Learn everything you need to know about study abroad
Scholarships and get end to end expert guidance from us.
Learn everything you need to know about the study abroad scholarships and get end to end expert guidance from us.
Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees Abroad
Study Abroad Scholarships
Scholarships are manna from heaven for those aspiring to study abroad. Be it a partial or full fee reduction, study abroad scholarships set your academic plans in motion. Popular study destinations, including the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore, offer multiple government-funded scholarships to help aspiring students manage their study expenses better.
Here, you’ll find an overview of the different scholarships available for international students across multiple countries and help you make informed decisions while choosing where to study abroad.
How to Get Scholarships to Study Abroad?
To avail of the study abroad scholarships, follow the below steps to identify the right type of scholarship best suited to your academic goals:
- Research available scholarships: Start by researching scholarship opportunities specific to studying abroad. Look for scholarships offered by governments, universities, organisations, and foundations. Explore online scholarship databases and websites dedicated to study abroad funding.
- Check with your university: Check the university website to get first-hand information about the scholarships and financial aid options available to international students. Some universities have dedicated scholarships or partnerships with organisations that provide funding for students to study abroad.
- Explore government scholarships: Many countries around the world provide scholarships for international students to study in their universities/institutions. Research government-sponsored scholarship programs in the country you wish to study in and check if you meet their eligibility criteria.
- Identify private organisations: Look for private organisations, non-profit foundations, and international companies that offer scholarships for students to study abroad. Check their websites and review their scholarship requirements and application processes. Or you can approach a study abroad consultant like AECC and connect with expert counsellors who can guide you through identifying the right scholarships and applying for them.
- Meet eligibility criteria: Read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship carefully and ensure that you meet all the requirements. Criteria may include academic merit, financial need, specific field of study, language proficiency, and more.
- Prepare required documents: Gather all the necessary documents required for the scholarship application. These may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, essays, and proof of language proficiency. Prepare these documents well in advance to meet application deadlines.
- Write a strong personal statement: Most scholarship applications require a personal statement or essay. Take your time to craft a compelling and authentic statement that highlights your academic achievements, career goals, and reasons for studying abroad. Pro tip: Tailor your statement to each scholarship application to make it more effective.
- Request Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or employers who can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential. Choose individuals who are aware of your skills and can write detailed and positive letters on your behalf.
- Polish Your Resume/CV: Keep your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) updated to reflect your latest academic achievements, extracurricular activities, work experience, and any relevant skills. Ensure your resume/CV is concise, well-structured, and customised to the scholarship requirements.
- Review and Proofread: Before submitting your applications, carefully review all the documents, essays, and forms to ensure there are no errors or omissions. Take the help of a friend, teacher, or mentor to proofread your application materials for feedback.
- Be Persistent: Keep in mind that competition for scholarships can be intense. If you don't receive a scholarship on your first attempt, keep searching for other opportunities, continue to improve your application materials, and apply again in the future.
- Apply early and be organised: Submit your scholarship applications well before the deadlines. Keep track of application deadlines, requirements, and any additional materials that need to be submitted. Stay organised to ensure you don't miss any opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements for International Scholarships
Depending on the course and sponsoring institutions, eligibility requirements for international students tend to vary. However, here are some common eligibility criteria to keep in mind:
- Academic Excellence: Ideally, you need to have a strong academic record, including high grades and a competitive GPA. Some scholarships may require a minimum GPA threshold.
- Language Proficiency: Many international scholarships require proof of English proficiency, as English is the primary language of instruction in most universities. Commonly accepted English language proficiency tests include TOEFL, IELTS and PTE.
- Admission to a Recognized University: To be eligible for scholarships, you need to secure admission to an accredited or recognised international university. Each scholarship may have its own list of eligible universities, so check the specific requirements.
- Field of Study: Some scholarships are specifically tailored to certain fields of study, such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), social science & humanities, or arts. Ensure that your chosen field of study aligns with the scholarship's focus.
- Level of Study: Scholarships may be available for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies. Check if the scholarship supports the level of study you plan to pursue.
- Financial Need: Certain scholarships prioritise students with financial needs. You need to provide financial documentation or demonstrate your financial situation to qualify for such scholarships.
- Extracurricular Activities and Leadership: Some scholarships value applicants who demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, leadership roles, or achievements in sports, arts, or other areas. Highlight your accomplishments in these areas if applicable.
- Personal Statement or Essay: Many scholarship applications require a personal statement or essay where you can showcase your motivation, goals, and how the scholarship will contribute to your future plans. Take the opportunity to express your unique qualities and aspirations.
