SCHOLARSHIPS IN UK AND USA

Studying in United Kingdom (UK) or United States (US) is a transformational experience offering students scholarship, with an intension to explore in new cultures, widen their vision and knowledge globally through gaining valuable academic experience and personal insights, also to support vulnerable families.

The UK and US Governments, offer hundreds of scholarships, bursaries and additional financial support to both local and foreign students in a large number.

SCHOLARSHIPS IN UNITED KINGDOM

UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is the UK’s National advisory body serving the interests of International students and their partners. However, in some International and local students, whose financial status is lacking have an often barrier for the desires and aspiration to attain their academic dreams and goals.

Here are numerous scholarships available to help those struggling in the financial burden and make studying in the United Kingdom (UK) a dream come true.

Many UK higher education institutions offer their own scholarship programs; these are offered based on a number of factors, which can be broadly split out into the following categories:

• Academic, Merit and Excellence scholarships: – These are usually awarded to students with a strong academic background, including achieving strong grades in their school exams. 
• Performance based scholarships:-These are usually awarded to those who have exceptional ability in an extracurricular activity such as sports, music or performing arts like drama or dance.
• Subject specific scholarships:- These are often offered by individual departments for students studying a particular course or subject.
• Equal access or sanctuary scholarships: – These scholarships can take the form of a tuition fee reduction or waiver or maintenance award and are offered to refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution from their home countries.
• Disability scholarships: – These scholarships support international students with a disability, long-term mental health condition, learning difficulty or other special needs. 

Always check out different institutions’ websites to discover what is available, and take a look at specialist websites like Postgraduate Studentship and Prospects for curated information that covers different institutions.

Other forms scholarship

1. Chevening Study Scholarships: – These are Scholarships offered by the UK Government; and are prestigious Scholarship awards that are available for outstanding individuals with leadership potentials. They cover full tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel costs, and other allowances attached.
2. Common Wealth Study Scholarships: – These scholarships are funded by the UK Government and only support students from Common Wealth Countries to study in the UK. They are comprised of tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs coverage.
3. British Council Study Scholarships: – These include the GREAT Scholarships program where they provide funding to students from specific countries on merit.
4. University Specific Study Scholarships: – Many Universities in the UK offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. These can vary in eligibility criteria based on amount and application process. So it is essential to research individual university websites for specific details.

STUDY SCHOLARSHIPS IN UNITED STATES

As an international student, you won’t be eligible for funding intended specifically for US Nationals. US Universities prioritized Internationalization; the number of International scholarships to study in the US has grown. There are also some US Universities that offer need blind admission to International students.

Below is the selection ofUS scholarships for International students, some funded by the US Government, some funded by Private Organizations and some funded by specific Institutions. Good luck with your applications!

Government funded US scholarships for international students

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program: – Perhaps it is the most popular Government funded US scholarship for International students, Fulbright offer scholarships for graduate students, young professionals and artists to study in the US for one year or more. Open to International students in all fields excluding medicine.
2. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: – This is a Non Degree scholarship program for International experienced professionals willing to undertake Ten (10) months of academic study in the US. Although the funding does not support degree qualifications, students are able to study and develop their knowledge at Academic Institutions across the Nation.

Non-governmental US scholarships for international students

1. YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: – International scholarships aimed at all Overseas students, studying any subject at a participating College or University in the US. One should submit an essay or video demonstrating their interests and initiatives in promoting Intercultural learning and exchange.
2. Civil Society Leadership Awards: – These are fully funded scholarships available for students from eligible Countries to study in the US or another host Country at masters’ level.
3. David p. Shapiro Autism scholarship: – A scholarship worth One thousand US Dollars (US$1,000) open to current or prospective students in the US diagnosed with autism.
4. Preply Scholarship: – Only Three winners are considered and would receive awards of up to Two thousand us Dollars ($2,000). Open to all Students Domestic and International, and at any study level aged between Sixteen (16) and Thirty five (35). To enter, one need to submit a Five hundred (500) word essay related to online education, multilingualism, and professional development.
5. Surf Shark Privacy and Security Scholarship: – A Two thousand US Dollar ($2,000) prize is available to a student currently enrolled in the US or another study destination as a high school, undergraduate or graduate student. One will need to submit an essay to apply and the scholarship is open to all Nationalities.
6. Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship: – Awarded twice a year to passionate International students wishing to study in the US. Worth One Thousand US Dollars (US$1,000).
7. EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program: – This scholarship opportunity is managed by EducationUSA advising centers; this program provides financial assistance to qualified students who are highly and likely to be awarded full financial aid from US Colleges and Universities but still need additional funding to cover their initial costs in their day to day course of attaining better education and standards of living.
8. University Specific Scholarships: – Many Colleges and Universities in US offer scholarship grants and merit based awards to International students.

These can range from partial tuition waivers, full scholarships covering tuition, room, board, and other expenses.

WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY FOR STUDY SCHOLARSHIPS

1. Start Early: – Scholarship application deadlines can be months in advance of the start of the academic year, so it is important to begin the process earlier enough to be recognized.
2. Research about Scholarships: – Explore all available scholarship options and carefully review eligible criteria affordable by you that suites the application requirements and deadlines.
3. Create a strong application: – Pay attention to application essays, recommendation letters, and other supporting documents. Also highlighting your academic achievements, leadership experiences and extra-curricular activities is very important.

In conclusions

By scrutinizing through the variety of study scholarships available in the UK and USA, any aspiring international students can turn their dreams of studying into a reality.

With careful planning, diligent research, and a compelling application, the opportunity to embark on a transformative educational Scholarship journey awaits.