7 types of scholarships available to you as an international student

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

If you’re planning to study abroad, scholarships can be a crucial way to fund your education. As an international student, it’s important to know the different types of scholarships available to you.

In this article, I have explained the various kinds of scholarships you can apply for as an international student and some examples of each type.

1. Location-based Scholarships

These scholarships are based on where you come from or where you plan to study. Sometimes, certain countries or regions offer scholarships to students from specific areas. For example, you might find scholarships specifically for students from Africa, Asia, or Europe. Similarly, some scholarships are aimed at students who want to study in particular countries or cities. For examples:

• The Africa Scholarship Program at the University of Oxford offers scholarships specifically for African students applying for graduate courses.
• The Fulbright Program provides scholarships for international students from over 160 countries to study in the United States
• The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) Program offers scholarships for students from ASEAN member countries to pursue short-term exchange programs in Canada.

2. Course or Program-based Scholarships

These scholarships are tied to the subject or field of study you want to pursue. Let’s say you’re passionate about engineering or literature. There could be scholarships available specifically for students interested in those subjects. It’s worth researching if your chosen field has any dedicated scholarships. For examples:

• The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports students pursuing postgraduate degrees in any subject at the University of Cambridge.
• The DAAD Scholarships for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses offer funding for students from developing countries to pursue master’s degrees in development-related fields in Germany.
• The Microsoft Diversity Scholarships support students pursuing computer science, computer engineering, or related STEM disciplines.

3. Sports-related Scholarships

If you excel in sports, you might be eligible for sports scholarships. Many universities offer scholarships to talented athletes who can represent their institution in various sports teams. Whether you’re into soccer, basketball, or swimming, there might be opportunities to get financial support for your studies through sports scholarships. Examples of sports-related scholarships are:

• The NCAA Division I universities in the United States often offer scholarships to talented athletes who can contribute to their sports teams.
• The Elite Athlete Program at Australian universities provides support and scholarships to high-performing athletes pursuing tertiary education.
• The University of Michigan Athletic Scholarships are available to international student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill in sports such as basketball, gymnastics, or swimming.
• The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) provides scholarships to elite athletes from around the world who are training and competing in Olympic or Paralympic sports.

ALSO READ

• Slain soldiers get scholarships, houses 
• Governor Obaseki rewards LASU’s best-graduating student with scholarship, upkeep allowance
• Universities that offer scholarships to students with HND, 2:2, or 3rd class degrees
• NRTC WEEKLY: Top 5 trending stories across the country this week
• EU grants 135 Nigerian students postgraduate scholarships for top European universities

4. Research-based Scholarships

For those interested in research, there are scholarships available to support your academic pursuits. These scholarships often cater to students who are keen on conducting research in specific areas or disciplines. Whether it’s in science, humanities, or social sciences, research scholarships can provide funding for your studies and projects. Examples are:

• The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions offer scholarships for doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers to conduct research across Europe.
• The Rhodes Scholarship supports outstanding students from various countries to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, often encouraging research-focused projects.
• The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia offers scholarships to students from Asia pursuing a PhD in macroeconomics or related fields.

5. University-funded Scholarships

Most universities offer their own scholarships to attract talented students from around the world. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both. Each university has its own criteria and application process, so make sure to check the scholarship opportunities offered by the universities you’re interested in. For instance, there are:

• The University of Melbourne offers the International Undergraduate Scholarship, covering a portion of tuition fees for undergraduate international students.
• The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship provides full financial support for Indian students pursuing MBA degrees at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.
• The University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship provides financial support for high-achieving international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs at the university.
• The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Program (ESOP) offers master’s scholarships to outstanding students from all over the world to study at ETH Zurich in Switzerland.

6. Organization-funded Scholarships

Many organizations, both nonprofit and for-profit, provide scholarships to international students. These organizations could be businesses, foundations, charities, or cultural exchange programs. They often have specific goals or values they want to support through their scholarships, so it’s a good idea to see if any align with your interests or background. Examples of organization-funded scholarships are:

• The Rotary Foundation Global Grants support graduate-level coursework or research for students pursuing careers in fields related to Rotary’s areas of focus.
• The Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK government, provide full financial support for students from eligible countries to pursue master’s degrees in the UK.
• The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students from World Bank member countries to pursue development-related studies at selected universities around the world.
• The Google Lime Scholarship supports students with disabilities pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field.

7. Government-funded Scholarships

Governments of various countries also offer scholarships to international students as part of their educational and diplomatic initiatives. These scholarships can cover a wide range of expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, and sometimes even travel costs. Governments may offer scholarships bilaterally (between two countries) or through international organizations. For examples:

• The Chinese Government Scholarship Program offers scholarships to international students for study at Chinese universities.
• The New Zealand Development Scholarships provide full financial support for students from selected developing countries to study in New Zealand.
• The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide funding for foreign scholars and artists to pursue research or further education at Swiss universities, art schools, and conservatories.
• The Australian Awards Scholarships offer opportunities for students from developing countries to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities.

When applying for scholarships, it’s important to carefully read the eligibility criteria and application requirements. Deadlines can vary, so make sure to stay organized and apply well in advance.

Remember, scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad, so don’t hesitate to explore all the options available to you.

With determination and thorough research, you can find the right scholarship to support your academic journey as an international student.