Navigating scholarships and funding options for your study abroad

Before you start studying abroad, have a chat with people at the university or accredited education agents if that's relevant to you.

Make sure you have a list of universities or courses you're interested in, or at least know where you'd like to study.

University staff can tell you about scholarships and programs their institution offers. They can also guide you on how to find more information about scholarships that match your preferences and the university you're interested in.

In countries like the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, universities usually qualify for various Commonwealth scholarship programs.

These scholarships can help you whether you're planning to study for a bachelor's degree or a postgraduate qualification.

In some cases, certain countries may require you to work with registered education agents, often based in your home country, for admissions and communication.

When you talk to agents, you can explore a wide range of scholarship options, not just those linked to a single university or course.

While some people prefer to do their own research, it's a good idea to have conversations with agents and university staff.

Scholarship requirements can be complex, and you might not always know what paperwork or proof is needed. Agents and university staff can help you avoid any potential issues.

In my experience, making the most of your professional connections and the university alumni community can be incredibly helpful.

Start by using social media to find alumni groups and make new contacts. International alumni, especially those from your own country, have already been through the process of studying abroad.

They understand the planning, financial aspects, and the challenges you'll face during your studies, so they can offer you relevant advice. This advice can cover everything from scholarships and funding to practical tips for finding work opportunities to manage your expenses.

One aspect that often doesn't receive enough attention is the supportive networks formed by some alumni groups.

These networks consist of successful professionals who can assist students from their home countries in pursuing their academic and career aspirations. Unfortunately, these alumni-led programs don't always get the recognition they deserve, but I personally know individuals who received support for their postgraduate and doctoral studies through such networks.

Even if you can't find specific funding programs, alumni have a wealth of experience when it comes to international study, especially regarding living and working as an international student. It was advice from alumni that helped me make the best choices to support myself during my studies abroad.

It may sound unusual, but you might be surprised to know that many countries offer financial programs to support students who want to study abroad.

These funding programs are often structured as loans rather than scholarships. They tend to favor fields like sciences, engineering, medicine, and policy-making, sometimes excluding arts and humanities.

While the idea of a loan might not be appealing at first, I recommend contacting the relevant government authority to get more information before dismissing it as an option.

Some of these programs may not require you to make immediate and regular loan payments. Instead, they might ask you to return to your home country and engage in specific work activities for a set period after completing your studies abroad. The Fulbright scholarship program to the US, for example, has a similar requirement.

Even if you do need to repay the loan, these programs are well-structured, and the loan repayment is usually manageable due to the career opportunities you gain from studying internationally.

This kind of funding can be especially helpful for students whose personal finances don't fully cover the cost of studying abroad. It allows you to pursue your studies without relying solely on personal savings.

As an international student, managing the financial aspects of studying abroad can be challenging. That's why it's crucial to leverage your networks and resources to explore all possible funding options. This will increase your chances of reducing the financial burden during your study period and help you achieve financial stability both during and after your studies.