What types of scholarships are available for international students?

International students can access several types of scholarships: Merit-based scholarships (awarded for academic excellence), Need-based scholarships (based on financial need), Country-specific scholarships (for students from particular countries), University scholarships (offered by individual institutions), Government scholarships (like Chevening, DAAD, Australia Awards), Subject-specific scholarships (for particular fields of study), and Athletic scholarships (for sports achievements).

How do I find scholarships to study abroad?

You can find scholarships through: University websites (check financial aid sections), Government scholarship databases (like EducationUSA, DAAD), Scholarship search engines (Scholarship Portal, Study Portals), Professional organizations in your field, Country-specific scholarship programs, and education consultancies like Grad Globe that provide personalized scholarship matching services.

What is the eligibility criteria for international scholarships?

Common eligibility criteria include: Strong academic record (typically GPA 3.0+ or equivalent), Standardized test scores (IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT if required), Proof of admission or application to a university, Financial need documentation (for need-based scholarships), Essays or personal statements, Letters of recommendation, Citizenship or residency requirements, and sometimes work experience or extracurricular achievements.

When should I apply for scholarships?

Start your scholarship search 12-18 months before your intended study start date. Many scholarship deadlines are 6-12 months before program start. Some scholarships require you to have an admission offer first, while others can be applied for simultaneously with your university application. Early application is crucial as many scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis.

Can I get a full scholarship to study abroad?

Yes, fully-funded scholarships are available but highly competitive. Examples include: Fulbright Program (USA), Chevening Scholarships (UK), DAAD Scholarships (Germany), Australia Awards, Commonwealth Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus (Europe), and university-specific full scholarships. These typically cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes additional allowances. Strong academic records and compelling applications are essential.

Do I need to pay back scholarships?

No, scholarships are gift aid that does not need to be repaid, unlike student loans. However, some scholarships may have conditions such as maintaining a minimum GPA, completing the program, or fulfilling service requirements (like returning to your home country for a certain period). Always read the scholarship terms carefully to understand any obligations.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships?

Yes, you can and should apply for multiple scholarships to maximize your funding opportunities. There's no limit to the number of scholarships you can apply for. However, if you receive multiple awards, some scholarships may have policies about combining them with other funding. Always disclose all scholarships received and check with each provider about their stacking policies.

What documents are needed for scholarship applications?

Typical documents required include: Academic transcripts and certificates, Standardized test scores (IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT), Statement of Purpose or scholarship essay, Letters of Recommendation (2-3), CV/Resume highlighting achievements, Proof of admission or application, Financial need documentation (bank statements, income certificates), Passport copy, and Research proposals (for research scholarships). Requirements vary by scholarship.

Are there scholarships that cover living expenses?

Yes, many scholarships cover more than just tuition. Fully-funded scholarships typically include: Tuition fees, Monthly living stipend, Accommodation allowance, Travel grants (airfare), Health insurance, Book allowance, and sometimes research or conference funding. Partial scholarships may cover only tuition or a percentage of total costs. Check individual scholarship details for what's included.

How competitive are international student scholarships?

Competition varies by scholarship type. Government scholarships like Fulbright or Chevening are highly competitive (1-5% acceptance rate). University scholarships range from moderately to highly competitive. Subject-specific or country-specific scholarships may be less competitive. To improve chances: Start early, maintain strong academics, craft compelling essays, secure strong recommendations, demonstrate leadership and community involvement, and apply to multiple opportunities. Grad Globe's counselors can help strengthen your applications.

Study Abroad Scholarships for International Students | Grad Globe

ANU Global Tuition Relief Fund

Australian National University

Course

All undergraduate programs

Deadline

Oct 20, 2025

Amount

$20,000

Country

Australia

View and Apply

Columbia International Living Aid

Columbia University

Course

Social Sciences

Deadline

Oct 30, 2025

Amount

$30,000

Country

United States

View and Apply

ENS Paris Science Fellowship

École Normale Supérieure

Course

Natural Sciences

Deadline

Oct 25, 2025

Amount

$40,000

Country

France

View and Apply

Heidelberg Cultural Exchange Scholarship

Heidelberg University

Course

Humanities

Deadline

Oct 10, 2025

Amount

$25,000

Country

Germany

View and Apply

MIT Research Support Grant

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Course

Engineering and Computer Science

Deadline

Nov 19, 2025

Amount

$50,000

Country

United States

View and Apply

Trinity Health and Study Support

Trinity College Dublin

Course

Health Sciences

Deadline

Nov 9, 2025

Amount

$20,000

Country

Ireland

View and Apply

Study Abroad Scholarships for International Students

Scholarship for StudyAbroad

ANU Global Tuition Relief Fund

Columbia International Living Aid

ENS Paris Science Fellowship

Heidelberg Cultural Exchange Scholarship

MIT Research Support Grant

Trinity Health and Study Support

Scholarship for Study
Abroad