How can international students access scholarship funds?

I'm overwhelmed by the costs of studying abroad and need to access scholarship funds as an international student. What would you suggest is the best approach to find and secure scholarships globally?

International students often face additional financial challenges when studying abroad. However, there are plenty of resources available to you that can aid in the scholarship search and application process.

First, understand and explore your options with overseas study and exchange programs. Often, these can come with their own scholarships or financial aid options, especially if they are sponsored by a government or an educational institution.

Next, you can try using scholarship search engines. A platform like Appily (formerly known as Cappex) allows students to filter by various criteria to find scholarships that match your academic achievement, your field of study, personal interests, and other categories.

Keep in mind that scholarships aren't solely academic or based on financial need. There are numerous scholarships based on talents, interests, backgrounds, and more. For example, a student with a strong track record in community service could apply to service-based scholarships. You might even come across scholarships related to your cultural background, so be sure to conduct a thorough search.

Beyond these online resources, you should also reach directly to universities you're applying to. Many universities have their own scholarship programs for international students. Inquire about both university-wide scholarships and department-specific grants. Contact the admissions offices and financial aid offices to ask about aid possibilities that might not be heavily advertised.

Participating in essay competitions is another way of accessing scholarships. For example, sections of UN departments or private organizations often hold contests likes these with reasonable cash rewards or even university scholarships.

Lastly, consider nontraditional funding methods like crowdfunding. There are websites dedicated to helping students raise funds for tuition. Sharing your story and your educational goals can inspire others to contribute to your college fund.

Remember, the scholarship search is a numbers game. Apply to as many relevant scholarships as you can and don't get discouraged by rejections. Persistence here can pay off in a big way.

Keep in mind, you should never pay to apply for scholarships, and be aware of potential scams. Any legitimate scholarship provider will never ask for an application fee.