Higher education abroad: how to obtain a scholarship

Who is eligible for a study grant?

First of all, to enroll in a university abroad, you need to assess yourself according to the following criteria:

• knowledge of the language of the country where you want to study;
• academic performance;
• achievements or research work in your field of specialization;
• convincing your goal to study with a scholarship.

Most colleges and universities offer scholarships to their students. Scholarships cover 50 to 100% of tuition, housing, food, and educational materials. There are also fixed amounts: for example, money is paid for a year in advance, and you can use it as you see fit.

There are also scholarships from various organizations. These are awarded by companies interested in hiring talented young professionals. To do this, they sponsor their education and then invite them to work for them. Information can be found at Outside Scholarships.

It is important to understand that such funding programs are not only for geniuses. You need to stand out from other candidates so that foundations, the government, and universities are interested in paying for you.

In addition to all this, your chances of receiving a scholarship increase if you:

• speak another foreign language (besides the language of the country where you study and your native language);
• do well in your studies and participate in competitions and academic contests;
• write a term paper or thesis on a relevant scientific topic;
• write a motivation letter in which you describe, for example, how you intend to improve the world and the lives of people in your home country;
• you are involved in sports, have achievements and medals, and are ready to represent your future university in competitions;
• have work experience in your field: an internship, volunteer work, or a commercial project based on an idea.

What grants are available in different countries?

Poland

Opportunities to receive grants for studying in Poland are available through programs aimed at young scientists, such as the Gaude Polonia humanities program, as well as the Kirkland program, which covers economics and cultural studies.

If you have a Polish Card, it will help you not only study for free, but also receive a scholarship (or even several).

Types of scholarship programs in Poland:

• Social scholarship — intended for students who need social assistance. For example, orphans, disabled people, low-income students. The main conditions are income per family member, good academic performance, and knowledge of the Polish language.
• Special scholarship — intended for people with disabilities. The amount depends on the disability group and is not linked to the family's financial situation. Such a scholarship is considered for about two weeks, so it is necessary to submit documents in advance of the academic year, and it is awarded for the entire academic year.
• Rector's scholarship – awarded to the best students for achievements in studies, science, sports, and creativity. The main selection criteria are possession of a Polish Card, good knowledge of the Polish language, and a high grade point average.
• 's allowance is a one-time assistance to students who find themselves in difficult life situations, such as the death of a loved one, the birth of a child, illness, or an accident.
• A company scholarship is available if you have committed to working for a specific company after graduation.

Czech Republic

There are many programs available here. Tuition at universities is free, provided that you know the language and pass an interview.

The following types of scholarships are available in the Czech Republic:

• Accommodation scholarship — for students in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs who do not have a permanent place of residence in the area where the university is located. Only for students who study in Czech, have good academic performance, and have not interrupted their studies.
• Scholarship for special achievements — for students who participate in research, education, or other useful activities at the university.
• Czech Ministry of Education Scholarship — intended for master's and doctoral students to cover living and tuition expenses.

The country also offers grants for study from the Visegrad Fund or Erasmus Mundus. The fund provides grants and scholarships with the aim of developing cooperation between countries in the fields of culture, science and research, education, youth exchanges, and tourism.

Germany

In Germany, both local and foreign students receive higher education free of charge. Every year, the state agency DAAD provides up to 60,000 scholarships and grants for study in various specialties. The organization's website offers a large number of educational programs, as well as assistance with paperwork and entrance exams.

Hungary

Students at all levels of education, from bachelor's to doctoral degrees, are eligible for state grants for education. Although higher education for foreign students in Hungary is relatively affordable, scholarships and grants are also available to help further reduce costs.

The Stipendium Hungaricum program is a Hungarian state scholarship program that provides the opportunity for free education in Europe. Created in 2013, this scholarship aims to support student and cultural exchange between Hungary and other countries around the world.

The program fully covers tuition and health insurance. Students are provided with a room in a dormitory or assistance in renting accommodation. Students also receive a stipend of $121 per month for food, transportation, and other expenses.

Italy

The DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) program is a scholarship program run by the Italian government, which literally translates as "the right to university education." It is intended for applicants from low-income families. Both local residents and foreign students can apply. To participate in the competition, you must confirm that your family's income is less than $12,945 - $24,812 per year. The lower your income, the greater the total amount of the grant. The scholarship can be obtained at any academic level.

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United Kingdom

Education here is very expensive, and grants serve more as discounts on education. Nevertheless, more and more students want to study in the UK. The Chevening government scholarship program can help you get in — it will cover the costs of tuition, flights, visas, and living in the UK. The main requirements for you as a student are ambition, leadership potential, and a strong academic background.

United States

Scholarships and grants are paid by the state, universities, and private organizations. The most popular state grants are The Fulbright Program for master's degrees and the Year Program for bachelor's degrees. They fully cover tuition, accommodation, and meals. The higher a university is in the rankings, the more generous scholarships it offers. Most only offer a discount on tuition or partial coverage of expenses.

China

In China, government scholarship programs often include one year of language training. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, insurance, and living expenses. It is also possible to receive a grant for language training only for six months or a year. In addition, students can apply directly through the university. Students receive monthly payments ranging from $346 to $485. The amount depends on the academic degree.

The main requirements are age, good physical and mental health, and Chinese language proficiency at HSK level 3.

Additional information about scholarships is available on the Chinese Government Scholarship website.

Platforms for finding scholarship programs

• Erasmus Mundus and Erasmus+ scholarships cover the costs of participating in the program, accommodation, and travel. Erasmus Mundus provides long-term grants in various fields of study with the possibility of obtaining an EU diploma or postgraduate education.
• Global Scholarships is a resource for international students looking for scholarships around the world. Students can use the filter system on the website to search for scholarships by degree, subject, nationality, and application deadlines.
• Scholarship Portal is a database with more than 1,000 scholarships available both in Europe and beyond. Here you can select your level of study and place of study to view scholarships that match your criteria.
• The EURAXESS website provides information on funding for research positions, scholarships, and doctoral studies in Europe.

In addition, many universities, research institutes, and higher education institutions also offer their own scholarships and financial support, information about which is available on their websites.