Get Scholarships in Australia

International students can apply for scholarships offered by the Australian Government, education institutions and a number of other organizations. Scholarships offered cover various educational sectors including

• Vocational and technical education,
• Student exchanges,
• Undergraduate and
• Postgraduate study and
• Research

Note: Australian Government scholarships are not available for international students undertaking English language training in Australia. However, there are several English language training scholarships offered by Australian institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

The criteria for each of the programs listed below differ. In general though, you need to meet these basic requirements:

• You need to be an Indian national
• You must have an outstanding academic track record as most scholarships are merit-based
• Your performance should have been consistent over the years
• You should have all necessary documentation for need based grants including original certificates, official transcripts etc.
• If need be, you should be able to provide a certificate ascertaining your good character
• You should be proficient in English, both oral and verbal.

Eligibility for UK Scholarships

The British government and other UK organizations provide a number of scholarships and awards to help international students to study in the UK.

The competition for scholarships and grants to study in the UK is very strong. Most grant-making organizations will insist that you meet some very strict criteria. If you do not meet all the requirements for a grant, then your application will not be considered.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must apply for your grant at least one year before your course starts; deadlines vary, so you must check that you know what the deadline is before applying
• Your application should be clear and concise
• You should use the grant-making body's application form if it has one
• A majority of the grant-making bodies will give only small amounts of money, which will not cover the full cost of a course.

Loans for Education in Australia

There is no general rule on whether you are eligible for a scholarship for Australian schools. All scholarships vary in their eligibility requirements; for students from India, some institutes ask for a certain TOEFL score, while others ask for you to have a certain GPA. There is no specified cut off, but the higher your score, the better your chances. If you are considering Aviation as an option, you will need good scores in math and physics.

A few scholarships are granted by the Australian government to promote educational cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific region. These mainly consist of two programs -

• Australian Leadership Awards and the Endeavour Program. Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) is for long-term Post Graduate study at Masters or Doctoral level. This program is managed by AUSAID, the Australian government's overseas aid program.
• The other scholarship is the Endeavour scholarship, which is offered to leading researchers, executives and students to undertake short or long-term study, research and professional development in a broad range of disciplines. This program is very competitive and is offered by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).

Scholarships in Biotechnology

• Aga Khan Foundation for development studies: Forms are available from January every year at Sarojini House, 6 Bhagwandass Raod, and New Delhi 110 001.
• Biotechnology Overseas Associationship:
  Eligibility: PhD/MD degree in an area related to Biotechnology. Last date for applying is in September every year.
  Apply to: Senior Scientific Officer 1, Department of Biotechnology Block II 6th floor, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110 003 on the prescribed format. Advertisement is published in August every year.
• Cambridge Nehru Scholarships for PhD at University at Cambridge:
  Eligibility- First class Honours degree and age below 28 years. Last date for applying is in September every year.
  Apply to: Nehru Trust for Cambridge University, Teen Murti House, Teen Murti Marg, New Delhi 110 011 with full details of academic qualifications.
• Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow PG Research Traineeships for PhD in Indian Universities:
  Eligibility: M.Sc in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Zoology, Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences with minimum 60% marks. Age- below 28 years. Test: CSIR-UGC-NET or Research Aptitude Test held in July and interview. Stipend: Rs 4,000 per month.
  Apply to: Director, Central Drug Research Institute, Chattar Manzil Palace, Lucknow 226 001. Notification is published in May.
• German Academic Exchange fellowship Subjects:
  Bio-Engineering, Bio-Pharmacology, Metallurgy, Environment Science, Agronomy, Veterinary Science, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry:
  Eligibility: PG degree with first division and 2 years of teaching or research experience. Last date is in September every year. Apply to: Ministry of Human Resource Development, External Scholarship Division, ES-1, Section A-1/W.3, Curzon Road Barracks, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110 001.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Scholarships for Doctoral Studies For Indian nationals for Ph.D. in India or for visit to another Asian country in Science, Philosophy, Religion and Culture, International Relations, History, Social Change, Ecology:
  Eligibility: PG degree in first class; age below 35 years; should be a Ph.D. scholar. Fellowship amount: Rs 6,000 per month with annual maintenance allowance of Rs 10,000. Last date for applying is in May every year.
  Apply to: Administrative Officer, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, Teen Murti House, New Delhi 110 001 with a self-addressed stamped envelope (25&Mac215; 10 cm).
• KC Mahindra Scholarships for Studies Abroad:
  Eligibility: a) First class degree, b) must have secured admission in a foreign university. Last date of receipt of application forms is in March every year. Address for applying: Managing Trustee, KC Mahindra Education Trust, Cecil Court 3rd floor, Near Regal Cinema, Mahakavi Bhushan Marg, Mumbai 400 001 with a s.a.s.e. 25&Mac215; 18 cm with stamps of Rs 4.
• Lady Tata Memorial Trust Scientific Research Scholarships:
  