- Letters of Recommendation: Scholarships often require letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers who can speak positively of your character, academic abilities, and potential.
Types of Scholarships to Study Abroad
Here are the different types of popular study-abroad scholarships for Indonesian students:
- Government Scholarships: Many governments offer scholarships for Indonesian students to study abroad. For example, the Indonesian government provides scholarships such as the LPDP (Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education), Chevening, and Australia Awards Scholarships. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs related to studying abroad.
- University Scholarships: Many universities around the world offer scholarships specifically for international students, including Indonesian students. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both.
- Private Foundations and Organisations: Numerous private foundations and organisations provide scholarships for Indonesian students to study abroad. These scholarships are based on specific criteria such as academic achievement, field of study, or financial need. Examples include the Tanoto Foundation, the Astra International Scholarship Program, and the Chevron Scholarship Program.
- International Organisations: International organisations like the United Nations, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank also offer scholarships, financial aid and grants for students from developing countries, including Indonesia. These scholarships often focus on fields such as development, science, international relations, and environmental studies.
- Cultural Exchange Programs: Some scholarships are designed to promote cultural exchange between countries. These programs offer opportunities for Indonesian students to study abroad while immersing themselves in the host country's culture. The Fulbright Program, the ASEAN Scholarship, and the Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT) are examples of such programs.
- Subject-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are awarded based on the specific field of study. For instance, if you plan to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), you can explore scholarships like the DAAD Scholarships in Germany or the Australia Awards Scholarship.
- Sports and Arts Scholarships: There are multiple scholarships available for Indonesian students with exceptional talent in sports or the arts. These scholarships aim to provide financial assistance to students pursuing sports-related degrees, performing arts programs, or visual arts studies.
Scholarships in Australia
Here are some of the most popular fully-funded/partial scholarships for international students:
|
Scholarships |
Details |
Level of education |
|
Australia Awards Scholarships |
Available to students from eligible developing countries, including Indonesia. It provides financial support for tuition fees, travel expenses, and living allowances for the duration of the course. |
Undergraduate/Postgraduate/PhD |
|
Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships |
Provides financial support to international students to study, conduct research, or undertake professional development in Australia. It covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly living allowance. |
Undergraduate/Postgraduate/PhD |
|
Destination Australia Scholarships |
Provides financial support to domestic and international students who want to study in regional Australia. |
Undergraduate |
|
Australian Awards Pacific Scholarships |
This scholarship is available to students from eligible Pacific Island countries who want to study at participating Australian universities. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs. |
Undergraduate |
|
Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship |
Available to students interested in undertaking a research-based postgraduate degree (Master's or PhD) in Australia. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living allowances, and health insurance. |
Postgraduate/PhD |
|
Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship |
Available to women from eligible APEC economies who want to undertake postgraduate research in Australia. The fellowship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and living allowances. |
Postgraduate/PhD |
|
International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) |
This scholarship program is available to Indonesian students who want to undertake a research-based PhD degree in Australia. It covers tuition fees and health insurance for the duration of the program. The |
Research-based PhD |
|
John Allwright Fellowship |
available to Indonesian students who want to undertake a PhD degree in agriculture, fisheries, or forestry. It covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly living allowance. |
Postgraduate/PhD |
Scholarships in Canada
Let’s discuss some of the popular international scholarships for Indonesian students in Canada:
|
Scholarship Name |
Description |
Eligibility |
Deadline |
|
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships |
Prestigious scholarships for doctoral students demonstrating leadership skills and high academic achievement. |
Open to international students, including Indonesians, pursuing a doctoral degree at participating Canadian institutions. |
November (annually) |
|
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) |
Scholarships for students from ASEAN member states, including Indonesia, to pursue short-term academic or professional studies in Canada. |
Open to ASEAN students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. |
Varies by program |
|
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) |
Merit-based scholarships for international students, including Indonesians, pursuing graduate studies in Ontario. |
Open to students enrolled in master's or doctoral programs at participating Ontario universities. |
Varies by university |
|
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program |
Scholarships for exceptional international students, including Indonesians, entering undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto. |
Open to students nominated by their high school and demonstrating leadership skills and community involvement. |
January (annually) |
|
Global Affairs Canada Scholarships for Indonesian Students |
Various scholarships, grants, and awards are offered by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, including opportunities for Indonesian students. |
Eligibility and deadlines vary depending on the specific scholarship or program. |
Varies by scholarship |
Scholarships in the UK
Listed below are some of the popular international scholarships for bachelor's degrees/postgraduate/research degrees.
|
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Requirements |
Award Amount |
|
Turing Scheme |
The Turing scheme aims to provide funding for international students to study in the UK. The scheme is open to students from all over the world and covers a range of subject areas and degree levels, including undergraduate. studies |
The grant will cover travel expenses, costs of living, and administrative funding of the applicants for delivering the projects. |
|
Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene |
The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene offers scholarships for Indonesian students pursuing undergraduate degrees in tropical medicine or global health at UK universities |
One-time scholarship of £5,000 |
|
British Council Indonesia GREAT Scholarships |
Indonesian students having an undergraduate degree with an interest in the proposed subject area |
minimum of £10,000 to students pursuing one-year postgraduate study in the UK |
|
Chevening Scholarships |
Chevening Scholarships are highly competitive UK government-funded scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for one year of study at any UK university |
up to £18,000 covering the tuition fees for a fully-funded postgraduate course |
|
The Newton Fund |
The Newton Fund is a UK government initiative that provides support for research collaborations between the UK and Indonesia, including funding for joint PhD programs |
an award amount of £1 million annually for the best innovation/research that promotes economic development |
Scholarships in the USA
Here are some of the best study abroad scholarships for international students applying to study in the USA:
|
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount |
Application Deadline |
|
Fulbright Foreign Student Program |
Open to international students for graduate-level study in the USA |
Varies |
Varies |
|
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program |
Mid-career professionals from eligible countries |
Varies |
Varies |
|
Rotary Peace Fellowship |
Individuals pursuing a master's degree in a related field |
Full funding for the program |
The 2025-26 Rotary Peace Fellowship application will be available online in February 2024 |
|
AAUW International Fellowships |
Women pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate studies |
$20,000–$50,000 |
November 15th |
|
Global UGRAD Program |
Undergraduate students from selected countries |
Full or partial funding |
December 31st |
|
MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship |
International students who are enrolled full-time in a degree program |
$2,000-$10,000 |
July 15, 2023 |
|
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program |
Students from developing countries pursuing a master's degree |
Full tuition, living expenses, and more |
Varies |
|
Asian Cultural Council Fellowships and Grants |
Graduate students from eligible countries looking to do research in the U.S. in arts and humanities. |
Varies |
Applications open in fall 2023 |
Scholarships in Malaysia
Have a look at the following scholarships to study in Malaysia before deciding on where to study abroad:
|
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Requirements |
Award Amount |
|
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) |
A minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field. Have a minimum of two years of work experience in their field of study. |
Fully funded (tuition, living expenses, airfare, etc.) |
|
Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) |
Must be an undergraduate with a minimum CGPA of 3.5. Have a minimum working experience of three years. |
Full tuition fee waiver, living allowance, medical insurance, airfare, and more |
|
MyBrainSc Scholarship |
For Indonesian students pursuing postgraduate studies in science and technology-related fields |
covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other benefits |
|
Malaysia International Postgraduate Scholarship (MIPS) |
Indonesian citizens |
Full tuition fee waiver, living allowance, medical insurance, airfare, and more |
|
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Fellowship |
Indonesian government officials and professionals |
Fully funded (tuition, living expenses, airfare, etc.) |
Scholarships in New Zealand
New Zealand is yet another inclusive and multicultural destination that supports international students to study in the country. Here are some of the popular scholarships to study in New Zealand:
|
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Requirements |
Award Amount |
|
New Zealand ASEAN Scholar Awards |
This scholarship program is designed for students from ASEAN member countries, including Indonesia. It supports undergraduate and postgraduate studies in various fields, such as agriculture, business, environmental studies, and public health. |
$10,000 towards tuition fees for new international students from ASEAN countries enrolling in undergraduate/masters/postgraduate courses |
|
AUN-QA Scholarship |
The ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) offers scholarships for Indonesian students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate programs in New Zealand. The scholarships aim to enhance the quality of higher education in ASEAN member countries. |
The scholarship covers a full waiver of tuition fees, accommodation, international airfare, and comprehensive medical insurance. |
|
University-specific scholarships |
Many universities in New Zealand offer scholarships specifically for international students, including those from Indonesia. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, leadership potential, or specific areas of study. |
Depending on the course and the university |
| Contact AECC so that our counsellors can help you apply for the scholarships that best suites you based on your academic scores, among other things! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Some popular countries known for offering scholarships to international students include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany and New Zealand. etc.,
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