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Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Scholarships Abroad for Beginners

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by ScholarWaka
Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Scholarships Abroad for Beginners
Written by ScholarWaka

This is a step-by-step guide to securing scholarships abroad for beginners. You must have recently graduated from high school, polytechnic, or university if you are reading this post and are aspiring to study overseas.

Studying abroad can change the lives of many students from developing countries. It provides access to advanced studies, first-rate facilities, renowned academics, and the opportunity to live in magnificent cities in Europe, the United States, and Canada.

In the next few chapters, I’ll lead you through six straightforward stages to earning scholarships abroad—even if you’re beginning from zero and have no idea where to start.

The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada currently offer several scholarships that include both monthly allowances and full scholarships. Here are some recommendations that you ought to look into:

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Scholarships Abroad for Beginners – The Most Essential Qualities You Need to Succeed

Here are some essential characteristics for scholarship seekers before we get started. Developing these qualities along the way is important if you’re serious about studying overseas.

  1. Be Intentional: Studying abroad demands genuine dedication and is not something you do on the side. You must maintain a calm spirit, particularly in the face of difficulties. If your sole objective is to “escape abroad,” stand back and reconsider your motivations. A sincere desire to grow and learn is the foundation of true achievement.
  2. Develop Your Speaking, Writing, and Reading Skills: Scholarship applications need careful attention to detail. Reading and comprehending the requirements, writing resumes, creating compelling personal statements, and perhaps submitting research proposals are all necessary. You will still be responsible for studying and completing your tests even if someone helps you get a scholarship, so start honing these abilities today!
  3. Commit Time Every Day: Set aside at least four (4) hours each day to work on your skill improvement, application process, and scholarship hunt. The secret is consistency; approach it as a serious objective rather than a one-time endeavour.
  4. Use the Internet Wisely: Use your cellphone data to learn instead of spending hours on Instagram and TikTok shorts. To increase your expertise and raise your chances of getting a scholarship, enrol in free online courses on sites like Coursera, edX, and Alison.
  5. Ask Questions if Something is Unclear: The University admissions departments are available to assist you and will answer any questions you may have at all times, so don’t be afraid to email them. You get more knowledgeable and confident in the application process with the more questions you ask.
  6. Develop Positive Relationships with Your Supervisors and Lecturers: These individuals are very important to your scholarship path. You’ll quickly discover why it’s important to stay in touch and keep up a positive communion!
  7. Remain Upbeat and Energetic – “I Can’t” Has No Place Here: The secret is to think positively! Don’t be self-conscious or believe that only a few people are eligible for scholarships. You can get one if you put in the necessary work and are determined. Have faith in God, in yourself and keep going!
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Now that you’re prepared, let’s move forward! 🚀

Scholarship Categories to Explore on ScholarWaka – Here are some key scholarship opportunities you should check out on ScholarWaka:

Key Notes

  • If you’ve just graduated from high school, you’re eligible for undergraduate scholarships. If you’ve completed university or polytechnic—or you’re currently serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)—then your focus should be on postgraduate scholarships.
  • Even as an undergraduate student in your last year of study abroad, you can take advantage of fully financed scholarships.
  • It is important to note that while getting a scholarship overseas is relatively simple, it is not always a given; you must work for it.

Below the paragraphs that follow, are the procedures of obtaining your ideal scholarships and we have explained it step-by-step and clearly highlighted for a perfect understanding.

1. Choose Your Preferred Program

Your intentions determine the course of your activities. You must choose a specific course of study if you wish to study abroad for an undergraduate or graduate degree.

This is frequently referred to as your research interest for postgraduate applicants.

Your course selection as a prospective undergraduate will be influenced by your O’Level courses (IGCSE, WASSCE, GCE, and NECO). For instance, computer science, mathematics, law, or economics might be excellent choices for you – but then, it is left for you to decide.

You would need to cultivate a research interest for your master’s degree.For instance, if you studied Chemical Engineering, you might be interested in studying Petroleum (Oil and Gas), Environmental Engineering, or Material Chemistry. It might be Computational Biology if you studied Zoology, Cell Biology and Genetics, Biochemistry, or Photonics if you studied Physics.

