Introduction

The one thing that usually creates hesitation in the idea of studying abroad or pursuing higher

studies, is the cost it takes. However, today you can find a number and types of scholarships

available for students, which provide them opportunity to pursue a career in their desired

field and university.

Scholarships may, generally, be offered by –

1. The government

2. The University: In the academic year 2012-13, the top ten universities to offer

scholarships in the USA were Wesleyan University, Amherst College, Yale

University, Stanford University, Trinity College, Skidmore College, University of

Chicago, Dartmouth College, Williams College, and Harvard University.

3. Private Organisations: Leading organisations like Aditya Birla Group, The Reliance

Foundation, Sun Foundation, and Tata Group are few of the many, who offer these

scholarships.

4. Scholarships are offered for doctoral study as well in the form of research grants.

Scholarship Categories

These scholarships can be categorized into specific types as well. Some types of scholarships

offered to study abroad are –

Student specific scholarships

This type of scholarship tests its eligibility based on gender, family, religion, race,

medical history and various other person specific factors. Minority scholarships are

one of the most common examples for this category.

Merit based scholarships

This type of scholarship is based on the academics, athletic, artistic and such other

skills or abilities of the candidate. The candidate’s extracurricular activities may play

a vital role when assessing the eligibility of this type of scholarship.

Subject specific scholarships

This type of scholarship is offered to students based on their particular field of study

or their major. Such scholarships may require the student to enrol for such specific

subject or course, or conduct a subject specific research, during the time they are

studying abroad with this scholarship. However, this requirement is not mandatory to

this type of scholarships, and the qualifications and requirements shall vary with

different scholarships.

Program specific scholarships This type of scholarship is based on the student’s achievements on an academic and

personal level. The requirements and qualifications would vary with different

scholarships. Availability and eligibility of scholarships should be checked with the

study abroad program or the universities.

Destination specific scholarships This type of scholarship is awarded by a specific country to candidates who wish to

study via a study abroad program in that particular country. Such type of scholarships

serve as in incentive to pursue a course in that particular country, above any other

country. Details and availability of such scholarships may be checked on the travel

websites of that particular country.

What you need to do

Research

The level of scholarship awarded may vary with each scholarship. The key to

finding the one that suits you best to your requirements, need and qualifications, is

thorough and detailed research of the numerous options available.

Early start

One must start early when looking and working out on all the details and

requirements of specific scholarships. Once you have shortlisted on your program,

country or the university, you must enquire about all the requirements of the

scholarship as a whole and also the application procedure of the specific

scholarships. Get all the documentation required in order, as required for the

various applications.

Need Blind Universities

There are certain universities that offer admissions to candidates irrespective of

the availability of financial resources with them. These admissions are offered to

students who do not have any grants, scholarships, or the financial ability to pay.

MIT, Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, Dartmouth

College and Amherst College are few of such universities. These type of

admissions have specific requirements and eligibility criteria that are specific to

the university.

Essay

A well written essay sent to the scholarship committee can serve as a big

advantage when qualifying yourself for the scholarship. The essay must be

straight forward and to the point, structured, and should cover the essay topic well

with relevant points. Make sure to proof read the essay and spell checked.

However mundane, time consuming and petty these activates may seem, they are

sure to take you a long way as far as your essay is concerned.

Art/ Music/ Dance/ Acting Skills

If you are looking for a scholarship in an art, music, dance or acting program, you

may need to submit some work samples or may be a portfolio, as applicable, and

as required by the university.

Leadership skills

There are universities and scholarship programs who take a little more interest in

their candidates’ leadership skills. Make sure to include whatever leadership

experience you have had to portray a good example of your leadership skills.

American universities especially give good credit to leadership qualities.

When applying for scholarship programs, ensure to run by your eligibility, the

required documentation, the given deadline against specific scholarships and

programs, and selecting your referees and keeping them updated.

Some Study Abroad Scholarships

1. National Debt Relief Scholarship – This scheme awards US$1,000 worth of

five scholarships to candidates pursuing studies in fields of Science,

Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)

2. Study Portal’s Study Abroad Scholarship – Applications are assessed every

three months, and one candidate is chosen. This scholarship program has a

total cover of 1,000 Euros, which seeks out to offer financial aid to excellent

students who wish to study abroad.

3. IBS Starter Scholarships – This scheme provides a cover of 50% of the

tuition fees in the first year. The cover shall be for any IBS’ Buckingham

validated English language Bachelor programme. The candidates however,

must fall within the age group of 18-25.

