Top 10 tips on getting that scholarship

Many of you will rely on some financial support to pay for your international education. For some, a scholarship could mean the difference between studying… and not studying. For others, it just helps with the cost of living, and also provides a bit extra to enjoy student life.

There are many scholarships available, and not all of them require you to prove you’re the most academically gifted person on earth. But they are incredibly competitive. So how do you make sure you get the scholarship or bursary you deserve?

Top tip #1: You usually can’t apply for a scholarship until you have been accepted into the course
This may seem like it’s the wrong way around, but you do need to know you can pay your tuition fees and travel expenses without a scholarship. That way, if you do win a grant, you can pay back your local bank loan or have a bit of extra spending money.

Top tip #2: It’s not going to cover everything
Repeat after me… you can’t study for free. If you’re lucky enough to get a rare full scholarship, you’ll still have to find money for your travel, food, books, health insurance, phone calls and fun.

Top tip #3: Look beyond your university
You can find a complete list of scholarships on many websites, including those awarded by private foundations (such as a Fulbright Scholarship), or government bodies in the host country (such as the British Council) or your own country (such as the Department of Education). Check carefully to see if you’re eligible – many have nationality, course or age restrictions.

Top tip #4: Every little bit helps
Even if it’s just a small grant towards the cost of your books, it’s worth taking the time to apply. It’s one less thing to worry about when you get there!

Top tip #5: Apply for as many as you can
Yes, it takes time. But it’s free money! So make a list of all the scholarships you are eligible for. Double-check you have all the right documents to prove your case, and get someone read over your supporting essay or letter. It’s always good to get another point of view.

Top tip #6: Be confident
If the application requires a letter or essay explaining why you deserve the scholarship, don’t be shy. List all your relevant achievements – not just academic results but also community work, career experience and awards.

Top tip #7: Avoid scholarship scams
There is no such thing as a ‘guaranteed scholarship’. You should never have to pay an application fee for a scholarship. Unfortunately, some dodgy scholarship companies will just take your money and disappear.

Top tip #8: Allow plenty of time
You need to think about your finances at least 18 months before you hope to start your course. But once you have been accepted onto the course, you may only have a short window of time where you can apply for a course-specific scholarship. So don’t miss your deadline; keep in touch with your StudyLink counsellor and with the University’s international office.

Top tip #9: Keep a record of all the documents
You need proof of funds to get your visa sorted, and that includes the scholarship offer or agreement.

Top tip #10: Have a back up plan
Don’t despair if all those applications come to nothing. There are other ways to finance your education. Student loans, help from your friends and family, and company sponsorships are worth looking into as well.

Your StudyLink counsellor can help you with scholarship applications – just talk to us if you want help finding the best option for you.

Comments

[Neeraj]

find this link

http://www.mastersmindtechnologies.com/yourgifts

[nazir]

i want to study university abroad of country.
i live in afghanistan.plz help me

[gaganpreet]

atleast one n a half yr passsed i didnt get any coll name or subject which i want to do..

[anil babu]

haiiiiiiiiii i m anil please provide some info regarding scholarship

[jag mann]

hi. plz tell me some thing about course. and the esiest way of finance

[Michael]

Please My name is Michael..from Ghana,West Africa.
I just finished my first semester in Diploma in Architectural Technolgy.But I couldnt continue because no money...Please if God wills I want to have a scholarship to be able to finished.
Please help me in Jesus name.Amen

[sovhita]

hello! m a microbiology graduate student. i have scored first class in all the three consequtive years. i have a keen interest in research field and have an ability to work hard. my very wish is to persue masters in uk, but my financial condition is not strong enough. with this i have a good record of extra carricular activities. so are there any possible scholarships i can get?? pl help!

[leo]

Please My name is leoeto..east timor,south east asia.
I just finish my senior high school but i wanted to study at university abroad, but how could i????

[prabhu]

please send me details about study in singapore(mba(finance))

[anmol]

i want to do degree in electronics & communication in canada plz help me out.......

[Noel Chinyama]

Hi
I have a diploma in Accounting, I want sponsorship to proceed with my education up to degree level anywhere.

[M.Atique Akhter]

I am almost finished my Ph.D (degree not awarded) may be i'll get Ph.D degree in this year.
I want study some Taxonomic techniques (entomology) in British Museum of Natural History.
Could i get any scholarship ?

[Concepcion Solano]

Ma`am,

I am hoping I will be one among the lucky appilicats who will be granted for a schoolarship. I am teaching in a school where facilities are lacking. With this I am challenged to go further studies to equip myself with the latest trend in Education especially in the field of Science.

