10 International Scholarships and Their Application Processes

Scholarships, just like fellowships, provide international students the opportunity to fund their education abroad. Additionally, there are also other benefits international students can enjoy from scholarships. Some scholarships offer students or intending professionals the opportunity to intern in top companies related to their fields of study. Accordingly, some of them might also offer students the opportunity to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to enable them to familiarize themselves with the industry and the stakeholders in the industry. This will in turn give them direction on the path they desire to specialize in and how they can start a successful career in their chosen fields. 

As an international student looking for international scholarship opportunities, we have compiled the list for you! However, take a minute to subscribe to our newsletter for more updates before we explore the different international scholarship opportunities and their application process. 

Read also: The Benefits And Opportunities Of Fellowships In Higher Education

10 international Scholarships and their application processes

Below is a list of 10 international scholarships and their application processes: 

1. The Fulbright Program

The Fulbright program is open to international graduate students, young professionals, and artists who want to conduct research in the United States. The program operates in more than 160 countries globally and approximately 4,000 students receive the scholarship yearly. Additionally, the Fulbright foreign students program is handled by the Binational Fulbright Commission or the United States Embassies. The eligibility criteria vary according to the county of the applicant.

Application Process: 

1. The first step is to check your eligibility requirements as an applicant. This also varies according to your country of origin. You can check your eligibility using this link. 
2. After confirming your eligibility, the next step is to proceed to fill out the online application form.
3. The online application form includes: 

• A written research objective
• Professional resume
• 3 reference letters that specify the personal, academic, and professional competency of the candidate
• Copy of academic transcript from post-secondary institution. This should be scanned and attached to the online application if available
• TOEFL score report
• Applicants will also send hard copies of their academic transcripts through regular mail.

Benefits

1. Round-trip airfare to the US
2. Settling-in allowance and Monthly stipend
3. Housing allowance
4. Book supplies and computer allowance
5. University health insurance and primary insurance coverage.

2. Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarship is also another international fellowship available to students who want to study in the United Kingdom. It is fully funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and other partner organizations. Since its inception in 1983, over 50,000 professionals have had the opportunity to further develop themselves through the UK Chevening Scholarship opportunity. 

Additionally, it is open to students who have leadership potential, a strong academic background, and ambitions and are willing to pursue a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom. 

Application Process

1. The first step is to select your country from the drop-down list at www.chevening.org/apply
2. If the scholarship is open to students in your country, you’ll have to fill out the online application form and meet the eligibility criteria.
3. Additionally, eligible applicants will further be assessed by independent reading committees.
4. If you’re longlisted, you’ll be asked to submit references and attend an interview with the British embassy or high commission in your home country. Also, it is important to note that the physical interview will be conducted in English language and you will be asked about your personal and professional goals and how the scholarship will be of help. 
5. Afterward, your interview will be scored against the global Chevening criteria. 

Benefits

1. Payment of tuition fees
2. Living expenses
3. Payment of return flight to the UK
4. Access to networking events, workshops, talks, internships, and volunteering opportunities. 

Read also: 10 African Fellowships That Support Research And Innovation

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees

Furthermore, another international scholarship opportunity is open to international students who want to study in Europe. Additionally, outstanding students get full scholarships. It is however important to note that the scholarship opportunity is open to international students who want to pursue their master’s program just as the name implies. 

Application Process

1. Eligible applicants must have a bachelor’s degree(first degree) or should be in their last year of bachelor’s studies and should graduate before the master’s program starts. 
2. If you meet the first criteria above, then proceed to check the online EMJMD Catalog.
3. Select three programs of your choice and apply to the consortium directly
4. The application requirements depend on the program you are applying for. However, you might need to provide the following documents:

• Official transcript records in English
• Motivation letter well written in English.
• CV
• 2 recommendation letters.

5. If your application is successful you will be notified and told the next steps.

Benefits

The scholarship covers students’ participation and costs and also contributes to:

1. Travel
2. Visa
3. Living allowance

4. Rhodes Scholarships

Also, the Rhodes Scholarship supports outstanding students who want to pursue their postgraduate degree at the University of Oxford. It began in 1903 and it is the oldest international graduate program in the world. 

Application Process

1. The first step is to check the eligibility criteria to see if you qualify to apply for the scholarship opportunity. You can check your eligibility criteria here.
2. If you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to pick your preferred course. You must pick courses that are covered by the scholarship. 
3. You will also need to submit different documents including personal statements, academic statements, reference letters, and other documents. 
4. After the submission of your online application, you will be contacted if you qualify for the scholarship. 

Benefits

The scholarship covers all fees and also gives students a stipend for two to three years depending on the duration of their program. 

Read also: Scholarships For Students Pursuing Careers In Environmental Science

5. DAAD Scholarships

Additionally, students who want to study in Germany can apply for the DAAD Scholarships. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship is fully funded and it is the largest German funding organization for international students. DAAD offers a variety of scholarships for international students to study in Germany. 

Application Process

1. The first step is to check if you are eligible to apply. The eligibility requirement includes:

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree at hand that shouldn’t be more than 6 years old.
• Candidates must have at least 2 years of work experience in their field. 

2. After meeting the eligibility requirement, get the application form and fill it out. Additionally, get the Europas Specimen form and make your CV which must be hand-signed. 
3. Also, you will need a motivation letter that should also be hand-signed. Your university might also ask for a research proposal and it is important to provide it. 
4. Other documents you will need to provide include a recommendation letter, proof of English proficiency, IELTS, and so on.
5. You might be required to submit the document either through the postal service online or both as required by the university. 

Benefits

The scholarship amount depends on the type of DAAD scholarship you apply for. The stipend for the various programs includes:

• Masters Program – EUR 861
• Doctoral Program – EUR 1200
• University assistant teachers – EUR 2000
• Professors – EUR 2150

The scholarship also covers:

• Travel expenses
• Round-trip flight fare
• You can also bring a spouse or child and there is an allowance for that. 
• Health insurance. 

