How To Get Scholarship To Study Abroad After 12th: A Step-by-Step Guide

Securing a scholarship to study abroad after 12th is a dream for many students aiming for higher education in global institutions. With over 5 million students studying abroad annually, the competition for scholarships has intensified. However, several universities and organizations offer scholarships specifically for international students, providing opportunities to ease the financial burden of education.

Let’s dive into the process of how to get scholarship to study abroad after 12th, which involves research, preparation, and timely application. From merit-based awards to need-based financial aid, there are numerous options to explore, each with its unique eligibility criteria and benefits. By understanding these opportunities, students can take a significant step toward their academic and career goals.

Types of Scholarships to Study Abroad After 12th

Finding the right scholarship can make studying abroad after 12th more affordable and accessible. Scholarships vary based on merit, financial need, and specific talents, offering students multiple ways to secure funding. Below are some common types of scholarships available for international students.

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships reward students with exceptional academic achievements, high standardized test scores, or outstanding extracurricular involvement. Universities and organizations offer these scholarships to attract talented individuals who demonstrate leadership and excellence. Maintaining a strong academic record and showcasing achievements in applications can improve your chances of securing this type of funding.

2. Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships support students from low-income backgrounds who may struggle with tuition and living expenses. These scholarships assess family income, financial hardships, and other socioeconomic factors before awarding funds. Applicants typically need to submit proof of financial need along with academic records to qualify.

3. Sports Scholarships

Sports scholarships are designed for students with exceptional athletic abilities in various sports like football, basketball, swimming, and more. Many universities, especially in countries like the USA, offer scholarships to recruit talented athletes for their teams. To qualify, students may need to demonstrate strong sports performance, participate in competitions, and meet academic requirements.

Explore all the details about the best international scholarships for Indian students here.

4. Government-Funded Scholarships

Many governments offer scholarships to international students as part of cultural exchange programs or to attract global talent. Examples include the Fulbright Program (USA), Chevening Scholarships (UK), and DAAD Scholarships (Germany). These scholarships usually cover tuition, travel, and living expenses, making them highly competitive and prestigious.

5. Subject-Specific Scholarships

Certain scholarships are awarded to students pursuing specific fields of study, like STEM, humanities, or arts. Governments, universities, and private institutions fund these scholarships to encourage talent in high-demand sectors. Applicants may need to demonstrate their passion and potential in the chosen field through essays, portfolios, or research work.

6. University-Specific Scholarships

Several universities provide their own scholarships to attract outstanding international students. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or awarded for leadership qualities and extracurricular achievements. Checking the official university websites for available scholarships and application deadlines is essential for prospective students.

7. Country-Based Scholarships

Many countries offer scholarships to attract international students and promote higher education diversity. These scholarships are often funded by governments or educational institutions and cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Programs like Fulbright (USA), Chevening (UK), and DAAD (Germany) provide excellent opportunities for international students. Researching country-specific scholarships can help students find the best opportunities based on their preferred study destination.

Explore the top scholarship for Indian students in the USA here!

How To Get Scholarship To Study Abroad After 12th

Studying abroad after 12th can be a life-changing experience, but the costs can be overwhelming. Scholarships offer a great way to make your dream education more affordable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of securing a scholarship and making studying abroad a reality.

Step 1: Research Available Scholarships

Start by researching scholarships offered by universities, governments, and private organizations. There are many scholarship portals where you can search based on your study destination and field of interest.

• Use platforms like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and ScholarshipPortal.
• Consider university-specific scholarships listed on official websites.

Step 2: Meet Eligibility Criteria

Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements before applying for any scholarship. Each scholarship has different criteria such as academic excellence, financial need, or proficiency in a particular skill.

• Review age, nationality, and field of study restrictions.
• Make sure to check the GPA or test score requirements.
• Understand if there are any limitations on the number of applications you can submit.

Get insights about scholarships for abroad study in this detailed guide!

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Prepare essential documents such as your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a well-written personal statement, and standardized test scores like TOEFL or IELTS.

• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant achievements.
• Have a mentor or teacher review your application documents.
• Keep all transcripts and certificates up to date for submission.

Step 4: Write a Strong Personal Statement

A compelling personal statement can significantly impact your scholarship application. This is your chance to showcase your goals and passions, and why you are deserving of the financial support.

• Mention your academic goals and aspirations.
• Include your achievements, especially those related to your field of study or extracurricular activities.
• Explain why you are passionate about studying abroad and how it aligns with your career plans.

Step 5: Apply Before Deadlines

Apply early to avoid missing the scholarship deadlines. Some scholarships have strict deadlines, and applying late can result in disqualification.

• Create a calendar with all application deadlines.
• Submit applications at least a week before the final date to avoid last-minute issues.
• Keep track of documents and reference letters to ensure timely submission.