• Post Doctoral scholarships for PhD in Science or to MD/MS degree holder.
• Senior Scholarships for post-graduates with MBBS degree or M.Sc with 2 years research experience.
• Junior Scholarships to fresh M.Sc or B.Sc with distinction and 2 years research experience. Last date for applications is January 31 every year. Apply to: Secretary and Chief Accountant, Lady Tata Memorial Trust, Bombay House, Homi Mody Street, Mumbai 400 001.
  
• RD Birla Smarak Kosh, Mumbai Fellowships and Grants for research/training in a medical or related subject. For application forms write to: Director, RD Birla Smarak Kosh, Medical Research Centre, Bombay Hospital Trust, Hospital Avenue, Mumbai 400 020.
• Research fellowship in Tribal Development:
  Eligibility: Research scholars with a background of Social Sciences, Agriculture, Medicine, who are already registered for PhD/Post-Doctoral with a recognized university.
  Rate of fellowship: Rs 3,200 per month. Last date for applying is in September every year. Apply to: Director, Tribal Development Division, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Room 212, 2nd floor D wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi 110 001 in the prescribed format. Advertisement is published in August every year.
• National Biosciences Awards for Career Development: Awarded to scientists who are currently engaged in basic and applied research in Biosciences and Bio-Technology. Each award carries a cash amount of Rupees one Lac, a citation and a research grant of Rs.3.00 Lac per year for three years. Contact: Adviser, Human Resource Development, Department of Bio-technology, Block-2 (6-8th Floors, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003
• Women Bioscientist Awards: Awarded to women Bio-Scientist currently working in the areas of Biology and Biochemistry. Contact Address: Principal Scientific Officer, Department of Biotechnology, Block-2 (6-8th Floors) CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003.

Scholarships for Study in Australia

Scholarships are granted by the Australian government to promote educational cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific region. A brief overview of each of the component programmes of Australian Scholarships follows:

Endeavour Programme

The Endeavour Programme brings together under one umbrella all of the Department of Education, Science and Training’s (DEST) international education scholarships. The Endeavour Programme showcases the excellence of Australia’s education, science and training sectors by bringing high achieving students, researchers and professionals to Australia to undertake short or long term study, research and professional development in a broad range of disciplines. It also encourages Australians to do the same abroad.

Australian Leadership Awards

The Australian Leadership Awards (ALAs) focus on developing leaders who can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in both their own countries and in the Asia-Pacific region. ALAs provide support for scholarships for Post Graduate studies in Australia and short-term fellowship opportunities in specialized research, study or professional attachments through participating Australian organizations.

Australian Development Scholarships

Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia's partner countries to promote good governance, economic growth and human development. ADS provide people with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive change and influence the development outcomes of their own country, through obtaining tertiary qualifications at participating Australian institutions.

Australian Scholarships

Australian Scholarships is an initiative of the Australian Government that brings together and expands existing scholarship programmes in the Asia-Pacific region managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST). Australian Scholarships also introduces a new AusAID managed programme - Australian Leadership Awards.