6. Australia Awards Scholarships

The Australia Awards scholarship is a fully funded scholarship opportunity for international students who want to pursue their undergraduate, post-graduate, and doctoral degrees in Australia. 

Application Process

Before proceeding to apply for the Australian awards scholarships, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria are below:

• Check for the opening and closing dates for your country. Also, check the list of participating countries and the country-specific eligibility. 
• Read the Australia Awards scholarships policy handbook for in-depth knowledge.
• Some countries require online applications while others require hard-copy applications. It is important to know the one that applies to your country. 

Online Application

1. For applicants applying online, you will need to first register and establish your eligibility. 
2. You will get a unique registration number, username, and password. 
3. However, you do not need to submit your application immediately as you can create a draft application form and complete it. 
4. You will be required to submit supporting documentation. Ensure that you do not miss the deadline for submission. 
5. Additionally, after submission, your application cannot be changed so ensure all the information and documents provided are correct and accurate. If you need help, you can refer to the Applicant’s Online User Manual.
6. You will be contacted for an interview if your application is successful. 

Mail Application

1. You can also apply by mail but you must first check your participating country profile.
2. Afterward, check the contact details you need to obtain the hardcopy application form and other templates like referee reports where necessary. 
3. Complete filling out the form manually and mail it back accordingly before the application deadline. 

Benefits

The scholarship covers: 

1. Round-trip flight fare
2. Visa Expense
3. Full tuition fee
4. Stipend for living
5. Fieldwork allowance (master’s or PhD)
6. Basic medical cost
7. Establishment allowance

7. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Also, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is open to citizens of eligible developing countries who have professional experience and are enthusiastic about their country’s development. They should also be willing to apply for a master’s program in a development-related field.

Application Process

1. Before you apply, it is important to check the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria can be viewed here. 
2. After confirming your eligibility, proceed to fill out the application form. An application is considered  complete when it has:

•  Two recommendation letters
• One completed application form
• Some of the necessary documents in the application form include a bachelor’s degree diploma, CV, Letter of Admission for the upcoming academic year to the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program, passport, and medical report among others. 

3. Once your application has been completed, you can proceed with submission and wait for further instructions. 

Benefits

1. Round-trip flight fare
2. Travel allowance of $500 for each trip
3. Tuition fee
4. Basic medical insurance
5. Monthly allowance to cover living expenses and book costs. 

Read also: Scholarships For Students Pursuing Careers In Healthcare

8. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Every year, the Swiss Confederate awards the Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and other countries. Additionally, young researchers who have completed master’s or PhD degrees or foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree can apply for the scholarship. 

Application Process

1. The first step is to select your country of origin according to your passport. 
2. Afterward, proceed to find out about the scholarship type available and the one you want to apply for taking note of the eligibility criteria and deadline for your country. Find below the guidelines for the available regions: 

• North America
• South America
• Europe
• Africa
• Aisa
• Australia and Ozeania

For more information and questions,  contact the address provided in the list of contacts 

Benefits

Depending on your country’s requirements, the scholarship covers:

1. Tuition fees
2. Monthly stipend
3. Health insurance
4. Airfare
5. Housing allowance etc. 

9. Rotary Peace Fellowships

The Rotary Peace Fellowships is open to international students who want sponsorship for their graduate-level coursework or research for one year to four years. Students can pick any university located in a country where there is a host Rotary club or district outside the applicant’s home country. 

Application Process

1. First, check through the eligibility criteria and ensure that you qualify. 
2. Research the programs available at each of the Rotary Peace Centers and use the Club finder to locate the Rotary or Rotaract club nearest you.
3. Engage with them and find out about the work they do. Additionally, Rotary districts have a District Rotary Peace Fellowship Subcommittee Chair contact who can offer direction on your application. 
4. Read the application overview and learn the steps involved. The overview will be provided when you start an application. 
5. Gather the necessary documents to include a resume, academic and/or professional recommendations, essays, transcripts from postsecondary colleges and universities attended (master’s only), English language proficiency test scores (master’s only), and social impact plan (certificate only), university transcript, IELTS or TOEFL exams if your program requires these. Note that they should be in English. 
6. Next, submit your application between February and 15 May. All applications are considered final upon submission. 

Benefits

The scholarship amounts to $30,000 and it can cover

• Passport/visa
• Inoculations
• Travel expenses
• School supplies
• Tuition
• Room and Board
• Household supply
• Language training courses where necessary. 

10. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Finally, the Vanier Canada Graduate scholarship is open to international students who want to further their studies at universities in Canada. The program supports about 166 scholars annually and these scholars help create an innovative environment in Canadian universities.

Application Process

1. The application can be done in two ways. 

1. Students inform the faculty of graduate studies at their preferred institution to apply for the Vanier CGS program.
2. The institution initiates the nomination process by contacting the desired candidate.

2. Students prepare the application and submit it to the nominating institution before the deadline. 

3. After the institution performs the internal candidate selection process, the recommended nominations are submitted to the Vanier-Banting Secretariat. 

4. The secretariat presents these recommendations to the Tri-agency Programs (TAP) Steering Committee.

5. The TAP Steering Committee approves selected students and they are notified of the next steps. 

 Benefits

1. A $50,000 annual grant is given to scholars for 3 years.
2. Applicants may pursue their PhD in desired Canadian institutions
3. Applicants may be fully or partially funded based on their academic achievements, research proposal, and leadership qualities. 

Read also: Scholarships For Students Pursuing Careers In Technology

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MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require any cosigner or collateral before application. At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process. We also provide educational consultancy services for international students to help make your journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey.