Scholarships for Overseas Studies
GRE/GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS scores and their importance
Your standardized test scores like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL and IELTS play a crucial role in securing scholarships for overseas graduate studies. Universities use these scores to shortlist candidates and higher scores increase your chances of getting valuable scholarships. A GRE score of 315, TOEFL score of 110 and GPA of 3.83/4 are considered strong profiles that can help you get scholarships up to 10-50% of tuition fees from reputed universities in the US and Canada. Your overall academic performance also matters as you need to convince the admission committee that you deserve to be funded for your education.
High standardized test scores open more doors
Universities first filter applications based on GRE, GMAT, TOEFL and IELTS scores along with GPAs. They seek out capable students most suitable for their programs. Higher standardized test takers prove their ability and commitment, making them worthwhile investment for scholarships. While minimum scores are set, crossing thresholds makes one stand out from other applicants.
Proving financial need strengthens applications
Scholarship providers want to support deserving candidates lacking means but having merit and potential. Explaining financial constraints and inability to fully fund education shows genuine need for assistance. Some may request evidence like bank statements. Convincingly expressing need while highlighting academic excellence helps maximize scholarship awards.
Strong recommendations from renowned faculty boost chances
Letters of recommendation from esteemed professors carry significant weight. They vouch for a candidate’s skills, strengths and suitability for a program. Well-known faculty from reputed schools lend more credibility to recommendations. Pursuing early application deadlines also favors scholarship selection, so apply well in advance whenever possible.
Important exams and scholarship programs
Scholarships through IELTS exam
With IELTS accepted worldwide, high scores open many doors. Scores of 8.5 and above make one eligible for exclusive IELTS scholarship programs like:
# IELTS Joint Funded Research Program
This supports over 100 external studies on English language learning and assessment worldwide. Annual applications are through their website from April to June.
# English Australia IELTS Award for Academic Leadership
This recognizes outstanding contribution to English language education quality in Australia through extraordinary academic management.
# IATEFL Morgan Terry Memorial Scholarship
Funded by IELTS partners, this prestigious scholarship commemorates Morgan Terry’s contributions to the organization’s work.
GRE/GMAT score-based scholarships
Top universities in the USA, Canada, UK, Europe and Australia offer partial to full scholarships based on standardized test scores. Programs may waive application fees and guarantee funding for 1-2 years of study. Some examples are:
# US News Top 50 Scholarship Program
Leading US universities offer automatic scholarships worth $5,000-20,000 for select programs to candidates with top 1% GRE/GMAT scores.
# GRE Excellence Scholarship
Several UK universities provide £5,000-15,000 through this program for 2 years to top international GRE scorers.
# GMAT waivers from Canadian B-schools
Business schools like Schulich waive application costs for international candidates meeting GMAT cut-offs.
Personal Statement and SOP writing tips
Highlight research experience and interests
Share any research assistant roles or published papers. Connect prior experience and interests to intended course of study and future career goals. Showing strong subject alignment helps chances.
Emphasize leadership qualities and accomplishments
Listing society memberships, conference presentations, awards and other achievements presents well-rounded personality. Highlight transferable real-life skills developed.
Express genuine passion for the program and institution
Convey sincere interest and motives for choosing the particular university beyond just its reputation. Discuss interacting with prominent faculty or unique research resources it offers in your field.
Connect personal qualities to institutional goals and values
Demonstrate how your character, drive and aspirations link with the mission and vision of the university. Relate how you can contribute to the community through academics, research or community service.
Personal interviews for scholarships
Prepare for common questions in advance
Have succinct yet comprehensive answers ready to frequently asked interview questions. Practicing responses aloud and recording mock sessions for feedback helps build confidence.
Maintain eye contact and good posture
Sit up straight, make eye contact with panel members and smile to appear enthusiastic, engaged and confident without coming across as arrogant.
Share one strength, one weakness and room for growth
Candor in humbly admitting a weakness while highlighting steps taken to overcome it shows self-awareness and potential for improvement. Focus on traits that don’t undermine key strengths.
Ask insightful questions at the end to show interest
Mindfully queries panel on their areas of research and university resources can leave a positive lasting impression of sincere passion and commitment to learning.
Additional international scholarship resources
Education USA advising centers and Fulbright programs
Education USA network of over 425 advising centers globally provides US-funded scholarships database and guidance sessions. Fulbright offers funded study/research awards for a wide array of countries.
DAAD and Erasmus+ for German and EU scholarships
DAAD portal lists German government scholarships. Erasmus+ funds European student and staff exchange programs between 34 European countries.
Canadian commonwealth and Latin American scholarships
Websites of individual Canadian provinces, associations like CCSP and LASPAU offer profiles and deadlines for scholarships across Canada, UK commonwealth nations and Latin America.