Fellowships for Study Abroad

Royal Society Fellowships

The Royal Society currently offers incoming fellowships for researchers from North America and Asia. The aim is to attract outstanding Post Doctoral scientists to undertake high-quality research at a UK laboratory.

Asia Research Fellowship

This scheme provides support for Post Doctoral researchers from a number of Asian countries for up to one year. The Asian countries, which the fellowship programme includes India.

The research undertaken must be on a subject within the natural sciences, including: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Agricultural, and Medical Research.

Note: Awards are not granted in the areas of the social sciences or clinical medical research.

De Souza Trust Goa Scholarship

The De Souza Trust, Goa Scholarship aims to provide opportunities for dynamic young men and women of Goan origin who have demonstrated academic excellence and extra-curricula achievements to study or train in the UK.

Since 1998, when the scholarship was first introduced, several Goan students have successfully completed their studies in subjects such as diverse as Media Management, Architecture, Computing & Design, TV documentary, Music Therapy, Architectural Conservation and Human Rights, Communication Systems & Signal Processing and Innovation Technology & the law.

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships are funded by the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Following are the salient aspects of this award:

• The scholarship is for Commonwealth citizens of high academic ability
• Students are expected to make a significant contribution to their home countries upon return from study in the UK
• Awards are generally available to citizens of any Commonwealth country (this includes India)
• Scholarships are generally available for postgraduate study
• If there are no undergraduate courses in a particular subject in your own country or regional university, it may sometimes be possible for you to apply to do a first degree course under this scheme also.
• Scholarships are usually tenable for between one and three years
• They cover the cost of travel to and from the UK, tuition fees and living expenses.

Note: In some cases an allowance may be paid to help with the cost of maintaining a spouse and family in the UK

Studying Abroad Cost and Fees

Studying abroad often requires financial assistance for extra expenses such as travel, accommodations and materials, which can make it a greater financial commitment. Though studying abroad is comparatively expensive, you can reduce your expenses to an extent. A number of universities and colleges offer financial aid in the form of scholarships, tuition fees waivers, and part-time work options. However scholarships are usually numbered. It is recommended that you start the search for aid early, if you want to seek admission to a programme that is not within your budget. Many countries like the UK and Australia allow you to work part time on your study visa. You can work part time to fund your tuition fees.

You can also look out for international student loans. As the lending rates in countries such as the US and Canada are lower than that of India, loans are available at competitive interest rates. There are no application fees or out-of-pocket fees you need to pay when applying for International student loans. All you have to do is fill an online loan application and you will receive funds within 5 working days after submitting the complete online loan application. Students can actually find out within 15 minutes if they qualify for the preliminary approval or not.

British Chevening Study Scholarships

The popular British Chevening Scholarship offers merit based financial assistance to deserving Indian students and professionals, who wish to study or train in the UK. It comprises of a range of short-term tailor-made professional courses and long-term taught academic courses tenable at various higher education institutions in the UK.

• Chevening is the UK government's flagship scholarship scheme
• It is aimed at future leaders, opinion formers and decision-makers
• The programme is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and;
• It is managed by the British Council worldwide
• It supports around 2,000 international students annually to study in the UK
• The India chapter began in 1987 and has supported over 1900 Indians to date
• The India programme is now the FCO's second largest scholarship programme globally

British Council Scholarships

British Chevening Scholarships - If you have an excellent academic record and are interested in attending a UK university, find out about the Chevening Scholarship Program.
Note: submission of applications closed 2007

Charles Wallace India Trust - If you're interested in the arts and humanities and would like to study, undertake research or gain professional experience in the UK, the Charles Wallace India Trust can help. The Royal College of Art and Charles Wallace India Trust announce a new scholarship for curators of contemporary art.
Note: submission of applications closed 2007

International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year (IYMEY) - British Council has launched the IYMEY award to champion and celebrate the importance of creative entrepreneurs working in the field of music.
Deadline: submission of applications closed 2007

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships 2007 - This annual scheme, made available by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, provides a wide variety of scholarship and fellowship programs. Details and application form can be downloaded from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India website. Note: submission of applications closed 2007

