Guidance on international scholarships for Sri Lankan students

I'm from Sri Lanka and I'm interested in finding scholarships for studying internationally after high school. Can anyone suggest where to find these scholarships and what the application process typically involves? Personal experiences would be super helpful!

Firstly, congrats on beginning your journey towards international education! Scholarships for international studies are indeed helpful and a great way to fund your education. You're embarking on an exciting journey, and finding the right scholarship opportunities can certainly make it more feasible.

As an international student, you should look into scholarships offered directly by the university you plan to apply to. For instance, many universities in the U.S., Canada, and the UK offer scholarships to international students based on academic merit, demonstrated leadership, or specific talents. Typically, these scholarships require a separate application in which the student must demonstrate why they are a good fit for the scholarship often through essays, letters of recommendation, and documentation of accolades or achievements.

Apart from university scholarships, there are several international scholarships sponsored by various trusts, societies, and governments. These include but are not limited to the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA), the Commonwealth Scholarships (UK), the Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia), the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe), and the MEXT scholarship (Japan).

The application processes for these scholarships can vary but generally involve an online application where you'll need to supply information about your background, academic record, and possibly a statement of purpose or essay about your study plans. In some cases, they may also require references or letters of recommendation, transcripts, and proof of English language proficiency (like the TOEFL or IELTS score).

Another tool you might want to explore is Appily, which aggregates scholarship opportunities and could be a good starting point in your search. Just remember, it's important to start your search early as these scholarships are highly competitive and the applications can be time-consuming to prepare.

Here's a tip: When you're looking for scholarships, don't just look for 'major' ones. Many smaller, lesser-known scholarships are not as competitive. Every little bit helps when it comes to funding your education.

And finally, do remember that securing a scholarship often requires perseverance. Apply to as many as you qualify for and don't be disheartened by rejections. Keep putting your best foot forward! All the best with your journey.