The decision to study abroad comes with some doubts about the value of the experience. Many students are looking for financial aid. The best is a scholarship (or in English, a scholarship). Although most study abroad institutions offer some special opportunities for international students, there are certain rules and conditions for obtaining a major.


Not every student who applies is selected, and the interest discount is sometimes only a fraction of the cost. That's why even with scholarships, you need to budget and plan ahead.

Despite these considerations, scholarships bring great benefits to international students. In addition to helping you realize your plan to study abroad, getting a student loan from several universities impresses employers after graduation because it shows the student's desire to pursue their dreams and the qualities they can demonstrate in their work style.

How do I get a scholarship to study abroad?

There are several ways to find scholarships abroad and surprisingly, universities and institutions often have vacancies for various reasons - lack of information or candidates who do not meet the requirements. However, there is no right way to deal with it, even if it is a unique way. Funding to study abroad may be waiting for you.

Below are some steps to help you find a scholarship abroad!

1. Good at school

If the desire to study abroad awakens early, you will start preparing in advance. The sooner the better, and in this case we are talking about one, two or three years of preparation. Why? Because school results are an important requirement to choose abroad for your own diploma and possibly a scholarship.

The university appreciates a complete report card from high school grades and exemplary, consistent performance in high school. So the best first step is to work as hard as possible in school to increase your chances of getting a scholarship abroad.

2. Participate in extracurricular activities

Another factor that is highly valued by international universities is extracurricular activities. During high school, participate in projects and activities that not only interest you, but also help you develop a variety of intellectual, social, and personal skills.

Some examples are volunteer work, sports teams, dance or theater classes, computer courses, religious groups, student associations, scout groups, etc. Universities are interested in getting to know each applicant individually, and extracurricular activities are a great way to stand out. and show your personality, interests and passions.

During the selection process, training, group, team, etc. It is important to know how to explain how you want to participate, and even better, it helps you prepare for an academic course in your chosen field.

 

3. Knowledge of English or other foreign languages

Learn English or another foreign language that will be used officially to teach your preferred course abroad. International universities require international students to have a minimum official score in foreign language proficiency tests such as TOEFL and IELTS.

So there is no escape: you need to learn the language to increase your chances of getting a scholarship abroad (if you don't have English or a preparatory program before you graduate).

4. Know where to look

Most universities that emphasize multiculturalism and internationalization of higher education offer special scholarships for international students to attract the student body.

How to find this bag?

Go to the website of the international organization of your choice and go to the page specifically for international students, usually International Students, International Admissions or another variation. There you will find a section dedicated to scholarships and other financial aid with all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply. These sites are often called Student Fees and Financial Aid or other variations such as tuition fees, scholarships and bursaries, loans and financing.

Check out the websites of external scholarship organizations, such as these examples:

  • Fulbright (USA);
  • Erasmus Mundus (Europe);
  • Nuffic Neso Brazil (Netherlands);
  • French Campus (France);
  • DAAD Scholarship (Germany);
  • Try Scholarships and Scholarships (Australia);
  • New Zealand Aid Program (New Zealand).

5. Contact the university

Since the options are many and varied, only foreign universities inform the exact details of the admission process. The best part about this communication is that most institutions have free guidance services to guide you through the entire process.

6. Use caution and advance

The next step in the process is to complete the application form and fill it correctly. Be sure to provide all the documents required by the university that will help you get the scholarship. Incomplete forms will result in immediate rejection of the candidate. So start the application as soon as possible.

Before submitting your documents, research the topic, talk to people who have received the scholarship, and ask questions about the institution. Gather the information you need to become a strong candidate. You must also provide an official translation of your documents from Portuguese to English.

This process takes time, dedication, and money (which will be explained in the next step). So plan so that you have enough time to do everything calmly and carefully to avoid mistakes along the way.

Please note: some scholarships offered directly by universities require you to go through a general selection process and be accepted to the university level before applying for a scholarship. In fact, some institutions automatically evaluate each applicant to award a scholarship without the need for a separate application.

7. Reserve budget for this process

Depending on the institution or institutions offering the scholarship, usually the application fee is charged in dollars or another foreign currency. Other parts of the process will include substantial fees, such as proving your English language skills, sworn translations, and submitting documents, if applicable (fortunately, most applications are already online).

Check your application step by step, take into account all costs to plan your budget and secure the necessary amount to continue the project. So you won't be protected from any unexpected fees or charges.

8. Check the terms and conditions

Each foreign college and university has its own rules and requirements regarding scholarships. To give you an idea, the requirements differ even between scholarships offered at the same university.

Most universities offer special scholarships for international students, while others have programs in partnership with governments and companies. Some will only help with tuition fees, while others will also pay for accommodation, meals and other expenses. When looking for an international organization that interests you, you should ask about these programs, as their requirements vary.

Student fees are generally based on one of the following three factors:

  • Financial needs of the applicant, his family or guardian;
  • Academic performance is based on the outstanding general performance of the applicant;
  • Candidates should excel in academics, sports, theater, art, music, social work, etc.

Each of these factors requires a different set of documents. Financial need-based scholarships, for example, often called need-based scholarships, ask applicants to provide proof of their family's financial status using a bank statement or an official letter from the bank. Academic merit scholarships, also known as merit scholarships, will focus on students' report cards, letters of reference, and other documents that demonstrate their outstanding academic achievements.

However, you must list your previous schools and universities and provide documentation of your academic achievements; also provide evidence of your current financial situation and family history that may indicate the need for financial assistance. Also, find out if the institution offers mentoring services to help you with the application process.

If you already have an academic degree, one tip is to check if your Brazilian university has partnerships with foreign institutions. Completing an academic course in Brazil can be the first step for, for example, a graduate to study abroad.

9. Note the registration deadline

If you don't submit your application on time, all your efforts will be wasted. Mark your calendar with due dates for forms and supporting documents; then do the opposite, planning your time to manage yourself effectively. If you follow all the steps above, your application period will not expire if you start early.

10. Maintain high academic standing after approval

All universities require good academic performance from international students after a scholarship is awarded - often requiring a scholarship extension. Therefore, you must dedicate yourself to study and achieve above-average grades that will keep you in the college scholarship program.

Get your winning scholarship!