How to Win a 100% Scholarship to Study Abroad?

 Many Indian students dream of getting a full scholarship. It is no longer a dream because many colleges and universities are now available that provide 100% scholarships to study abroad. This comprehensive guide will help you explore everything about this type of scholarship and how to win it.

Introduction: a 100% Scholarship to Study Abroa

A 100% scholarship is also popularly known as a full-ride scholarship. This is an award that provides free education (no tuition fee) and other college expenses like travel, accommodation, insurance, food, and other costs of living abroad. Typically, this NRI education alternative eliminates financial investment during a study program. Simply put, it provides a free education experience abroad.

Many universities provide a full-ride scholarship, which encompasses leadership programmes, internships, and peer mentoring. On the flip side, some universities’ full-ride scholarships cover only the tuition fee. It means the rest of the expenses will be there, and the student has to bear them abroad.

Overall, different types of full-ride scholarships are available. NRI students can explore top study programmes and leverage this opportunity by opting for the most suitable one.

Types of full-ride scholarships

Scholarships are mainly granted on the basis of a student's excellence in their academics, athletic prowess, leadership, or merits. The most common alternatives for full-ride scholarships are the following: 

1. Merit-Based

Merit-based scholarships are extremely common. These are awarded to those who excel in academics. Typically, this evaluation is done through GPA, SAT scores, or ACT scores. Additionally, some other aspects, like leadership skills or addressing community requirements, also play a vital role in it. 

2. Financial Need-Based

The next alternative is a need-based scholarship. It is provided to downtrodden students who are financially disabled to fund their education. In this case, the merit list does not matter, but the family income source does. 

3. Government

The third type of scholarship is funded by the central government and a few state governments. It is for those students whose aim is to achieve higher education abroad. The government awards it irrespective of caste, creed, or class. 

Now, let’s explore some other types of full-ride scholarships that include only the full tuition fee.

Full-ride vs. full-tuition scholarships

Here is a comparative analysis between full-ride and full-tuition scholarships.

1. Full-ride scholarships 

These scholarship options generally include tuition fees, insurance premiums, airfare to live and go abroad, and other expenses that a student may need in a foreign country. Overall, these scholarships bear the maximum costs of education. Initially, it is granted for one year. And for the next year, the student has to prove his or her eligibility.

These scholarships are available for selected students, covering a small fraction of students (which is 0.1% of all applicants as per College Raptor 2021).

2. Full-tuition scholarships

These scholarships cover the tuition fee. The rest of the of the expenses, like accommodation, travel, etc., will be on the students. According to Think Impact 2020, 1.5% of applicants become eligible for this case.

 

6 Popular Full-Ride Scholarships

It is hard to find these funding options for international students at every university. But yes, some reputed varieties come up with these alternatives. Here are the five most popular alternatives for full-ride scholarships:

1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

NRI students can think of the University of Toronto. It offers Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships. This is for meritorious students. This option comes every year to international students who actually lead within their schools and showcase exceptional academic talent, creativity, and innovative achievements.

This opportunity is available at the University of Toronto on the basis of first-come, first-served. It includes tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence charges for up to four years of a course. 

3. Chevening/Cambridge Scholarship

This is granted by the UK government to global students. It covers funding for a master’s degree course. The FCO, in association with partner organisations, provides it. It is being held at any college in the UK, covering tuition fees and an annual stipend for a sin.

It provides funding for tuition fees, an annual stipend that is sufficient for a single person, and funding for other expenses as well.

4. Karsh International Scholarship Programme

The Karsh International Scholarship Programme was introduced in 2010. Martha and Bruce Karsh donated to fund the education of meritorious students from all over the world. Overall, it welcomes applicants from across the globe who can directly apply to Duke University. These will be the cases of such bright students who are unable to afford higher education.

In terms of coverage, this scholarship includes tuition fees, accommodation, or other expenses aside from these. Also, it encourages research by providing funding for three summers. 

5. Australia awards scholarships

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade grants the Australia Awards Scholarships to international students. It joins hands with Australia’s partner countries by signing bilateral and regional agreements. Considering the coverage, these scholarships ensure funding for the whole academic programme by the Australian higher education institution. It also covers preparatory training, if there is any.

This scholarship addresses the need for tuition fees, return air travel, accommodation charges, living expenses, and overseas students’ health cover with pre-course English fees.

6. Concordia Presidential Scholarship

Last but not least comes the Concordia Presidential Scholarship. It is indeed considered the most prestigious undergraduate entrance scholarship at Concordia University. All meritorious international students are eligible for it. This programme is specifically for those who are academically bright and studded with leadership qualities. They should be in research and able to innovate in the institution.

Overall, students can grab up to two Presidential Scholarships every year, which encompass all tuition fees, books, accommodation, and meal charges.

Now that you are aware of the most prestigious scholarship programmes for NRI students, let’s introduce you to the tips to win full-ride scholarships.

Tips for winning full-ride scholarships

Unfortunately, only a small fraction of students are able to receive these scholarships. Specifically, the percentage of these scholars is less than 1% of those who have applied. Here are some exclusive tips to leverage and secure a place on that fortunate list of 1% candidates.

1. Do Research and Comprehend: The very first tip is to research and understand where you can apply for any of these or likewise scholarship programs. Check out their eligibility criteria and the process to apply. For convenient research, you can directly visit the official website of the selected universities and then look into all these eligibility criteria and the application process.

2. Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Instead of applying for just one, jot down the scholarships for which you’re eligible. Apply for all of them. However, this procedure will be lengthy. But just calculate the overall expenses that these programmes cover. You will find your efforts minimal. 

3. Prepare to Win the Competition: You must not ignore the cutthroat competition to gain full-ride scholarships. Focus on standing out from other candidates. Practice writing compelling essays. It will help in gaining an edge. Also, attach your language certificate. If you have proven talent, enclose an extracurricular activity certificate and prove your involvement in benefiting the local community.

4. Thoroughly Check Your Application: Before submitting your application, double check your application to ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria. Incomplete applications are one of the most common reasons for disqualifying candidatures for prestigious scholarships.

5. Apply early. The applications are out in limited numbers. However, there is no provision for early applications. But the evaluators receive a tonne of applications. So, they have to pick up some from that flood of applications.

Many Indian students dream of getting a full-ride or 100% scholarship to study abroad. Some scholarships cover the tuition fees, while others also provide expenses for accommodation, travel, food, etc. Although it is a bit difficult to get a full-ride or 100% scholarship, if you do proper research and are lucky enough, you can get a full-ride scholarship.

Conclusion

Winning a scholarship, especially abroad, is like a dream come true for many natives and NRI students. These programmes provide multiple benefits, like no tuition or accommodation fee. Even travel and food will be available free of charge. All these facilities are covered by full-ride or 100% scholarships. Certainly, more options are available, wherein only tuition fees and accommodation charges are borne by the providing universities.