Nothing fun is missing in the world today and that is why there are more and more people who are going back to school. There are professional courses however like MBA that require you to move to another country to complete them. Such opportunities may come with some financial costs which in some cases are not met by students. This is where fully funded scholarships come in and change the game enabling students to explore these international education opportunities without the need to pay.
This article aims to explain what fully funded scholarships are, highlight some of the fully funded scholarships available to international students and more importantly, explain the various factors that can help you win such scholarships.
Fully funded scholarships are those awards that offer one hundred percent coverage towards the progression and attainment of a higher academic level. Further studies, whether with the assistance of fully funded college scholarships or not, almost invariably involve monetary contributions of some kind or another. There exists no university in the country or anywhere around the world, that does award scholarships which only cover a small fraction of the expenses such as tuition for a partial scholarship program.
These types of scholarships are available as outreach programs by several nations, educational institutes and corporate houses with the aim of enhancing cultural diversity and improving worldwide relations through education.
What Are The Significance Of Fully Funded Scholarships?
While pursuing higher education is a key strategy in the development of individuals and the society at large, money could also derails gifted students from exploring their full potentials fully. On the other hand, launched campaigns enable deserving students especially from poor families to learn without learning how to get a loan.
For international students as well, these scholarships are not only a source of funds. They also grant access to brilliant educational facilities, hot cultural exchanges as well as a possibility to gossip the world. Such scholarships at the end create students leaders that will take arms for their own countries and the world at large.
Different Kinds of Fully Funded Scholarships
There are different classes of fully funded scholarships amongst international students. Below are some of the common classes of scholarships available.
Scholarships Offered by Governments
There are various types of programs that the different governments aid in the offering of and scholarships are also included in these structures and features. Such scholarships usually take care of all the academic and basic living needs of the student with an aim of fostering national exchange and goodwill.
Matriculation Scholarships
It is common that many institutions of higher learning make available fully funded scholarships to woo the best of the best from the different ends of the globe. These types of scholarships generally cover the cost of tuition fees and supported with the rent expenses.
Private Organization Scholarships
International students can also apply for the scholarships offered by the private organizations foundations and companies. These also serve a specific purpose such as courses in science, technology, or even public health with an added requirement to serve the sponsoring authority after completion of their studies.
Top Fully Funded Scholarship for International Students
There are a lot of fully funded scholarships for students from other countries. There are some of the most worthy and well-known programs amongst the rest:
Fulbright Scholarships (USA)
The Fulbright Program sponsored by the U.S. government students scholarships support travel to United States of America for graduate students young professionals and artists for the purpose of study or carrying out research. The program funds tuition fee, travel and per diem and participates in program related health coverage.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening Scholarship is a one passage track scholarship for a one year designated master’s program offered to the UK government and its people aiding those that have the winter scheme by all possible means persuading the funding body intended to assist three needed it meeting potential leaders decision makers and opinion molders from across the globe over. It covers tuition fee, living dinners, flight and other financial provisions for one year master program studied in the UK.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service daadsponsored covers numerous scholarships for overseas schooling garnering in effective further study in Germany schools ranging from undergraduate through postgraduate and postdoctoral too. These scholarships are available for tuition, rent, daily sustenance and even journeys.
Erasmus+ (European Union)
The scholarship program under Erasmus+ is offered by the European Union to its students wishing to study in different EU Member States. It is comprehensive and includes payment of tuition, travel, and living allowances, covered across previous studies and social activism and professional practice.
Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Contributed by the Government of Australia aims at aiming to her neighbors to strengthen skills and foster friendship. Visa and/or travel costs for further studies and subsistence costs for undergraduate and graduate levels include expenses and health insurance.
MEXT Scholarships (Japan)
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Japan provides travel scholarships for overseas students wishing to study in Japan. Tuition fees, housing support, a monthly stipend for general expenses, and a round trip flight are among the scholarship benefits.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships
Even though fully funded scholarships are a huge chance for many people in the world, the competition for them is really stiff during the application. Here are some tips to help you increase your chances of getting those scholarships:
Customize Your Application
There are different demands and purposes for each scholarship. Make sure to modify your personal statement and other relevant documents to make your case why you deserve that scholarship. Include a brief summary of your academic exposition, after school pursuits, your leadership abilities and aspirations.
Draft Comprehensive Letters of Recommendation
Letters of Recommendation are unavoidable in most scholarship programs which is why it is advisable to seek for a referee familiar with more than one of your strong attributes. Do not assume they know the purpose of each letter, give them time and explain to them the reasons and details to be included in each letter.
Edit Your Personal Statement
The personal statement is an opportunity to exploit yourself beyond the career and academic levels you have attained. Your selected area of discipline, your goals in future and in what way you would be able to contribute or make a change with that scholarship to the society or the world.
Be Ready For An Interview
The awarding of certain types of scholarships may also include an interview. Practice responding to typical scholarship interview questions, prepare material about the scholarship program, and make a case for why you would be a good fit with the organization’s philosophy and objectives.
Be Aware of the Specifics of Eligibility
Before you apply for any scholarship, ensure that you understand and satisfy related eligibility requirements. Scholarships have specific eligibility requirements often base on nationality, academic qualifications, and the course of study.
Shortcomings of Applying to Scholarships That Cater For All Expenses
Fully funded scholarships face some stiff competition. Most programs, as noted contain lots of highly qualified applicants and therefore sometimes it is typical even the best applicants may turn to be rejected. In addition to that, the process of submission of application can be extended as it involves various stages such ensuring transcription is provided, referees are availed and essays written.
It is in order to mention, that at times, there are conditions involved in these Fully Funded Scholarships. For instance, it is possible that upon completion of studies, you must go back to your home country or that there is a specific period of working in a profession or in a place that one must fulfil.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships remain a lifeline for all those international students who would like to further their education outside their native countries. Certainly, such applications can be quite rigorous, but there are benefits such as provision of funds, reputation and platform to effect change. In order to be considered for such transformative grants as provided therein, one has to actively search for the opportunities, prepare adequately, and put forth the objectives that differentiate his or her self from others.