Background
In 2019, I was honoured to receive the British Council Scholarship,
covering the entire tuition fee for pursuing my master's education
in MSc Sports and Exercise Science in the UK. This opportunity
proved to be immensely beneficial, especially considering the
financial challenges that often accompany international education.
The prospect of paying high tuition fees can be daunting for
aspiring students, and I have frequently come across inquiries about
the application process and available scholarships. Therefore here I
aim to share my experiences navigating this process and provide
insights for prospective students seeking scholarships to study at a
university abroad. When students aspire to pursue higher education
overseas, a significant challenge they come across is financial
management. International students are required to pay a tuition fee
that is substantially higher, almost double, compared to that for
native residents of the host country. The most common means of
financial support is through bank loans; however, the drawback lies
in their repayment, which could eventually become a burden for the
student or their parents. Therefore, students must contemplate how
they can leverage their academic merit and extracurricular
achievements to add value to potential organisations that may offer
support through scholarships, covering tuition fees and/or living
expenses.
When students aspire to pursue higher education overseas, a
significant challenge they come across is financial management.
International students are required to pay a tuition fee that is
substantially higher, almost double, compared to that for native
residents of the host country. The most common means of financial
support is through bank loans; however, the drawback lies in their
repayment, which could eventually become a burden for the student or
their parents.
Therefore, students must contemplate how they can leverage their
academic merit and extracurricular achievements to add value to
potential organisations that may offer support through scholarships,
covering tuition fees and/or living expenses.
What are scholarships?
Scholarships refer to financial aid granted to students based on
merit, aiming to support and advance their education. This assistance
often involves a highly competitive process, with applicants competing
on a national or even global scale.
Who provides Scholarships?
1. Government Organisations: The majority of scholarships are provided
by the government of the country where you intend to pursue your
education.
2. Non-government Organisations (NGOs) in your country
that offer scholarships.
3. Charities: Organisations engaged in philanthropic
activities and supporting goodwill projects.
4. University Scholarships
where you wish to pursue your higher education. So it may be a good starting
point to get in touch with them initially.
Who is eligible for scholarships?
Eligibility for scholarships is determined by various criteria, which
may vary depending on the specific scholarship you are applying for.
Here are some key factors that can make you eligible:
1. Academic Performance: Demonstrating consistent academic excellence throughout
your educational journey.
2. Extracurricular Achievements: Actively
participating in extracurricular activities, as organisations often seek
well-rounded individuals beyond academic excellence.
3. Voluntary
Work: Engaging in volunteer work within your community that contributes
to social welfare.
4. Professional Work Experience: Having relevant industry experience in
your field of expertise, acquired through jobs or internships.
5. Field of Study: Certain subject areas, such as STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), may have a higher number of
available scholarships compared to others such as sports and art.
How is the application process?
Before applying, consider the following
1. Plan Early:
Initiate your planning at least 8-12 months before the commencement of
your higher education.
2. Conduct Research: Gain a thorough understanding
of the scholarship organisation's mission and values, as well as details
about the course and university. Network with previous scholars through
platforms like LinkedIn to learn from their experiences.
3. Organise Documents: Begin preparing your documentation early,
as this process can be time-consuming. Ensure that you have arranged essential
documents such as your CV, Statement of Purpose, reference letters, academic
transcripts, and other required materials.
While applying, considering the following
While applying, considering the following
1. Complete the University Application Form: Similarly, complete the university
application form as part of the application process.
2. Complete the Scholarship Application Form: Ensure that you thoroughly
fill out the scholarship application form.
3. Interview Process: Depending on the organisation, the interview process
may involve 1-2 stages of face-to-face interviews conducted by subject
matter experts. Expect questions related to your area of expertise, recent
developments in the field, and current affairs both in India and worldwide.
An image providing a few examples of interview questions is included for
reference.
Interview Tips
1. Thoroughly Know Your CV and Application Form: Familiarise yourself
thoroughly with your CV and the details provided in your application
form.
2. Active Listening: Listen attentively without
interrupting, demonstrating your attentiveness to the conversation.
3. Effective Communication: Communicate efficiently and succinctly.
It is beneficial to have data prepared with concrete arguments to
support your responses.
4. Patience and Composure: Maintain
patience and composure throughout the interview, even when faced with
challenging or cross-questioning situations. 🙂
What are organisations looking for from candidates?
1. Future Potential: Organisations seek candidates who demonstrate the
potential for achieving career success through their current
accomplishments, genuine passion for the subject, and clear career
aspirations.
2. Personality Traits: Ensure your personality stands
out by highlighting your uniqueness, leadership skills, and effective communication
abilities.
3. Community Involvement: Organisations actively seek
candidates who can showcase their impact on the community and society through
their work. Showcasing community involvement can strengthen your candidacy.
What happens after the scholarship process?
1. Awaiting Results: Allow time for the evaluation process, patiently
waiting for the scholarship results.
2. Scholarship Award
Declaration: Upon completion of the assessment, the scholarship awards
will be officially declared.
3. IELTS (Country-Specific):
Depending on the country you intend to visit, you may need to
undertake the IELTS examination as part of the visa application
process.
4. Visa Application: Once awarded the scholarship and having
met language proficiency requirements, proceed to apply for the necessary
visa to travel abroad.
Final words
1. Be mindful of deadlines: Mindfully adhere to deadlines, completing
your application at least one week in advance. Take a break and
revisit it after a couple of days for a fresh perspective.
2. Perfect
your CV and Personal Statement: Perfect your CV and personal statement.
Seek feedback from 2-3 individuals in your field to ensure quality and
effectiveness.
3. Believe in yourself: Last but important is to
have a strong sense of belief in your capabilities, underlining the
importance of thorough preparation for the application process.
Dedicate yourself to putting in the necessary effort and hard work to
achieve your goals, approaching the entire process with confidence.
Throughout this journey, maintain a positive attitude, as it can have
a significant role in shaping a successful outcome.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I'll do my best to provide
answers!
