This is a general guide for international students who want to increase their chances of getting accepted and securing a scholarship. There are specific guides for different countries, but in general, they follow many of the same principles.
As an international degree-seeking student, you should be aware of the things and skills you need to acquire or prepare before planning your studies abroad. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to prepare.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
1. Spend Your Time on Honing and Improving Your Skills and Credentials
This step seems obvious to many, but it cannot be emphasized enough. You need to dedicate your time and effort to improving your academic profile. This can lead to a better chance of receiving a scholarship.
The earlier you prepare, the better your chances will be. Take a look at the next steps to see what you can spend your free time on.
2. Improve Your Language Skills, Especially English
So, if you have a lot of time on your hands, what should you do? First, we recommend improving your English skills. We have encountered degree-seeking applicants who wrote emails full of grammatical errors. Remember, universities, especially those in English-speaking countries, may be hesitant to accept students who cannot speak and write English well.
Even at universities whose primary language is not English, such as those in China and Korea, English can still be important for international applicants. Some English-taught programs require proof of English proficiency, while Korean- or Chinese-taught programs may require local language proficiency instead.
Many graduate programs, research papers, and academic resources use English, and some programs at Korean and Chinese universities are taught fully or partly in English. Because requirements vary by program, improving your English skills and checking the language requirements of each program can strengthen your scholarship application.
You can find other resources through search engines that help you improve your English. There are limits to what you can do with online resources alone, so you should also use a reputable grammar book to improve your grammar.
3. List All Your Accomplishments in Your Resume
How do you improve your student profile? Here are several things you can do. First, study to get a better GPA and test scores. Each country differs in which exams you need to take, so it is best to research and check the university website to know the exact tests you need.
Second, gain relevant experience. Internships and research experience can be helpful for graduate school applications, while extracurricular activities can boost your chances when applying for an undergraduate program. Work on your student profile as early as possible, but stay committed to everything you do. Don’t just do activities to gain experience; try to choose activities that genuinely interest you.
4. Research Possible Universities Where You Can Receive Scholarships
Take Advantage of Scholarship Databases
If you have free time, you should research as many universities as possible and compare their eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and competitiveness, such as admission rates. If you check a scholarship database online, you can find a lot of information about universities that offer scholarships to international students.
A scholarship database is a good source, especially if you don’t know which financial aid options apply to you. You can quickly scan scholarships available to international students and choose which ones to apply for. You’ll find numerous scholarship databases online, so take advantage of those as well.
Visit the University Scholarship Page for Detailed Information
While scholarship databases provide useful information, you still need to check individual university websites for more detailed information, such as scholarship amounts, application deadlines, required documents, and application procedures.
Fill out the Application Form and Apply
After you have narrowed down your list, it’s time to apply! Read the application procedure carefully, and apply using whichever application form is provided. Many universities now have online applications, which can make the process easier and more secure. You may also be able to pay the application fee online.
Additional Tips for Securing a Scholarship
1. Include Universities You Have Never Heard Of
One common mistake many international students make when applying to universities is that they only apply to schools they have heard of before, likely because those familiar names are the most popular and prestigious. The problem is that these schools receive thousands of applications yearly and tend to be very selective. You will be competing with students across the globe who have outstanding academic profiles.
We recommend applying to your dream universities, as well as to institutions that have a good educational system but are less famous. These “lesser-known” universities may also be eager to recruit international students to increase diversity within their student body, and some may offer scholarships to qualified international applicants.
And we are not just talking about universities; this also applies to countries. Many international students want to study in the USA, Canada, or Europe. However, you should also consider applying to universities in Korea, Japan, and China. These countries have high-quality universities and strong scholarship options for international students.
Moreover, they offer numerous scholarship opportunities to international students. Scholarships in Korea, Japan, and China may range from partial funding to full funding, depending on the award, university, and level of study.
2. [For Undergraduate Level] Scholarship Value Are Not Major Specific.
This is a question you may see frequently or may want someone to answer correctly: “Is there a scholarship offered to a <study program> major at <university name>?” The answer is: sometimes. Some universities offer scholarships specifically intended for certain majors, but many larger undergraduate merit scholarships are not tied to a specific major.
In many cases, major-specific scholarships may be smaller than university-wide merit scholarships. For example, the University of Alabama lists a Presidential automatic merit award of $28,000 per year for eligible international freshmen for 2026. Its Presidential Elite award covers the value of tuition for up to four years or eight semesters, plus other benefits. The university’s College of Engineering also lists an Engineering Leadership Scholarship of $2,500 per year for four years for eligible incoming engineering freshmen. This example shows why it is important to compare university-wide awards with college- or major-specific awards.
Since policies are different for each university, you should read the scholarship page for the university that you are interested in. This is just a general guide that applies to many universities.
7. [For Graduate Level] Scholarships Policies Vary Per Department/Faculty
If you are trying to secure a graduate scholarship, you should note that many universities have different scholarship policies for different majors. Visit the department or faculty page to check the eligibility requirements and procedures.
These are just some tips to help you secure a scholarship at a university of your choosing. It is essential to plan as early as possible. Build your student profile and acquire skills and credentials that you think will help you with your educational goals. The things you need to do may seem like a lot, but the reward you receive in the future can help transform your life!
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this scholarship guide. Explore more options by checking out our Available Programs for International Students!
