We all can relate to the fact that the thought of pursuing your studies abroad has become increasingly worrisome for many students. Most of us brush away our study abroad dreams because of financial troubles or lack of funds. Even though we have solutions like loans, collaterals, lending-borrowing, etc., to jump across this hurdle, most of us don’t want to feel pressured under that burden. Studying abroad should be an empowering, life-changing experience rather than being a burden. For such reasons, universities and institutes across have started integrating postgraduate scholarships and masters degree funding options for students. Here is a comprehensive guide and list of postgraduate scholarships you should consider this year:
What are postgraduate scholarships?
In layman’s terms, postgraduate scholarships are a way to fund your higher education, master’s studies, or your living costs. Unlike other sources like postgraduate loans, based on their nature, students are offered scholarships on different criteria like academic merit, abilities, minority status, financial need, etc. Anyone and everyone is eligible to apply and secure a postgraduate scholarship. Moreover, the cherry on the cake is that you are not liable to repay any amount to the university or funding organization. Still confused on how scholarships function? Check out our blog What is a scholarship? How do they really work?
Why get a postgraduate scholarship?
There are many reasons as to why you should opt for postgraduate scholarships. Pursuing postgraduate degrees can be expensive, way more than what you paid for your Batchelors; a postgraduate scholarship can help you provide financial assistance, as that money will cover tuition fee, your cost of living in the new place and other miscellaneous costs. You’ll also get a sort of academic validation if you’re granted a scholarship as they are very competitive. They will also look great on your resume as they will be a proof that demonstrating your potential to your future employers or academic institutions leading to a brighter future. Postgraduate scholarships also provide many networking opportunities leading to potential collaborations and partnerships. Moreover, winning a postgraduate scholarship boosts your confidence and gives you a chance at developing new skills and knowledge that can benefit you in many ways in your life.
Types of postgraduate scholarships
Getting awarded scholarships can be a huge relief! Moreover, it is important to choose the right scholarship to get one. Different scholarships are designed based on your academic abilities, need for financial support, and minority status. Tapping into which of them would be the most suitable for your profile will increase your chances of getting a postgraduate scholarship. Here are a few types of master’s scholarships you should be aware of:
1. Merit aid scholarships
College is an expensive affair! Most universities and colleges want to give a seat to the brightest minds and high-potential-driven individuals. The purpose of awarding a merit-based scholarship is to eliminate any financial burdens to boost the existing potential of an applicant. A college application for a merit aid scholarship is typically reviewed by assessing your GPA, test scores like GMAT or GRE, academic activities, and much more! Lastly, you cannot spell “merit” without your extracurricular activities! Many scholarship reviewing committees consider you an overall “meritable” individual. So, your profile should have a good mix of extracurricular activities like sports, athletics, drama clubs, or volunteering activities. Most universities give fully funded scholarships for international students. If you feel that your scores wouldn’t speak much for grabbing a postgraduate scholarship, don’t be discouraged, that’s where the option of need-based scholarships is open.
Here is your guide to preparing for GRE along with all you need to know about GRE 2023.
Here are some scholarships for postgraduate students based on Merit:
2. Need-based scholarships
Colleges, universities abroad, and private funding are very considerate and generous with funding opportunities for students facing financial crunch. Need-based scholarships are made for people who are not financially privileged yet have the zeal, commitment and passion for changing the world.
Here are some scholarships for postgraduate students based on need:
3. Diversity Scholarships
Most universities abroad believe in building a diverse and inclusive cohort, so many need-based postgraduate scholarships are made available for students from developing countries, special needs, women, minority-based, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Diversity scholarships are aimed at helping students to uplift themselves from critical circumstances and foster the notion of “equal opportunities and education for all.”
Here are some scholarships for postgraduate students based on diversity:
Employer-Sponsored Scholarships
The scholarship’s name itself is self-explanatory; Employer-Sponsored Scholarships are also a form of postgraduate scholarship, but unlike universities, it is funded by your employer. Some companies believe in upskilling their employees by presenting them with funding opportunities for higher studies & supporting them by paying or reimbursing their tuition.
Big companies would be willing to invest in courses like an MBA that will benefit your career prospects and employability in the company. Before claiming your scholarship, read all the clauses of whether they would expect you to work for them after graduation or require no contribution from your side as an “employee”.
Here are some scholarships for postgraduate students based on employer sponsorship:
- Deloitte
- Apple
- Chevron
- Intel
- Procter & Gamble
Postgraduate Scholarships & Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
The abundance of postgraduate scholarships is as many as Starbucks outlets mushrooming at every corner of university campuses. Although there are many in-house university scholarships, third-party organization scholarships, or funding; here are some best postgraduate scholarships for international students that should be on your radar
1. Chevening Scholarship
Universities: Al UK universities
Country: United Kingdom
Scholarship amount: £18,000
Chevening scholarship is one of best scholarships for graduate students. Studying for your masters in the UK is considered a privilege only a few of us attain. But, the Chevening postgraduate scholarship is making this privilege accessible to everyone. By shaking hands with the Foreign and Commonwealth office and other partner organizations, it gives 1,500 students across the globe a chance to study in the UK through its scholarships and fellowships. Every recipient of the chevening scholarship wins an opportunity to fully fund tuition fees, airfare, and a monthly stipend to survive in the UK.