The De Souza Trust, Goa Scholarship aims to provide opportunities for dynamic young men and women of Goan origin who have demonstrated academic excellence and extra-curricula achievements to study or train in the UK. Deadline for application: 31 May 2007

Scottish International Scholarships - Six scholarships on offer to Indians for studying Masters Program (not more than 12 months) in Science and Technology and Creative Industries (including arts, design and culture) at any Scottish higher education institution. Submission of applications closed 2007

Documents required for education loan

• Mark sheets of the last qualifying examination for school and graduate study
• Proof of admission to the course
• Schedule of expenses for the course
• Copies of the letter confirming scholarship, if any
• Copies of foreign exchange permit, if applicable
• Two passport size photographs
• Statement of borrower's bank account for the last six months
• Income tax assessment order not more than two years old
• Brief statement of the assets and liabilities of the borrower
• Residence proof

Scholarships for Pilot Training

Scholarships for Pilot Training
The following scholarships are available at and administered through IGRUA, in Rae Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh):

• Indian Airlines scholarships

Two scholarships of Rs 4,00,000, each given on merit-cum-means basis per batch.

• Air India scholarships

Two scholarships of Rs 4,00,000, each given on merit-cum-means basis per batch.

• Rajiv Gandhi Foundation

For two women pilots on merit-cum-means to the extent of Rs 3,00,000 each per batch.

• Scholarships for SC/ST candidates

Rs 2,00,000 on training fee.
Additional Rs 2,00,000 by IGRUA to three SC/ST candidates per batch by selection on merit cum means basis.
Some state governments award scholarships to SC/ST candidates for training at IGRUA. Eligible candidates may approach the respective State SC/ST Welfare Directorate for the same.

• JRD Tata Memorial scholarships

For four students, of an amount not less than Rs 1,00,000 on merit-cum-means basis. The JRD Tata Trust offers up to Rs 10 lakhs per year to trainees.

• The Madras Flying Club scholarship

Eligibility: Class X + 10+2; you must also have a Private Pilot License from the Madras Flying Club.

• A government scholarship for pilot training is available for SC/ST candidates who have completed SSC/10+2.

Available Scholarship in Singapore

SIA Youth Scholarships

Singapore Airlines generally offers scholarships for a 2-year pre-university course in selected junior colleges in Singapore each year. Studies commence in January each year and lead to the Singapore-Cambridge general certificate of education (Advanced level) [or equivalent], which is an international qualification widely recognized by many countries.

The A*Star India Youth Scholarships

The A*Star India Youth Scholarships is tenable for 4 years leading to the award of the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education 'Advanced' (GCE 'A') Level (or equivalent) certificate. The Scholarship is for studies in selected Singapore schools from Secondary. Three to Pre-University Two and is renewed annually, subject to the satisfactory performance of the scholar.

Micron Scholarship

The Micron Scholarship is open to international students who have done exceedingly well in academics. Those who apply for this scholarship are not entitled to any other scholarship. Additionally, students applying for the Micron Scholarship need to be accepted at either the Nanyang Technological University or the National University of Singapore.

SIM International Scholarship

The SIM International Scholarship is open for students of all nationalities and is awarded at the undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate as well as at the diploma levels. It covers the student’s tuition fee, examination fees, cost of travel from his home country to Singapore and several other ancillary allowances.

Criteria for Singapore Scholarship

In general you need to meet these basic requirements aside from being an Indian national:

• You need to possess an outstanding academic track record (at least an average of 85%) as most scholarships are merit-based
• Your performance should be consistent over the years
• You should have all necessary documentation for need based grants including original certificates, official transcripts etc.
• If need be, you should be able to provide a certificate ascertaining your good character
• You should have studied English as first language in the standard 10-state/national examinations

Study Expenses and Fees in UK

Fees vary from school to school and are at the discretion of the institution; there are no national standards. You should expect to pay a minimum of £4,000 per year and fees can be as high as £25,000 for an MBA program.