Anchored on the saying that goes, "He/she who dares to teach should not cease to learn." For sure it is not only myself who will benefit in this program but my students as well.

Please keep me in touched with the latest news about the Study Link program.

More power and God bless!

Concepcion Solano
Bohol, Philippines

[Mr.pueng KHAMMALA]

dear Sir.
hi my name is Mr. pueng KHAMMALA, I live in laos. I study Economics at last year.
I will get the degree on Sep 2009 and i would like to continue my studying in oversea in the same or related of my bachelor degree, Economics, Finance,banking ...
But i don't have money to pay for the course and anything, so that i am looking for free scholarship in here. If you available could you give me please ?

[Mr.pueng KHAMMALA]

Hello
I have some questions to ask you.
1 How could i get scholarship ?
2How could i apply for ?

[Mridha Md. Saiful Islam (Sujan)]

Hi,
I am from Bangladesh, Dhaka University student.
I am second year student of Business Administration, Accounting is major of my Bachelor degree. But, I want to have my Business Administration degrees (BBA & MBA) abroad with full free scholarship.
Is it possible to get scholarship at mid-level of my study?
I am not financially strong enough to study abroad, but like to dream to have so.
Please, advise me better way you can.
(Saiful)

[m a aleem]

me from india
i am about to complete my degree from (electronic and communication engineering)in sep 2009. i wish to persue master in uk and i need scholership to continue my studies.

[Jo-Anna Zendra Lee]

Im from Malaysia,age23, my parents are retiree from Civil servant. I like to pursue my education.How could I get scholarship aand how to apply. Thanks JoAnna

[Jamie Jules Christopher P. Rodriguez]

This is Jamie and I am still in 2nd yr high school or grade 8, can I avail of your scholarship in high school? I plan to transfer soon. HELP ME PLEASE!

[Lauren]

hi..thanks for the info you have just posted!! i just wanted to know more on scholarships and if possible,sponsors..how can i find them..i really need help for my studies..if anyone there who could read this and can help me in my studies..pls,email me...thanks once again!!

[M.naseemullahjan]

i want to study university abroad of country.
i live in afghanistan.plz help me

[uyanga]

i want to study university abroad of country.
i live in mongolia .plz help me

[Zahid]

hi,
how can i get to abroad studies i am student of horticulture in Afghanistan now i wish to study for further in uk how can i may aligible for scholership for free ,

[ritesh kumar]

there is no any procedure for getting scholarship by enterence exam or other formalities.........

[rony kumar saha]

hi,i m rony,from bangladesh,our country r very poor,so sir, plz... thing us any scholarship for me,i want scholarship,bcoz this is our power.do something for my country,,,,,

[jackrons]

MBA from Australia

if you want to get admissions to a MBA program in Australia then you have to meet the following Eligibility Criteria. Mostly B-Schools in Australia, give admissions according to these rules.

1. To pursue an MBA in Australia, first a candidate must complete their three-year graduation degree courses for admissions to the MBA programme.

2. There are some universities in Australia that accept candidates for the MBA program without a bachelor degree provides they have extensive work experience and major professional achievements.

for more information

MBA from Australia

[dinni nurhayani]

I'm dinni nurhayani,
a high school student in Indonesia, sitting in the last year (grade 12th).
I hope I can continue my study abroad, taking undergraduate or bachelor degree.
However, I have financial problem for studying abroad. I hope someone or somepeople can help me.
I need scholarship for covering tuition fee or living cost.
I'm interesting with biotechnology or chemical engineering and love to study in europe or singapore.

thank.

[wang wanli]

i hope pursue my favorite theoretical meteorology or goephysics ,is there anybody who like or can help me!!

wang wanli
email :[email protected]

thank you!

[MUHAMMAD NAIM DANISHMAL]

DEAR SIR/MADAM.
I AM MUHAMMAD NAIM DANISHMAL AGE 22 FROM AFGHANISTAN.
I GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOLIN 2006 AND STILL I AM APPLYING FOR PREE STUDY AND SCOLARSHIP BUT NO POSITIVE RESPONCE I AM FININCIALLY VERY WEAK TO STUDY IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES. PLEASE SIR HELP ME. PLEASE HELP ME HOW TO JOIN UNIVERSITY ABROAD THE COUNTRY FOR FREE.

[MUSA KAJIM MOUSUM]

can it possiable as international student i can get worked in Sweden and earnings my living expenses as a undergradute student. is in itwork is available in Sweden plz reply me or any scholarship.