Step 6: Follow Up and Prepare for Interviews

After submitting your applications, stay proactive by following up with the scholarship providers to ensure your application was received and inquire about the next steps. Some scholarships may require an interview as part of the selection process, so it’s important to stay prepared.

If an interview is part of the process, practice your responses, research the scholarship organization or university, and be ready to explain why you are an ideal candidate. Being well-prepared for interviews shows commitment and increases your chances of securing the scholarship.

After submitting the applications, keep a well-organized record of all the scholarships you have applied to. Note any response timelines and follow up with polite emails if you haven’t heard back by the expected date.

List of international Scholarships to Study Abroad After 12th Standard

Finding the right scholarship can make studying abroad after the 12th standard more accessible and affordable. Many international scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs, helping students achieve their academic goals. Below is a list of a few scholarships that offer financial assistance for international students.

Tata Scholarship

This Scholarship funds Indian students wanting to pursue their graduate degrees abroad. The Tata Scholarship provides the students (selective) to pursue their education at the prestigious Cornell University located in Ithaca, New York. The Tata Group so far has funded more than 25 million USD to Indian undergraduate students.

The requirement for eligibility includes that the applicant should be an Indian citizen and eligible for need-based financial aid. The scholarship covers the entire tuition cost and living expenses along with the benefits of medical and travel.

Fullbright-Nehru Fellowship

The Fullbright-Nehru Fellowship is a prestigious scholarship program designed for Indian students who wish to pursue graduate-level studies or professional development in the United States. Funded by the U.S. government, this fellowship promotes cultural exchange and academic collaboration between India and the U.S. It covers various expenses, including tuition, living costs, and airfare, offering recipients a chance to experience the best of both countries' educational systems.

This fellowship is awarded to students across diverse fields such as science, technology, engineering, arts, and social sciences. Apart from academic opportunities, the program also includes opportunities for leadership development, networking, and cultural immersion. Winning the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship allows students to significantly enhance their academic and professional profiles while contributing to global understanding.

Explore the best PhD scholarships for Indian students abroad in this article!

Inlaks Scholarship

The Inlaks scholarship is an exclusive scholarship for Indian students only to help young talent to pursue their higher education abroad. Students willing to study full-time courses at premier institutions can apply for this scholarship. A few strong collaborations of the organization include RCA London, School of Oriental and Imperial College London, and Cambridge University.

Students having good academic backgrounds are eligible to apply and the scholarship covers tuition fees, medical, living expenses, etc. for the student.

Chinese Government Scholarship

The Indo-China student exchange culture is a program that helps Indian students to pursue higher education in China after the 12th. Students having a minimum of 60% marks scored in grade 12th are eligible and the Chinese government provides scholarships to Indian students who enroll for a course duration of 4 to 7 years.

Along with the minimum percent cut-off, there are 2 more requisites for eligibility i.e. the student needs to undergo a one-year training to be proficient in the Chinese language and clear the scholarship entrance exam. This scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and travel (airfare) expenses respectively.

University of Westminster Scholarship

This Scholarship is for Indian students who aim to study graduation abroad. The scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare to London, and living expenses. The students eligible for the prestigious scholarship need to have an exceptional academic record and a full-time course enrolment offer in hand.

This is a unique opportunity that enables the students to amplify their familiarity with new-age technology, as it is believed that embracing the latest and improved technology enhances the learner’s skills and critical thinking. Since this scholarship is about helping in-need students while applying you need to have your financial records handy.

Wilfrid Laurier University Merit Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by Wilfrid Laurier University for international students willing to study abroad. You become eligible if you have an 80% secured in your boards and also need to clear the English language test to get the grant or scholarship. The scholarship covers tuition fees and based on good academic performance the student becomes eligible for an extra 1000 to 2000 USD.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the University of Foreign Education under which 37 international students are selected every year by the University of Toronto. Students from around the world having exceptional educational backgrounds are welcome to apply for this renowned scholarship. The Scholarship covers tuition fees, hostel rent, and incidental fees for four years.

Monash International Merit Scholarship

Students who got admission into Monash University, Australia are the ones eligible for this scholarship. Yearly the student receives 10,000 AUD throughout the duration of the course or program. The eligibility criteria for this scholarship is to have exceptional educational background or record.

Here is a list of available scholarships to study in the UK for Indian students!

Unlock Global Scholarships and Make Your Study Abroad Dream a Reality with GetGIS!

Mastering how to get scholarship to study abroad after 12th involves strategic research, meeting eligibility criteria, and crafting strong applications. By staying organized and preparing for interviews, you can boost your chances of securing financial aid. With determination and the right approach, your dream of studying abroad can become a reality.

Connect with GetGIS for all your study abroad queries and get expert guidance on universities, applications, and visa processes. With personalized support, GetGIS helps you find and secure the best scholarships, making your dream of studying abroad more affordable and achievable.

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