There’s no gainsaying that studying abroad can be expensive. To ease the financial burden for international students, graduate scholarships are made available in form of financial aids or support that can be given for different reasons and come with different requirements for qualification.
Note that qualifying for any scholarship depends on the type of scholarship itself. Below are some tips to help international students win graduate scholarships and enjoy a fantastic study experience.
1. Application
Scholarships are open to as many students as can qualify for them. For this reason, it is imperative for students to follow the application guidelines/specifications. Furthermore, one of the steps to take towards winning a scholarship is to apply before the deadline. Ensure that all required information is provided and is accurate.
2. Eligibility
While scholarship offers are open to international students, there are usually specific criteria for eligibility by students. These terms and conditions make the difference between who gets the offer and who doesn’t. So, do your research to find offers you qualify for before sending in your applications.
3. Donor’s aims and objectives
In order to win graduate scholarships as international students, you need to know the aim of the donor. You need to understand the objective of the individual(s) or organization(s) awarding the scholarship. Find out their vision, mission, values and what they seek to achieve. Armed with this information, you’ll know if you fit into their plans especially if there are conditions of service after school.
4. Letters for Recommendation
Some donors require that applicants provide written notes or letters of recommendation from either professors or people who know you. This is one of the benefits of having soft skills and maintaining cordial relationships with staff and students at your institution. With this, you won’t have challenges finding people who would willingly write you letters of recommendation.
Bear in mind that the letter must contain your academic performance, leadership ability, dexterity, etc. It is also important that the writer states your relationship. i. e. your professor, boss at work or otherwise. This shows authenticity and authority.
5. Examination
Another way international students can win graduate scholarships is to understand how the donors examine students before awarding scholarships. Find out the kind of candidates they want or are looking for. Where possible, consult previous awardees to ask questions on the procedures and criteria for qualification. This knowledge will empower you to position yourself strategically to qualify for the offer.