4. Flosum 2015 Scholarship – This scheme awards $750 to candidates in

computer science, computer engineering, or other field of a technical

discipline (maths, physics, or electrical engineering, and an interest in

computer science).

5. CustomerBloom’s Scholarship Contest - This is a $1,000 award to students

from undergraduate/graduate level, in any field. This contest requires the

candidates to submit a short video (2-5 minutes) of self, talking about and

explaining why future success is determined by education, how the world

around us can be shaped through ideas, and what motivates you to strive for

success and greatness.

6. 2015 Remote DBA Scholarship – This is for students pursuing computer

engineering or computer science. The applicants are required to submit an

essay comparing three different databases and create a visual infographic

along with it.

7. Annuity.org Community Scholarship – The applicant must be enrolled in a

US college. The requirement is of an essay on the topic – “You just won a $10

million lottery jackpot. Outline your plan to be a savvy investor”.

8. S P Jain Global Business Scholarship – This program offers full as well as

partial scholarships, covering tuition fees and accommodation expense, to

students from Greece, Italy, Latin America, North America, Portugal and

Spain, interested in studying and living in Dubai, Singapore or Australia.

9. Blue Bag Water Innovation Award – The challenge is to think of a solution

to improve access to clean water in Jakarta. The award is of a 2 year, complete

scholarship for the master’s programme in Lund University, Sweden for Water

Resources Engineering course.

10. Ali Kuscu Science and Technology Graduate Scholarship – For students in

the fields of science and technology, to study for Masters/PhD. This program

is available for students from all countries, of a non-Turkish nationality.

11. Amizade Global Service-Learning Scholarship – On a financial need basis,

this scheme offers short term/full semester scholarship, ranging from $100 to

$1,250.

12. Amsterdam Science Scholarships – A 2 year period scholarship covering the

tuition fees and stipend for living expenditure, to study in the GRAPPA MSc

Program. This program is open to foreign students from all countries around

the world.

13. Bard College – Institute for International Liberal Education

14. BG Scholarship – This scholarship is available for high school students and

college students. A minimum GPA decides the eligibility for this program.

Also, an essay is required when making an application.

15. CAPA International Education – Scholarship is awarded to students who

demonstrate academic excellence and need for financial resources.

16. CIEE Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Scholarship – Study abroad

opportunity to students who come from underrepresented areas of education,

belong to diverse backgrounds and are in real financial need.

17. Dr. Castaneda Scholarship – This scholarship is based on the applicant’s

academic achievements and his financial need.

18. Founder’s Scholarship – This is a partial scholarship awarded to students for

a year-long program, covering the tuition fees in any country of their choice.

19. Freeman-ASIA – This is for undergraduates from the US on a financial need

basis to pursue studies in Southeast or East Asia.

20. Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships – For American students in

financial need to study abroad.

21. FutureUnlimited-Australia – A number of scholarships for various programs

to study abroad in Australia.

22. Gilman International Scholarship Program

23. Golden Key Study Abroad Scholarship – Undergraduates/ Graduates/

Postgraduates who are already enrolled or will be in the immediately next

academic year, in a study abroad program are eligible for this scholarship.

24. Greenpal Business Scholarship – Applicant must be enrolled in a business

college with a minimum 3.0 GPA or a high school senior.

25. Ibni Haldun Social Sciences Graduate Scholarship – Applicant must be of

a non-Turkish nationality from any country.

26. Ibni Sina Medical Sciences Scholarship Program- Applicant must be of a

non-Turkish nationality from any country.

27. Irwin Abrams and Paula L. Spier Study Abroad Scholarship

28. Japan-American Friendship Scholars (JAFS)

29. Japan-US Senate Youth Exchange (JUSSE)

30. John Cabot University Rome – This program is available for visiting

students.

31. Key Club/Key Leader Scholarship – Partial cover of tuition fees for the

desired length of time in the desired country.

32. MSc Scholarships – At Queen’s University Belfast, this program covers the

entire tuition fees to international students of MSc Computational Biology,

MSc Public Health, and MRes Molecular Medicine.

33. ORA Summer School Scholarship

34. Oxbridge Academic Programs - This program awards scholarship in New

York, England, Spain and France, based on academic achievements and

financial need-basis. Refer www.oxbridgeprograms.com

.

35. Oxford Summer Academy

36. Ping Foundation : Jennifer Ritzmann Schoarship for Studies in Tropical

Biology

37. Rotary Foundation Scholarships

38. Skylink Travel House – This is a full cover scholarship to pursue studies in

Brazil, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela or Uruguay, either for a year-

long program or a fall semester.

39. SRAS Research Grants

40. Study Abroad Europe Scholarship

41. The Swedish-Brazilian Scholarship Competition – This scheme is

applicable for Brazilian students from the engineering field, holding at least a

bachelor’s degree in the same.

42. USAC Scholarships – This program offers a number of scholarships to

students in the USAC program, which includes, Member University, study

abroad in general, and also, site specific scholarships.

43. Youth for Understanding Scholarships – This program awards over three

hundred different types of scholarships to students on a merit basis.

Here we also have the details regarding few of the good scholarships and

programs, category wise –

Student specific scholarships

Scholarships for students from Developing countries

1. Erasmus Mundus

2. VLIR-UOS Training and Masters Scholarships

3. Eiffel Scholarships

4. INSEAD Business School International Scholarships

5. DAAD Scholarships (for master’s students)

6. Quota Scholarship Scheme (Norway; for students from Central Asia, Eastern

Europe and developing countries)

7. The Swedish Scholarship Challenge (for Chinese students)

8. Commonwealth Scholarships

9. IOE-Colfuturo Scholarships (for postgraduates from Colombia)

10. Said Foundation Scholarships (for Lebanese, Iraqi, Palestinian, Jordanian, and

Syrian postgraduates)

11. University of Alberta China Centenary Scholarship

12. University of Alberta India Centenary Scholarship

13. University of Toronto (Hong Kong) Foundation

14. Dag Hammarskjold journalism fellowships (for students of Latin American,

African, Caribbean and Asian nationality)

15. East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships (funding for students from

Asia-Pacific)

16. Australia Awards Scholarships (the choice of programs is unrestricted)

17. New Zealand Development Scholarships

18. University of Auckland

International scholarships for Canadian graduation students

1. Arts Graduate Scholarships

2. NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (engineering or natural science

field; Also, only those Canadian students who have previously pursued the

doctorate at a Canadian university shall be eligible to apply)

3. The Rabin Scholarship Fund for the Advancement of Peace and Tolerance (for

a year of study and research in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel)

4. Commonwealth Scholarship Plan – India

5. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) – New Zealand

6. Foreign Government Awards – France (master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral

studies)

7. MEXT Scholarship Programme - Japan

International scholarships for Indian undergraduate students

1. Tata scholarships at Cornell (US) – Associated with the Tata Education and

Development Trust, approximately twenty scholarships are available for

Indian undergraduate students every year at Cornell University. Its eligibility

criteria requires acceptance first into an undergraduate course at Cornell

University, and then an application for a need-based financial aid with the

university.

2. Dr. Manmohan Singh scholarships (UK) – These scholarships are offered by

the Cambridge University, UK. This scholarship is available for all courses

other than veterinary science and medicine. It covers the entire undergraduate

college and tuition fees, and a grant for travelling and living expenditure. The

candidate should first receive an offer for admission at a Cambridge college,

and then the scholarship is awarded to students on a competitive basis.

3. Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (UK) – A selection of scholarships,

many specifying a college in one of the universities. It is a requirement for the

candidates to have completed or pursuing a degree from an Indian University.

4. Edinburgh Napier University (UK) – This university awards a fee reduction

based on merit, of around US$3,000 for Indian students at a graduate as well

as at an undergraduate level.

5. University of Sheffield (UK) – This university offers subject specific

scholarships and three merit based scholarships for all subjects, of US$10,650

every year.

6. Trinity College Dublin (Ireland) – This university has a scholarship program

that offers five tuition fee scholarships of around US$6,500 for science, and

four US$3,250 worth for courses in social science, business and arts. This

university also has a Global Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship scheme

that awards a fee deduction of 50% for all subjects other than veterinary

science, medicine and radiography.

7. University of Wollongong (Australia) – This university awards a scholarship

under UOW Bradman Foundation Scholarship every year to one Indian

student, for a fee reduction of 50%.

8. Huawai Maitree Scholarships (China) – Under the scholarship scheme offered

by this university, preference is given to candidates applying for a course in

social studies, science and technology, and culture and development. Every

such scholarships covers entire tuition fees and living expenditure.

9. India 4EU II (Europe) – These scholarships are available for full time

undergraduate degrees, and also for short period courses forming a part of

exchange study schemes. The scholarships cover entire tuition fees, insurance,

travelling expense, and also a monthly allowance. This scholarship program

has associations with universities in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal,

Finland and Sweden.

International Scholarships for women

1. American Association of University Women (AAUW) – AAUW offers six

different grants for women. These are: American Fellowhships to women who

are permanent residents or citizens of the US, International Fellowships to

women belonging to other countries looking to pursue a course in the US, and

Selected Professions Fellowships for women in US looking to pursue a

masters in computer science, mathematics, architecture and engineering.

2. The Schlumberger Foundation – This foundation awards fellowships to

women all around the world, pursuing PhD or postdoctoral in science,

technology or engineering in worldwide universities. This program selects the

students based on their scientific as well as leadership skills and potential. The

grant that is offered extends up to US$50,000 per year, depending on the

estimate of the costs involved.

3. PEO International – The PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund for

women belonging to places other than the US and Canada for graduate and

similar level degree in the two countries. The PEO Program for Continuing

Education for women belonging to the US and Canada, awarding need based

grants up to US$3,000. This scheme is applicable for women whose education

has been interrupted for any reason. The PEO Scholar Awards for degree at

doctorate level and the PEO STAR Scholarship for degree at an undergraduate

level, to women.

4. Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund – This scholarship is applicable to

women aged 25 years or above, who are not the citizens of the US or Canada,

and are pursuing degrees in either of the two countries. This scholarship has a

worth of around US$12,000. The scholarship committee looks for applicants

who display a commitment to bring welfare to women and children and make

their lives better as a whole. The applicants must also, belong to a country that

falls into the category of “lower/middle income developing member country”

(Refer http://www.mmmf-grants.org/home/eligible-countries). This scheme

also awards scholarships to women to study in South Africa (US$4,000) and

Latin America (US$3,000).

5. Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship is for women pursuing

undergraduate/graduate level degree in areas of computer science and

technology. This scholarship has a worth of approximately US$10,000. The

candidates are assessed for their academics as well as their leadership skills.

Along with financial aid, this scheme also awards an opportunity for a special

retreat, workshops, social activities, networking and speakers, at one of the

established regional offices of Google.

6. L’Oreal-UNESCO for Women in Science Program – This scheme awards 15

fellowships at an international level to women in the field of life sciences for

doctoral/postdoctoral research. “In the footsteps of Marie Curie” is a bonus

fellowship which is awarded every year to a student who has received an

international fellowship before, and has achieved exemplary results.

Subject specific scholarships

Computer Science

1. For anywhere in the world –

(a) Google Europe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

(b) Microsoft Scholarship Program

2. For The United States of America –

(a) AACE International Scholarships

3. For women -

(a) AWC Scholarship Fund for Women in Computing

(b) Palantir Scholarships for Women in Technology

(c) The Google Anita Borg Scholarship

(d) Women at Miscrosoft (WAM) Scholarship Fund

Engineering

1. Malaysia International Scholarships (MIS)

2. Imperial Sir John Cass’s Foundation Lord Mayor’s Scholarship Programme

(London residents only; having lived in London for a minimum of 1 year)

3. QMUL International Science and Engineering Excellence Awards

4. Curting Canning College Engineering International Scholarship

5. Amelia Earhart Fellowship – for a doctorate or PhD in aerospace and

engineering programs

6. CFSR Grants in Science and Engineering for Developing Countries – for

science and engineering students belonging to developing countries

Law

1. Erasmus+ Joint International Doctoral Degree – for PhD in law, science and

technology in Europe.

2. Law Foundation Graduate Scholarships

3. CIFR/CMCRC Honours Scholarship Program – for candidates with interest in

financial regulation.

4. Equity Scholarships Scheme @ QUT - a need based financial aid for fields in

engineering, science, business, health, law or education.

5. Master of Laws (LLM) Scholarship @ UoN

6. Max Planck Society Research Scholarships – doctoral/postdoctoral

scholarships

7. Master’s Scholarships for International Students @ Laval University

Medicine

1. University of Auckland John Hamel MacGregor Award in Medical Science

2. University of Wollongong Undergraduate Scholarship

3. American College of Surgeons International Guest Scholarships

4. ASCP Siemens Scholarships

5. ASME Grants and Fellowships

6. Doctor on Demand Scholarships

7. NAMASTE India Scholarships – for study and research in Europe at specified

universities.