Fees for UK college and university programs are generally lower than in the US and Australia. UK degree programs last three rather than four years, so you save a whole year’s worth of fees and living costs. Postgraduate Master’s courses are also shorter, lasting only one year compared with two in the USA and Australia.

The fees you pay to attend independent school include your course fees, accommodation and may include some or all extracurricular activities, but it's to check exactly what is included with the school. You may be asked to pay extra for language tuition. Fees vary from school to school and are at the discretion of the institution; there are no national standards. You should expect to pay a minimum of £4,000 per year and fees can be as high as £25,000 for an MBA program.

There is very little financial aid in the UK for international students. Some universities may give students with good or exceptional backgrounds, a part tuition fee waiver. Some universities give discounts of 1000 - 1500 Pounds to students with good academic backgrounds. Financial assistance and scholarships are available and it is worth finding out early on in the process what you will be able to receive.

Cost Calculation: Do remember that you won’t be entitled to the main UK state benefits if you have financial difficulties, so you must be absolutely sure that you can support yourself financially. If you are from a European Union (EU) country, you may qualify for ‘home’ fees (the fees charged to UK students – from 2006, up to £3,000 a year for a degree). The following are examples of average tuition fees for international students who do not qualify for reduced ‘home’ fees:

Average cost of Courses-

• English language: £150–£300 per week ;
• Vocational -(pre-degree level): £3,300–£4,150 per year ;
• Undergraduate level - Arts, business, social science courses: £7,000–£7,900 per year ;
• Science (lab based): £7,000–£10,400 per year ;
• Clinical: £17,400–£18,710 per year;
• Postgraduate level Arts, business, social science courses: £5,000–£12,000 per year and
• Science: £6,500–£10,000 per year

Education Scholarships in Singapore

Studying in Singapore is not considered financially difficult as fees for higher education in the country is low. The government heavily subsidies a substantial portion of the full tuition fees in general. This is done in the form of tuition grants.

Foreign students who wish to receive the tuition grant are required to sign a Tuition Grant Agreement with the government. As a foreign student, you gain more as for international students the subsidized fees are 10 per cent more than what a Singaporean student would pay. In return, tuition grant recipients are bonded to work in Singapore-registered companies for three years upon graduation.

Singapore's employment pass and visa schemes facilitate the entry of foreign talent to Singapore.

Get Scholarship for US Education

Following are organizations that provide international student scholarships and financial aid:
1. The Fulbright Grant:

Fulbright grants are available for international students in graduate school. The flagship international educational program sponsored by the United States Government, the Fulbright Programme (http://www.iie.org/Template.cfm?section=Fulbright) provides grants for Graduate Students, Scholars and Professionals, and Teachers and Administrators from the U.S. and other countries.
2. Rotary International:
This organization provides some limited international student scholarships.
3. AAUW:
This organization provides fellowships for international graduate students who are women.
4. American Councils for International Education:
The councils provide international student grants and fellowships to international students from the former Soviet republics.
5. Presidential Award
This is for non-resident and International graduate students who have met graduate school requirements.

Eligibility for US Scholarship

Though few and far between, there are some universities in the US that provide financial aid and international student scholarships to international students. However, you should keep these points in mind:

• The grant is limited and the pool of candidates is enormous
• It is often more readily available to graduate rather than Undergraduate students.
• Competition for international student scholarships and aid is fierce,
• Schools are very choosy about picking the right candidates.
• Good grades are extremely crucial in securing an international scholarship.

Note: To avoid disappointment, you may like to consider schools that do have scholarships as also your choice course, beforehand.

Get Scholarships in US

A great majority of International students in the US rely solely on themselves and their resources for funding their education. Since American scholarships are difficult to come by, students generally look for funding from the following common sources:

• International student scholarships from their government
• International student loans available for studies abroad from their government, or
• Aid from local businesses
• Aid from organizations, and foundations in their home country
• International humanitarian organizations such as; United Nations, the World Health Organization, the League of Red Cross Societies, and the World Council of Churches.