Introduction
One of the most common barriers to studying abroad is financial. International education comes with substantial costs—tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs—adding up to hundreds of thousands of rupees. Yet thousands of international students successfully fund their studies through strategic scholarship searches. The key is knowing where to look and how to approach your search for scholarships for international students systematically and strategically.
According to recent data, over 1.5 million scholarships for international students are available globally, representing billions of dollars in funding (International Scholarships Search Database). However, many students either don’t know these opportunities exist or don’t know how to access them effectively. This comprehensive guide reveals proven strategies to find, evaluate, and successfully apply for scholarships for international students, covering top databases, application tips, and country-specific funding sources.
Why Searching for Scholarships for International Students Matters
The Financial Reality:
For Indian and international students, cost is often the deciding factor between studying abroad and staying home. A typical 2-year Master’s program costs:
- Canada: CAD 40,000-70,000 (₹25-44 lakh)
- Australia: AUD 60,000-100,000 (₹30-50 lakh)
- UK: GBP 30,000-50,000 (₹25-42 lakh)
- USA: USD 50,000-150,000 (₹42-1.25 crore)
Adding living expenses, the total reaches ₹35-75 lakh+—prohibitive for many families. Scholarships for international students bridge this gap, making education accessible to talented applicants regardless of financial background.
Approximately 30-40% of international students receive some form of scholarship funding. The question isn’t whether funding exists—it’s whether you know where to find scholarships for international students and how to apply strategically.
Top Databases for Finding Scholarships for International Students
The Premier Search Platforms:
1. International Student (InternationalStudent.com) [FREE]
Why It’s Top-Rated for Scholarships for International Students:
- Comprehensive database: 1000s of actively updated listings
- Covers countries: USA, Canada, Australia, UK, New Zealand, Europe
- Searchable by: Country, course level, field of study, scholarship type
- Free to search and apply
- No subscription required
What Makes It Excellent:
- Verified scholarship listings (outdated programs removed)
- User-friendly interface
- Direct links to university scholarship pages
- Regular updates with newly added scholarships for international students
Best For: Students from any country seeking diverse scholarships for international students options
Visit: https://www.internationalstudent.com/scholarships/
(International Student Scholarship Search)
2. International Scholarships (InternationalScholarships.com) [FREEMIUM]
Database Size:
- 2000+ scholarships for international students
- Awards from private sponsors, universities, corporations
- Average award: USD 1,000-70,000+
Key Features:
- Search by location, field of study, or scholarship name
- Monthly award programs with ongoing opportunities
- Community forum for scholarship advice
- Monthly deadline notifications
Registration: Free to browse; full contact details require account creation
Best For: Long-term scholarship searching and monthly notifications
Visit: https://www.internationalscholarships.com
(International Scholarships Database)
3. Fastweb [FREE with Registration]
Why Fastweb for Scholarships for International Students:
- Massive database: 1.5 million scholarships worth USD 3.4 billion
- Personalized matching: Creates profile-based recommendations
- Includes grants, loans, and scholarships for international students
- Mobile app available (iOS and Android)
- American-focused but includes international opportunities
How It Works:
- Create detailed profile (education, interests, background)
- Fastweb matches available scholarships for international students
- Receive weekly recommendations via email
- Track applications and deadlines in personal dashboard
Best For: US-bound students seeking highly personalized scholarships for international students recommendations
Visit: https://www.fastweb.com/
4. IEFA (International Education Financial Aid) [FREE]
The Specialist Database:
- Premier focus on scholarships for international students
- 3000+ verified award listings
- Categorized by country, field of study, and level
- Resources for US and international students
What’s Included:
- University-based scholarships for international students
- Government-sponsored awards
- Corporate scholarships
- Fulbright programs
- Country-specific funding guides
Best For: Comprehensive, organized scholarships for international students research
Visit: https://www.iefa.org
(IEFA International Scholarships)
5. EduPass [FREE]
Scholarship Search Features:
- Aggregates grants, loans, and scholarships for international students
- Links to multiple scholarship databases
- USA, UK, Canada, Australia focus
- Study abroad resources included
Databases Referenced:
- International Student database
- Fastweb
- Buddy4Study (for Indian students)
- Country-specific sources
Best For: Meta-search approach accessing multiple scholarships for international students sources simultaneously
Visit: https://www.edupass.org/paying-for-college/scholarships/databases/
(EduPASS Scholarship Resources)
Country-Specific Scholarships for International Students
Targeted funding sources by study destination:
Scholarships for International Students in Canada:
- Government of Canada Scholarships: GC-CAP grants, Vanier CGS
- Provincial Awards: Alberta, Ontario, BC-specific funding
- University Scholarships: Major universities offer 500+ funding opportunities
- ICCR Scholarships (India-Canada): Specific for Indian students
Visit: https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/index.aspx?lang=eng
Scholarships for International Students in Australia:
- Australian Government Scholarships: Endeavor Awards
- University-based: Every major Australian university offers scholarships for international students
- Research-focused: PhD scholarships widely available
- State-specific: NSW, VIC, QLD offer targeted programs
Popular: University of Melbourne, ANU, UNSW Sydney
Scholarships for International Students in UK:
- Chevening Scholarships: Government-funded, prestigious
- Commonwealth Scholarships: For Commonwealth citizens
- British Council Awards: Various funding programs
- University-based: Oxford, Cambridge, LSE all offer substantial scholarships for international students
- Erasmus Mundus: European partnership funding
Scholarships for International Students in USA:
- Fulbright Scholarships: Government-sponsored (highly competitive)
- Princeton, Yale, Harvard: Full-need scholarships for all students
- MPOWER Scholarships: Monthly awards for international students
- Chevening for US: American program
- Rotary Scholarships: Global Peace Fellowships
Visit: https://in.usembassy.gov/education-culture/study-usa/student-visas/
Scholarships for International Students in Europe:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: Covers tuition + living costs
- Erasmus+ Grants: Student exchange funding
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany): Monthly stipends (EUR 933/month)
- National scholarships: Each European country offers programs
- ScholarshipPortal: Central search for European scholarships for international students
Visit: https://education.ec.europa.eu/study-in-europe/planning-your-studies/scholarships-and-funding
Types of Scholarships for International Students
Understanding Scholarship Categories:
1. Fully-Funded Scholarships for International Students
- Cover tuition + living expenses + travel
- Most competitive
- Examples: Fulbright, Chevening, DAAD
- Award Range: USD 30,000-150,000+ annually
2. Partial Scholarships for International Students
- Cover 50-75% of costs
- Higher approval rates
- Examples: University merit scholarships
- Award Range: USD 5,000-50,000 annually
3. Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students
- Based on academic excellence, test scores
- GPA, GMAT, GRE requirements
- No financial need assessment
- Often renewable annually
4. Need-Based Scholarships for International Students
- Based on financial situation
- Limited for international students (more common for citizens)
- Requires FAFSA or equivalent
- Award amount varies
5. Specific Group Scholarships for International Students
- For women, minorities, specific countries, fields
- Less competitive (narrower applicant pool)
- Examples: Asian scholarships, engineering scholarships
Step-by-Step Strategy to Find Scholarships for International Students
Systematic Approach:
Step 1: Identify Your Profile
- Country of origin
- Study level (undergraduate, Master’s, PhD)
- Field of study
- Academic achievements
- Special characteristics (first-generation, refugee, etc.)
Step 2: Research Target Countries and Universities
- Select 3-5 countries for study
- Choose 10-15 universities within those countries
- Visit each university’s scholarship page
Step 3: Search Multiple Databases
- Use all 3-5 major databases (Fastweb, IEFA, International Student, etc.)
- Refine searches by country, field, award amount
- Compile spreadsheet of all matched scholarships for international students
Step 4: Evaluate Scholarships
- Award amount vs. your needs
- Eligibility match (don’t apply if ineligible)
- Competitive level (estimated based on requirements)
- Application deadline timing
Step 5: Prioritize Applications
- Create timeline working backward from deadlines
- Prioritize fully-funded, highest-award scholarships for international students first
- Estimate preparation time per application (essay writing, documentation)
Step 6: Prepare Strong Applications
- Write compelling personal statements
- Gather strong recommendation letters
- Document all achievements thoroughly
- Review requirements meticulously
Step 7: Submit and Track
- Submit early (never at deadline)
- Keep spreadsheet of submission dates and status
- Follow up if no decision by expected date
Tips for Success in Finding and Winning Scholarships for International Students
Maximize Your Chances:
- Start Early: Begin searching 12-18 months before intended start date
- Cast Wide Net: Apply to 15-20 scholarships for international students (expect 10-20% approval rate)
- Personalize Applications: Generic essays fail—tailor each application
- Meet All Requirements: Missing even one requirement disqualifies you
- Seek Less-Known Awards: Major scholarships have higher competition; smaller awards offer better odds
- Leverage Your Background: Emphasize unique aspects (first-generation, underrepresented background, specific hardship)
- Strong Recommendations: Choose recommenders who know you well and will write compelling letters
- Professional Presentation: Ensure all documents are error-free, professionally formatted
- Multiple Funding Sources: Combine scholarships, education loans, family support, part-time work
Conclusion
Finding scholarships for international students requires systematic research, strategic application, and persistence. With 1.5 million+ opportunities available globally, funding exists for qualified, motivated students. The difference between those who secure scholarships and those who don’t often comes down to knowledge and effort.
Successful international students don’t apply to one scholarship and hope—they research comprehensively, apply strategically to multiple opportunities, and present their strongest cases to scholarship committees.
Ready to start your scholarship search journey? Ausizz Migration Consultants connects international students with scholarship opportunities, guides application strategies, and provides mentorship throughout the process. Beyond scholarships, we facilitate complete study abroad planning—from university selection through visa approval to post-arrival support.
Begin your scholarship journey today: Ausizz Migration Consultants
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are my chances of getting a scholarship as an international student?
A1: Approximately 30-40% of international students receive some funding. Chances depend on academic achievement, field of study, and target country. STEM students often have higher approval rates due to demand.
Q2: Are fully-funded scholarships for international students really free?
A2: Yes, fully-funded scholarships cover tuition, living allowance, health insurance, and often travel. However, they’re highly competitive (acceptance rates 5-15%).
Q3: How much time should I allocate for scholarship applications?
A3: Plan 6-12 months for comprehensive searching and application. Each application requires 3-8 hours (essay writing, documentation gathering, review).
Q4: Can I apply for scholarships after receiving my university admission?
A4: Yes, but starting earlier is better. Some scholarships require early application (6-12 months before study start). Others accept applications up to 3 months before enrollment.
Q5: Do scholarship databases charge money to access scholarships for international students?
A5: Most reputable databases are free. Avoid sites charging fees upfront—scammers use this tactic. Premium services (ScholarshipOwl at $10-60/month) exist but aren’t necessary for finding legitimate scholarships for international students.
