How to bag a study abroad scholarship

The most obvious route to cutting study expenses is by seeking refuge in scholarships and financial grants. Here's a sequential line of action to help you get the funding you need

Wondering how life would be just so perfect if a leading university like Harvard or Cambridge came knocking on your door with a fantastic scholarship?

You might not get a literal knock on your door, but you may get to walk down their hallowed halls at little cost.

According to international education counsellor Swati Salunkhe, the selection of students is based on consistent high academic performance, interest in the field of study, extracurricular activities, how they add value to the programme, and the genuineness of receiving the scholarship.

Focus on these to ensure chances of getting the scholarship.

Follow these simple steps and land a coveted scholarship to fund your international education.

1. Pick your country and subject

Decide the country or countries you want to study in as well as the subjects.

Even though most students prefer the United Kingdom, US universities are known to provide more scholarships.

Run a generic search of universities that provide scholarships to Indian students.

Search for government-aided and privately awarded scholarships available for Indian students to study abroad.

Shortlist those scholarships and universities that suit your requirements.

Look up the tuition fees and living expenses of the universities so you have a rough idea of how much funding to ask for.

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2. Apply Apply Apply

Don't restrict yourself to one scholarship; the chances of winning it are low.

Apply to multiple scholarship awarding bodies.

Application forms are usually available on the websites of the universities (look under the 'funding' tab).

Similarly, forms for privately funded scholarships are also available online.

Before sending in your applications, read all the clauses given under both government and private scholarships.

They may contain terms you may not find agreeable, for example, one may state that the student has to return to work in their own country or in a particular sector.

3. Write a winning application

The number of applicants always exceed the scholarships available; your application therefore needs to stand out.

Besides academic excellence, bring out your hobbies, passions and work experiences.

Use your strengths to your advantage.

For example, if you are good at debating, mention how this reflects your command over English, your speaking skills, your confidence, etc.

Give a rounded impression of yourself, your aspirations and what the scholarship can do for you. A good application essay will increase your chances of winning the scholarship.

4. Submit before deadline

After you have finished constructing your application, submit before the deadline.

In fact, submit your application way before so that you are on top of the pile and get preference above others.

Missing the deadline will ruin your chances completely.

5. Be patient

Scholarships don't come easy, and one of the most important things they require is patience. So be patient.

If you are good enough and deserve the scholarship, you will be awarded.