One of the first concerns that invades the minds of students who want to go to university abroad is the amount of money that the tuition payment will represent until the end of the course, as well as the expenses that they will have to cover for maintenance. ; especially if they have a financing program.
In many cases, this financial aid determines the acceptance or rejection of a certain academic offer; as it is insufficient and the candidate cannot afford the remaining difference. For this reason, we give you more information about scholarships, as well as advice so that you can take the most suitable one for you.
Types of scholarships
-
By coverage:
Total scholarship: it is the scholarship desired by all, upon receiving it all university costs are covered, including: tuition, accommodation, transfers and maintenance.
Partial scholarship: usually covers between 35% and 90% of the total cost of university tuition. It is also known as a half-scholarship and is the usual option for universities, because it allows them to encourage several students at the same time.
-
For reasons:
Academic excellence: as its name says, it is the aid granted by the institutions to outstanding students who have the highest academic averages. They can be total or partial depending on the university.
Sports and artistic: they are those that recognize the sports or artistic qualities of the students who combine their academic studies with outstanding participation in the sports and artistic groups of the institution. They can also be total or partial.
Research: they are usually for postgraduate students, although on some occasions universities consider supporting the development of undergraduate research, granting scholarships to young people if the proposal is outstanding.
What is the coverage of a scholarship?
Usually, it consists of a discount that is applied to the price of the registration fees. It is not a payment of money to the beneficiary. In the case of an educational loan, students receive a certain amount every so often. Scholarship coverage usually varies, from about a thousand to about 25 thousand dollars or more.
popular scholarships
Some of the most recognized and prestigious in the world are:
- UK Government Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Erasmus scholarships
- Subsidies from the Royal Society
A scholarship that covers 100%… Fact or fiction?
That is the question asked by all those interested in pursuing higher education studies abroad, especially those who could only achieve it if they receive sponsorship. Unfortunately, the answer is negative; because there are no financial aid programs for international students that contemplate the payment of the entire course. However, some can cover 85% of the cost, but they are very limited.
Research grants and scholarships:
Students should know that technical grants and scholarships are very different from regular scholarships. As researchers, they spend long hours dedicated to projects in laboratories, which are financed by large corporations and/or government entities. By receiving income for their work, they are subject to being replaced if the research fails or becomes economically unsustainable; and the competition to get this type of place is extremely close.
How to apply for a scholarship?
This is the most important step in the entire process. Once you have made a list of the institutions in which you would like to study, check their web pages in search of scholarship programs for foreign students. Read in detail the requirements to determine if you are eligible, and proceed to apply for each of them.
Be careful and meticulous when collecting the requested information, and send it on time. Keep in mind that in addition to these types of scholarships, many philanthropists and private entities offer help before academic enrollment periods.
In addition, take these recommendations into account to choose the financing that best suits you:
- Study the market: analyze the future labor field and see which are the specializations with which you will have the greatest opportunities in the future. If the scholarship you are applying for is to obtain a degree higher than a bachelor’s degree, consider that it adds value to your resume.
- Identify your skills: make a diagnosis of your skills in order to select the best scholarship option. For example, if you do not consider yourself good with numbers and you plan to study something related to engineering, the road will be more uphill.
- Evaluate the financing: there are some scholarships that cover 100% of tuition or most of the expenses, but there are others that do not have that option. If you will take a scholarship abroad, you must consider living expenses for the duration of the program.
- Analyze the call: you must carefully read all the information and clauses of the scholarship in case there are any doubts, in order to have enough time to let the issuing institution know before sending the application.
- Consider the language: mastering a second language is an advantage when applying and at the same time it will be more likely that students who speak the language of the destination country will be awarded scholarships.
- Commit yourself: not only the average is vital to maintain the scholarship, your behavior will be too. Respect the rules of the institution and make sure you have the ability to adapt culturally.
