While studying overseas can seem like an exciting opportunity, searching for scholarships abroad can be stressful. There are several things that can go wrong, such as missing deadlines, writing flawless essays, and understanding all the terms and conditions. But don’t worry, Globus Education Systems, a leading educational consultancy with its team of experts is here to support you as you confidently navigate the scholarship world.
As experts in global education consultancy and career placement, we’ve seen it all when it comes to international study opportunities. And we’ve noticed that many aspiring study abroad students make the same mistakes time and time again. So before you start your scholarship search, make sure you sidestep these all-too-common errors:
Waiting Until the Last Minute to search for scholarships abroad
The early bird really does get the scholarship worm. Many of the top international study awards have application deadlines that fall 6-12 months before the program start date. That means you need to be planning and preparing long before you’re ready to submit.
Make a spreadsheet of every scholarship you’re interested in, noting the key dates and requirements for each one. Then work backwards from those deadlines to create your own timeline. You’ll want to leave plenty of time for things like requesting transcripts, securing recommendation letters, and crafting those all-important essays.
Rushing at the last minute is a surefire way to make mistakes or miss out on opportunities altogether. Get organised early, and you’ll be miles ahead of the competition.
Ignoring Smaller, Niche Scholarships abroad
When it comes to funding your studies abroad, every little bit counts. But many students make the mistake of only applying for the biggest, most prestigious scholarship programs.
While those mega-awards are certainly worth pursuing, you shouldn’t overlook the smaller, more specialised scholarships as well. Organisations, universities, and even private companies often offer study abroad funds for students with specific backgrounds, interests, or career goals.
Take the time to dig deeper and search for unknown scholarship opportunities that align with your unique profile. Maybe there’s a scholarship for students from your hometown, or one for future engineering majors. The more niche the criteria, the less competition you’ll face.
By casting a wide net and applying for a diverse range of scholarships – big and small – you maximise your chances of securing the funding you need.
Failing to Tailor Your Applications when searching for scholarships abroad
It’s easy to get carried away when you’re applying for multiple scholarships. But resist the urge to use a generic, one-size-fits-all approach. Each application should be customised to that specific opportunity.
Scholarship providers want to see that you’ve put genuine thought and effort into your submission. Generic essays and cookie-cutter responses won’t cut it. Take the time to research the organisation, understand their values and priorities, and then align your application accordingly.
What are they looking for in an ideal candidate? How can you position yourself as the perfect fit? Weave those insights throughout your essays, recommendations, and other application materials. This personalised touch will help you stand out from the crowd.
Overlooking the Small Details
When you’re juggling multiple scholarship applications, it’s understandable to occasionally miss a minor detail. But those little oversights can make a big difference in whether your submission gets noticed – or gets tossed in the reject pile.
Double and triple-check that you’re following all the instructions to the letter. Have you filled out every field on the application? Stuck to the specified word count on your essays? Obtained all the required supporting documents? Even a simple mistake like forgetting to sign a form could disqualify you.
Set aside time to methodically review each application before hitting submit. Enlist a friend or mentor to give it a final proofread as well. Attention to detail may not be the sexiest part of the process, but it can make or break your chances.
Not Exploring All Your Options
When it comes to funding your studies abroad, scholarships are just one piece of the puzzle. There are countless other ways to finance an international education – you just have to get creative.
Research opportunities for work-study programs, grants, and student loans. Look into assistantships or research positions at your target university. Ask about any unique scholarship or funding options offered by your home country or the host institution.
The more diverse your financial strategy, the better. Combining multiple funding sources – from scholarships and fellowships to part-time jobs and crowdfunding – can help you piece together the resources you need.
Don’t limit yourself to the obvious avenues. With a little digging, you may uncover an unexpected scholarship or alternative that makes your study abroad dreams a reality. At Globus, we’re passionate about helping students overcome obstacles and unlock their global potential. Following these tips can put you on the path to securing the funding you need to turn your study abroad aspirations into a life-changing experience. Reach out to our team today to learn more about searching scholarship opportunities and other resources to support your international education journey.