8. Novo Nordisk Foundation Research Scholarships and Grants

9. University of Copenhagen PhD Scholarships

10. King’s College London Social Science, Health and Medicine Brusaries

11. St Georges Medical Scholarships

Destination specific scholarships

India and abroad

1. JN Ratan Tata Endowment Fund –

To cover Indian nationals with a monthly stipend of US$1,000

(maximum grants is limited to INR 3,80,000

Candidate must be a graduate from an Indian university, and should

have a consistent and good academic history

Also covers mid-career professionals and academicians (aged up to 45

years), looking to go abroad for expertise training in their field. Such

candidates must hold experience in that particular field.

Includes students studying in the final year or awaiting results of the

final year in any degree course.

Application must be submitted by March

Refer http://www.dorabjitatatrust.org/

2. Bharat Petroleum Scholarship –

It covers two years of education

Candidate must be aged below 25 years as on 1st September of the

current year. He must hold a minimum of 65% in arts, 70% in

commerce, engineering or science, at graduate level.

Applicant may hold admission in any recognised institution in India or

abroad for a postgraduate course in any field (other than fine arts), for a

duration up to 2 years.

Refer http://www.bharatpetroleum.in/scholarship/scholarship.asp

English speaking country with TOEFL scores

1. ETS TOEFL Scholarship

For Indian students who have excelled academically as well as in

extracurricular activities, including community services. The candidate

must also display good leadership potential

To pursue undergraduate/graduate course in India and abroad.

Candidate must be enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate course at an

institution listed as TOEFL Destinations and holds a TOEFL score that

is valid used for admission in the degree course

Application must be submitted by April

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

United Kingdom

1. Hornby Scholarships –

For full-time masters in a subject related to English Language Teaching

(ELT) in UK for one year. This covers the entire tuition fees.

Requires a 6.5 IELTS score or equivalent score in other English

language certificate exam, with evidence.

Application must be submitted by January

Refer http://www.britishcouncil.org/english

2. Chevening Scholarships –

An approximate of 700 scholarships are awarded for a full-time post

graduate degree, generally a one year master’s, for any subject and at

any university in the UK.

It covers full or part of the funding

Candidates are assessed based on their personal characteristics and

attributes.

Application must be submitted by March-April

Refer http://www.chevening.org/india/

3. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships –

For Indian citizen and resident, aged between 25-30 years.

The candidate should not have a CWIT grant, received in the previous 5

years.

The candidate must hold a first class degree/professional

qualification/diploma in the specified field.

Candidates with work experience are given preference.

Covers courses for a duration between 2-3 months to 1 year (maximum

limit).

Provides financial aid for living expenditure and accommodation costs

in UK, the payable fees and a portion of international travel fares. The

visa cost shall be borne by the applicant.

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

United States of America

1. The Fulbright Nehru Master’s Fellowship –

For Indian students (aged between 25 to 30 years)

Candidate must hold a minimum of 55% from an Indian university.

Candidate must have a 4 years bachelor’s degree, or else for a

bachelor’s degree of less than 3 years, the applicant must have a

minimum of 3 years professional work experience in the particular

field

Candidate must not have a degree from any other university in the US

Application must be submitted by July

Refer http://www.usief.org.in/Fulbright-Nehru-Fellowships.aspx

2. The Paul Foundation Scholarship

Preference is given to candidates from Kolkata

Indian graduates/postgraduates (aged below 30 years as on 1st November)

from top institutions in India and abroad, holding a first class degree. The

applicant must be a resident in India.

Applications must be submitted by November

Commonwealth countries

1. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan –

This scholarship is available for all commonwealth countries.

6 months duration for clinical training, 1 year duration for any master’s,

and 3 years duration for a PhD.

Eligibility and requirements vary with different courses

Applications must be submitted by September to October

Refer http://www.csfp-online.org/countries.html

Third World or developing countries

1. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program –

For candidates (preferably below 30 years of age) from developing

countries with poor financial resources, for a post graduate degree.

It covers tuition fees and living expenditure

Candidate has the freedom to choose the university. This is subject to

approval.

Application must be submitted by January

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

France

1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme –

For engineering master’s/postgraduate level degree or a jointly tutored

and supervised 10 month long course, as part of a PhD (preferred during

the 2nd

or 3rd

year).

For the master’s level, candidate must be aged below 30 years, and for

PhD, candidate must not be aged above 35 years, at the time of deadline

for the application.

Application must be submitted by January

There are a good range of options in scholarships and fellowships that you can find, with just

a little research. Identifying your needs and your strengths will make this process a whole lot

easier.