3 Scholarships for Graduates Looking to Study Abroad
Are you a graduate looking to advance your career by studying abroad? If so, you might have been overwhelmed by the huge tuition fees, travel expenses, and numerous requirements that international students must meet. However, the good news is that there are several scholarship opportunities you can look out for to cover the bulk of your expenses.
This article will cover three common scholarships for graduates looking for funding in the UK and Canada. We will also explain the general requirements for these scholarships so you can know which one to apply for.
1. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It was established to assist talented and motivated students from developing countries that cannot afford to pursue a Master’s degree in the UK.
The scholarship is awarded to over 800 students every year, which makes this scheme renowned among many graduates (especially from Africa and Asia). Furthermore, the commonwealth master’s scholarship is fully-funded, and it covers your flight expenses, examination fees, personal allowance, and a host of other allowances.
However, certain criteria have to be met to be eligible for this scholarship. For instance, you have to be a citizen of one of the Commonwealth member countries (see list here). In addition, you must have completed your undergraduate degrees and finished with an honours degree of second class upper (or higher). You are also required to submit a personal statement that covers your study plan, goals, and future ambition.
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is offered under six CSC development themes, and applications are likely to open in November and close by the third week of December.
2. Chevening Scholarship
Chevening Scholarship, like the Commonwealth Scholarship, is a fully-funded scholarship that allows you to study in any university in the UK. To apply, you must be a citizen of any Chevening-eligible country. Applications are made online and usually commence between early August and early November. Also, applicants must also be willing to return to their home countries upon completion of schooling.
The Chevening scholarship is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with other organisations. This scheme offers two types of awards, namely, Chevening Scholarship and Chevening Fellowships. The awardees of this scheme are usually selected by British embassies and high commissions among the various countries.
One key requirement for the Chevening scholarship is work experience. It is recommended that you have at least two years of work experience, have applied to three eligible universities, and received an unconditional offer from one of the schools.
Applications for the Chevening Scholarship typically open in August and close by December.
3. MasterCard Foundation Scholarship
Partner universities and non-governmental organizations fund MasterCard Foundation Scholarship. Usually, the decision on the selection of scholars is made by individual partners. Some of the universities are across the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America. The initiative is majorly for young people from Africa, and it aims to support individuals who can make positive impacts in their communities and home countries at large.
This scholarship has been prepared to support scholars’ financial, social, and academic needs. It encompasses the tuition fees and the accommodation, daily expenses, and even educational materials for students, thus making it a fully-funded scholarship.
To apply for the MasterCard Scholarship, you must apply through the University of your choice (preferably the schools under this initiative). Simply put, you need to meet the deadlines and admission requirements for selected courses and schools. Though the scholarship is fully-funded, you are required to pay stipulated application fees to selected schools at the time of application.
However, if you are eventually selected for the scholarship program, the fees will be reimbursed.
The eligibility of an individual depends on certain factors. For instance, you must be under 35 years old at the time of application. You must also have an outstanding academic record and show passion for positively impacting the lives of others.
Applications for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship typically open in May and close by October.
BTDT Hub Can Help You Write a Personal Statement
Winning any of these scholarships is not for the faint of heart. Not only do you have to meet the scholarship requirements, but you also have to submit a personal statement that would impress the scholarship committee.
At BTDT Hub, we have a team of highly qualified advisors capable of crafting a personal statement that would impress the scholarship committee. Our advisors will work with you to ensure we get it right the first time.
You can also read about our Study Abroad/Visa Advisory Service. To get started, send an email to INFO@BTDTHUB.COM today.