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Sociology, philosophy, zoology, chemistry, and the arts and humanities are among the underappreciated subjects that receive substantial funding overseas. Therefore, you have a lot less to worry about in terms of funding opportunities if you studied ecology, social work, or fisheries and aquaculture.

How to Find Your Desired Program

  • Google is your best friend when searching for research interests. For example, a simple search like “research interests in Sociology” will bring up valuable insights.
  • You can also explore Google Scholar to read journal articles and stay updated on the latest research trends in your field.
  • If your undergraduate project still excites you, congratulations! You already have a research interest—now, you just need to refine it and find scholarships that align with it.

2. Find Universities Offering Scholarships for Your Desired Program

Finding universities or other organisations that offer your chosen course of study is the next step after making up your mind. Here are a few efficient methods for doing that:

  1. Once more, Google is your greatest resource! If you search for “universities in the UK offering MSc in Public Health,” a list of schools that offer the program will appear. To locate the best fit for you, look through the results and visit their websites.
  2. Some scholarships are open to all fields of study, making them great options regardless of your research interest. These include:
    • Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (Europe)
    • Chevening Scholarships (UK)
    • MasterCard Foundation Scholarships (Africa-focused)
    • Government-Sponsored Scholarships from countries like Italy, Malaysia, Japan, and Scotland
    • McCall MacBain Scholarships (Canada) – These scholarships provide full funding, covering tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs
  3. Some Professors who have just won research grants usually advertise available positions on LinkedIn, Twitter and sometimes Facebook. You can search on these platforms and if your research interests align with theirs, all you have to do is send them a cold email to show interest and attach a well-detailed CV.

3. Check Admission Requirements

Scholarship requirements vary. Some require you to first apply to a university and secure admission before applying for the scholarship. Others allow you to apply for the scholarship directly without needing prior admission. Always check the specific guidelines for each scholarship to avoid missing key steps.

Some other schools in Canada require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 for a Masters degree, schools in the UK accept second-class lower grades, many in USA also accept HND grades.

Some even have CV and Personal Statement templates you should follow before submitting your documents.

Some scholarships forgo the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and English Proficiency Tests (TOEFL or IELTS), while others require them. Some scholarships have various requirements for different countries, so it’s important to make sure you read and understand this section of each scholarship before applying.

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4. Research When and How to Apply

These two ideas are similar to the guidelines for exams in most ways. You’re unlikely to perform well on the test if you don’t follow the directions.

Similarly, if you don’t follow the application deadlines and instructions, your admission won’t even be taken into consideration.

For certain scholarships, all you have to do is email your supporting documentation to a specific professor, screening committee, or selection panel. Others ask you to submit an online application, complete a form, and wait for the list of selected applicants.

Generally speaking, it is best to apply as soon as feasible. Selection panels have encouraged early applications so that you may stand out among a large number of other applicants.

5. Prepare Your Documents and Submit Your Application

As previously mentioned, you should be aware of the application period. Therefore, it is important that you have your application materials ready prior to the application date for the year in which you plan to apply.

You should store your documents in Google Drive so that you can easily access them with a few clicks from anywhere in the world at any time. This includes academic transcripts, a resume, SAT scores for undergraduate scholarships, GRE scores, English proficiency scores or letters, a personal statement, a passport or national ID card, motivation letters, and more. After doing this, you should submit them as needed.

A reference letter (often two or three) from a professor, supervisor, employer, or other academic staff member is one of the documents you will be required to provide. This is where your relationship with them is well-tested.

Before submitting your documents, it is very important to make sure they have been thoroughly checked and are free of errors. Error-filled documents convey to selection committees that you are not detail-oriented, which is one of the traits I previously advised you to possess.

6. Await your Good News

You just need to wait for that encouraging email when you’ve fulfilled the aforementioned requirements.

Please make sure that the emails you submit are active and that you check them twice a day, including your spam folder.

As you embark on the voyage, we at ScholarWaka are with you and we send you our warmest wishes.

Best of luck!

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