The idea of going abroad for studies always seems like a far-fetched dream due to hindrances like excess expenditure and lack of accessibility to foreign universities. However, not many students are aware of the host of scholarships and programs that foreign universities offer to students who are academically sound but need financial aid. In today’s time, getting a scholarship is easier than you think! How, you ask? Read on.
Delve Deep, research well
There are a variety of scholarships out there. But before you make your choice, you need to develop an understanding of what you want from the scholarship you’re seeking. Research on the types of scholarships that are available to you. Some of them are as follows-
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- Subject-specific scholarships – These encourage a specific subject. Thus students interested to study only those subjects can apply.
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- Program specific scholarships – Certain programs are given financial aid and students applying for only those programs will qualify.
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- Student-Specific Scholarships – Sometimes universities are on the look-out for certain type of students. Students with high merit, athletic abilities and minorities are the ones who qualify for this batch of scholarships
- Organisation-provided scholarships – There are a number of organizations that work for the upliftment of a particular section of the society. Be sure to research them well. For instance, the Aditya Birla scholarship encourages the bright scholars of our country who are studying in premier institutions of engineering, law and management.
Directly contact the scholarship/grant funder
If you want your application to pass the eligibility requirements and get selected, you need to know the nitty-gritty details of the scholarship. One way to do this is by contacting the grant funder directly. If there is no mode of initial approach listed on the website, you can contact them via email or telephone. Doing this will not only show initiative, but it will also help you make a good first impression.
Build a smashing resume
Create a solid resume that gives a comprehensive overview of your achievements, skills, training, and personality. There are various sites that explain how to make a resume if you haven’t created one already.
Your cover letter is equally important as it conveys to the university why you should be given the scholarship and the value you will add to their educational center. Find out the goals and values of the University and state how you can fulfill them. Use them in your application as keywords. They are bound to attract attention.
Cover letters can be tricky thus, take some time out and make a list of the things you want to put forth. For more tips, click here.
Don’t underestimate the power of references. Take references from your teachers and past employers. Doing this will add more value to your application.
Include a plan for giving back
Even if the scholarship applications don’t ask for it, include a plan on how you will give back to the society/community once you have graduated. This can include short videos about the best landmarks in the country or a blog that you’ll run to impart your knowledge to other students. An effort to help others rarely ever goes unappreciated.
Mark your calendar
If you are applying for a number of grants, it can get difficult to keep track of all the deadlines and applications you’ve sent. This might seem obvious, but make a calendar with each deadline clearly marked against the name of the educational institution. This will help you stay organized if you’re sending more than one application.
If you don’t land a scholarship, fret not. Continue to work towards your goals and improve your eligibility and you can reapply next year!
Found this article interesting? Read more >> https://careerninja.in/other/scholarships-institutes/
