Dreaming of studying abroad? Scholarships can help

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Are you a Bengaluru student dreaming of studying abroad? The high cost of international education can be daunting, but do not let it stop you from chasing your academic goals. With the fall intake season in full swing, many students are already hard at work on their applications. Fortunately, a variety of scholarships can help lighten the financial load and make your dream a reality. Several government scholarships are available for Indian students; Fulbright- Nehru Fellowships provide opportunities for Indian students to pursue graduate studies in the United States. They cover tuition fees, living expenses and health insurance, making it a comprehensive financial aid option. Chevening Scholarships is funded by the UK government and allow Indian students to pursue a one-year master's degree at any UK university. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses and a travel grant. Commonwealth Scholarships are available for students from Commonwealth countries, including India, to study at universities in the UK. They provide financial support for tuition fees and living costs.

Many top universities across the world offer their scholarships to attract talented international students. These scholarships may be merit-based, needbased or specific to certain programs. Some universities with generous scholarship offerings include: Prestigious universities in the United States such as Stanford, Harvard, MIT and Yale offer a range of scholarships to international students, majorly those from India. Universities like Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London in the United Kingdom provide scholarship programs specifically for Indian students. Canadian universities, such as the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, also offer scholarships to support international students. In addition to government and university scholarships, private organisations also offer valuable scholarships: Inlaks Scholarships are for young Indian professionals seeking to pursue postgraduate studies in the US, UK, or other European countries. The Tata Trusts provide scholarships for Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies at top universities worldwide. To apply to universities abroad, Indian students often need to clear specific entrance exams.

These exams assess language proficiency, academic aptitude and subject-specific knowledge. Common language proficiency tests include TOEFL and IELTS, measuring English language skills. Standardised tests like the SAT and ACT are required for undergraduate admissions in the US. For postgraduate programs, the GRE and GMAT are widely accepted, evaluating quantitative, verbal and analytical abilities. Additionally, subject-specific tests like the MCAT (for medical schools) and the LSAT (for law schools) may be necessary. Clearing these exams with competitive scores significantly enhances a student's chances of securing admission to top universities worldwide. To maximise your chances of securing a scholarship, research thoroughly to find scholarships that match your academic goals and eligibility criteria.

Prepare compelling application documents, including a persuasive statement of purpose and strong letters of recommendation. By exploring these scholarships and following these steps, Indian students can turn their dreams of studying abroad into reality, making global education more affordable and accessible.