economic background.
• Government Of Ireland Scholarship - GOI is offered to Indian students who want to pursue higher education in Ireland. Individuals with exceptional academic performance and consistent track records are eligible to avail of the GOI scholarship to sustain themselves in Ireland and study at Ireland's top universities. To avail of this scholarship, students should have language proficiency test scores like TOEFL or IELTS, and work experience in the relevant field is preferred—one of the Top scholarships for international education.
• Chevening Scholarships - Those who wish to pursue their Master's in the United Kingdom can look through this scholarship's details—a tough one among various scholarship programs for study abroad aspirants. Though the acceptance rate is low, the scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, living stipends and other miscellaneous costs. The eligibility criteria include writing essays asked by the authorities to check if you are eligible to avail of the scholarship benefits.
• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship - Offered by one the Top Canadian Universities for international students who come from exceptional academic backgrounds and have a consistent leadership skill track record can avail the scholarship. The student should be in the final year of their higher education or graduation (the year mentioned in detail on the university website).

Moreover, there are various scholarship opportunities for international students. While we have suggested some of the top scholarships for international education, you can do detailed research based on our funding options for studying abroad or the types we have offered.

Conclusion:

To conclude, this blog covers Unveiling Scholarship Opportunities for Study Abroad Aspirants and informs them of the vast opportunities available to fulfil their dream. Through expert knowledge, iKounselor has guided over 15,000 students. If you want to start your study abroad journey, visit us or book a FREE virtual call. We are happy to help!