6 HELPFUL TIPS TO SECURE AN UNDERGRADUATE OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP

Globalization has to lead to countries opening their doors to foreign students. Just like Indian Universities accept applications from international students and provide them with scholarships to study without the tuition fee, you can do the same after your 12^th standard and pursue college in America, Europe or Australia. However, even when the doorway is always at a visible distance, getting to it is not that simple. Landing a scholarship to study overseas is difficult as your competition right now is no longer local or national. So, here are 6 helpful tips for you to secure an overseas scholarship to pursue an undergraduate course. Increase your chances and start packing soon.

1. Make a list of scholarships that you can apply for

The boarding school in north India will always help you with this by already pinning the relevant list on its notice board. Or, you can simply search on the internet and create a curated list for you by including all the university and private scholarships that you can apply for. The initial sheet will definitely not be detailed and you might have to add or eliminate a few names along the way. But having the list will help you to narrow your vision. Focus on all the available scholarships. Even of less popular countries where Indian students do not go.

1. Carefully read the included details

Pick one name at a time from your list and read the instructions thoroughly. You will not be eligible for a few scholarships while others will require you to know an uncommon language. Create an excel sheet if required or maintain a notebook where you jot down the key necessities of each scholarship and can compare all side by side. This is where elimination will begin and you get to focus on only those scholarships which you possess the highest chance of securing. The rest will merely consume your time without delivering results.

1. Find out the similarities and differences

American and Australian scholarships might want proficiency in English as an eligibility criterion. If that is already your model of education in school, these are the first scholarships you should apply for. Next, a few European scholarships might want French. The ranking of boarding school in India teaches that under its foreign language curriculum and places you ahead of the curve. On similar grounds, a few scholarships might seem totally out of place from the others and managing these along with your boards might become cumbersome. Keep them for the last and prioritise similar scholarships first.

1. Frame your essays as per the colleges' needs

Universities ask their applicants to write essays about themselves or answer questions that can give them an insight into your personality. Avoid writing similar answers to all your applications. Your evaluators are smart people who read hundreds of essays every year and they simply ignore general answers like hardworking and talented. Read the college's mission and vision. Show them, with your answers, what you want to learn and what all do you bring to the table. Do not copy-paste but write fresh every time.

1. Apply as early as possible

Sure, the above steps will take time but you should not wait for the very last day to send in your application. Your candidature is ultimately judged by humans and they tend to skip and skim when the deadline arrives and they are flooded with essays and answers. If possible, do all the necessary research when you are still in your 11^th standard and have the list ready by the time you are in the 12^th. As soon as the application opens, take a couple of weeks to fill the details and send them way before the mentioned deadline.

1. Diversify your options

You might want to study in America but Australia is easier to get into. The UK curriculum might seem enticing but Sweden is doing great as well. Keep in mind that popularity increases the number of applications and diminishes your chances. However, when you look at the BRICS countries, Latin America, or Northern Europe, your chances open up due to decreased competition. Judge the surrounding parameters like safety and career prospects and diversify your scholarship portfolio to guarantee a result.

Lastly, your school also plays a massive role in pushing your desire to study overseas. You will need an international curriculum combined with the right exposure and proper skill development sessions. Swa prastha Public School, one of the top fees of boarding school in India, mentors its students on such grounds. SPS teaches French, has collaborations with Microsoft Imaging Academy and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, and maintains a counseling cell to assist students in their personal career ambitions. You can only study abroad if you know the proper application channels.