Studying abroad as an undergraduate student may sound an interesting but costly experience. The tuition fee, living costs and travelling expenses can be summed up fast by foreign students. Luckily, several undergraduate scholarships are created with the primary purpose to help international students reach their educational pursuits. This article discusses the kind of scholarships that one can apply for, the process of application, and some of the advice on gaining funds to carry out undergraduate education in a foreign country.
Types of Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
International students have a number of scholarships when advancing with an undergraduate degree. The various types of scholarships are offered by the government, universities, non-profits or non-profits and these may differ in the eligibility conditions as well as the amount to be given and the process to be followed.
Government-Funded Scholarships
Many governments around the world offer scholarships for international students as part of their foreign exchange and development programs. These scholarships are typically merit-based and are designed to attract bright students from all over the world. Government-funded scholarships often cover full tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs.
| Government Scholarship | Description |
| Fulbright Program | A U.S. government program offering scholarships for international students to study in the U.S. |
| Chevening Scholarships | A UK government scholarship for international students to pursue a one-year master’s or undergraduate program in the UK. |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Scholarships for students from developing countries to study in Australia. |
| DAAD Scholarships | German government scholarships for international students to study in Germany. |
E.g. Fulbright Program
The Fulbright program is one of the most valued government sponsored scholarship program to international students who need to study in the United States. It is available to students in more than 155 countries with details on tuition, boarding and travelling costs covered. It is a very competitive program with aspirants being required to fit certain academic standards and professional standards to qualify as applicants.
E.g. Chevening Scholarships
The UK government offers Chevening Scholarships to exceptional students all over the world. Such scholarships are full tuition covering, travel expenses, and a living allowance during the period of studying. The scholarships are open to an expansive number of fields, as well as undergraduate degrees, but are usually more competitive at postgraduate level.
University-Specific Scholarships
There are many scholarships which are given to international students at undergraduate level. Merit-based scholarships can be founded on academic or financial merit (or academic and financial merit). Scholarships Based On University Sometimes the scholarships available at the university have limitations on the GPA points, areas of concentration, or locality.
| University-Specific Scholarship | Description |
| University of Toronto International Scholarships | Provides international students with merit-based scholarships to study at the University of Toronto. |
| Yale University Scholarships | Offers scholarships for international students applying to undergraduate programs at Yale. |
| Stanford University Scholarships | Provides need-based scholarships for international students attending Stanford University. |
E.g. University of Toronto International Scholarships
The University of Toronto presents several undergraduate scholarships to international students. Such scholarships favor students that have portrayed excellence and leadership qualities in their school life. Undergraduate students carrying on their studies at the university are given some level of financial aid through entrance scholarships, merit based scholarships and the International Student Program.
E.g. Yale University Scholarships are an example.
Yale University provides financial assistance to international students on the basis of financial need. Yale is need-blind in its financial aid policy to its U.S. students and gives need-based financial assistance to international students as well. The university also fully supports the students seeking financial aid to meet the tuition fees, the room, board and other charges.
Non-Profit and Private Scholarships
International students can receive financial aid in the form of scholarships provided by non-governmental, non-profit organizations, and foundations besides government-funded and university-based scholarships. Such scholarships usually only rely on academic achievement, leadership, or even on disciplines.
| Private/Non-Profit Scholarship | Description |
| The Gates Scholarship | A prestigious scholarship for outstanding minority students in the U.S., which includes international students. |
| The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship | Provides scholarships for women from outside the U.S. and Canada to study in U.S. or Canadian institutions. |
| Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program | A scholarship for students from developing countries to study at universities around the world. |
E.g. The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship is a very competitive need based scholarship which selects outstanding students whose backgrounds are underrepresented. Although it is made mostly with the students of the U.S., international students who have a long academic record and who have leadership potential are free to apply. The scholarship is inclusive of all the fees (tuition and living), and it issues the recipient with continued academic and professional development support.
E.g. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship is granted to the women of foreign origin countries who desire to study undergraduate or graduate courses in the U.S. or Canada. The scholarship is very competitive and the applicant is to show academic excellence, leadership potential and ambition of global peace and understanding.
Field-Specific Scholarships
Certain scholarships are meant to attract international students with a degree in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), business, or art. Industry groups, commerce or professional associations often fund these scholarships.
| Field-Specific Scholarship | Description |
| STEM Scholarships for International Students | Scholarships for international students pursuing STEM degrees, such as those offered by the Siemens Foundation. |
| The Arts Scholarship Program | Offers scholarships for international students pursuing degrees in the arts, including music, theater, and visual arts. |
| Business and Economics Scholarships | Various scholarships available for international students pursuing degrees in business and economics. |
E.g. STEM Scholarships to International Students
Siemens Foundation provides scholarships to foreign students getting a STEM degree in U.S. colleges. The scholarships are granted upon the achievements in science (academic excellence) and prospective success in the STEM domain. The foundation also provides mentoring and networking which helps the students to have an effective career.
E.g. Business and Economics Scholarships.
Students around the globe who study business and economics at undergraduate level have the opportunity to obtain scholarships proposed by international organizations such as the World Bank, UNIDO, and companies in different industries. The scholarships will encourage innovations and international cooperation in the business- economics field.
The application of Undergraduate scholarships
The international students may find it competitive to apply in an undergraduate scholarship program, but they can enhance their odds with the right planning and preparation. These are some of the application tips:
- Research: Begin early and research scholarship opportunities by utilizing government websites, university websites and scholarship databases.
- Eligibility Criteria: We emphasized that you must meet the target eligibility requirements of each of the scholarships, like GPA, area of studies or nationality.
- Documents Preparation: Collect the documents required, such as academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements and statement of need.
- Write a Powerful Application: Customize the application so as to show your academic achievements, leadership and career goals. Individualize an application to a scholarship.
- Be organized: Keep yourself on schedule and all the papers handed in.
Conclusion
The international students undergraduate scholarships are essential in the process of democratizing higher education. There is a great number of government funded scholarships (as well as those offered by specific universities and non-governmental funding opportunities), and lots of opportunities to seek an undergraduate degree in a foreign university. Learning the types of scholarships and processing the application procedure, international students will be able to decrease the financial load of their studies and possibly attend to academic and professional achievements.
Key Takeaways
- Government Scholarships: These scholarships are normally provided by the government and they generally provide all the way tuition costs, living and traveling costs.
- Scholarships on a University-Specific Basis: It is not uncommon to find international scholarships that are granting merit-based scholarships or need-based scholarships in various universities.
- Private and Non-Profit Scholarships: Private foundations and organizations provide the student with scholarships according to his or her academic performance, leadership, and intended specific areas of study.
- Field-Specific Scholarships: Field scholarships are given to the students who take STEM, business, and arts degrees, among others.
- Tips On Application: Start your research early, make sure that you meet their eligibility, prepare the files, draft a powerful application to make it better.
References:
- International Scholarships – International Scholarships internationalstudent.com
- Scholarships for International Students – Study in the USA studyusa.com
- Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students – Scholarship Portal scholarships.com