Eligibility:
- Be a citizen of Chevening-eligible countries
- Must have a second class 2:1 honours degree in the UK
- Have at least 2 years of work experience
- Apply to 3 different eligible UK university courses
2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
Universities: Eligible university list
Country: Europe
Scholarship amount: €4,500 for programme country and €9000 for a partner country
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is your gateway to Europe! Students eagerly looking to make their mark of excellence in European colleges and universities are eligible to apply. This joint master’s scholarship not only aims to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, travel cost, and insurance but also expose you to global and international opportunities, experiences, networking, etc.
Eligibility:
- Need to have a bachelor’s degree or must be in your last year
- Need to have a GPA of 2.5 to 3.0
- Minimum score of IELTS is 6.5 or TOEFL requirement of 550
3. Fulbright Scholarship
Universities: Harvard University, Stanford University, Columbia Univeristy, MIT, Georgia Tech, the university of Michigan and many more.
Country: United States & United Kingdom
Scholarship amount: $25,000
The United States is one of the top destinations to study abroad. Many students want to accomplish their fantasy of living the “American dream” every year by studying in the top reputed universities and colleges. The Fulbright Scholarship gives students an exclusive one-year opportunity to study at an American university. Candidates are usually filtered based on their excellence, leadership skills, and cultural openness.
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of US
- Must have a bachelors degree
- Language requirements
- Strong academic record
- 4 years of professional training in creating and performing arts
Want to know the secrets of getting a scholarship? Check out our blog how to get a scholarship for students to improve your chances of acceptance.
4. DAAD Scholarship Germany
Universities: University of Wurzburg, Mainz University, and many more
Country: Germany
Scholarship amount: £750 per month
DAAD is one of the coveted postgraduate scholarships for international students looking to get their foot in the door by studying in Germany. The DAAD Scholarship is exclusively a postgraduate scholarship designed for master’s and doctoral students. Even though the DAAD scholarship does not cover your tuition fees, it does cover your living expenses by offering its awardees a monthly stipend, travel expenses and health insurance.
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in a higher education institution both in Germany and in your home country
- Must have at least 50% on your bachelors degree
- Minimum 6 in IELTS and 550 in TOFEL
- For German taught courses, a DSH 2 or Test DaF 4 certificate is necessary for matriculation.
5. MEXT Scholarship
Universities: Kyoto University
Country: Japan
Scholarship amount: ¥144,000
MEXT Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for international students to get postgraduate funding for their studies in Japan. This Japanese government scholarship is aimed at undergraduate and masters degree funding, as well as PhD. Students are usually screened based on academic merit, Japanese proficiency, leadership skills, study plans, and efforts to improve relations between Japan and the applicant’s home country. It is one of the fully funded scholarships for international students that take care of their tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and living expenses by giving out monthly allowances. This lifetime opportunity isn’t certain to be missed in 2023!
Eligibility:
- Must be atleast 17 and at the most 25 years of age
- Must have 12 years of schooling form an institution outside Japan
To check out more scholarships and keep your eyes peeled for an amazing opportunity to kickstart your career abroad you can check out our blog Best Scholarships In the World that can fund your tuition fees in 2023.
How to improve your chances for a postgraduate scholarship
There is always room for improvement and chances to grab to make your profile more appealing to the scholarship reviewing committee. Here are some tips on how to build a strong profile as well as apply for postgraduate scholarships:
1. Apply Early
“It is better to start early than to finish late” Well, this quote is very relatable while applying for postgraduate scholarships. The earlier you apply, the chances of becoming a future recipient increase. As most of the postgraduate scholarships like the Chevening scholarship are extremely well known, the competition pool is more and most scholarships are granted on a rolling basis. So, applying faster is the best way to grab a scholarship opportunity.
2. Compelling Essay
An essay is a make or breaks for your college and scholarship application. Some postgraduate scholarships, like the ABA diversity scholarship, need a compelling written essay where applicants can position themselves as deserving recipients through their motivation, goals, and ability. We know squeezing in all your motivation within a limited number of characters is difficult. Check out our blog on How to write a scholarship essay to make your writing process easier.
3. Work Experience
Getting relevant work experience translates into improving your chances of getting a scholarship. Work experience will help you get valuable connections and networking opportunities that will help you get an insight into what you are putting your foot into! It is important to highlight your work experience in your essay and give some light on how it has influenced your academic and professional goals.
In conclusion, the financial burden should be the last worry on your mind while applying for colleges abroad. Many options, like postgraduate scholarships, have made learning more accessible for many students who don’t have a financial route to study abroad. So now that you know you have so a shot at reducing your financial burden, we wish you all the best! Hunger for more? Check out our exclusive webstory on all you need to know about Chevening Scholarships.