{"id":1251,"date":"2024-10-23T22:41:29","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T04:11:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/?p=1251"},"modified":"2024-10-23T22:41:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T04:11:29","slug":"merit-vs-need-based-study-abroad-scholarships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/merit-vs-need-based-study-abroad-scholarships\/","title":{"rendered":"Merit vs. Need-Based Study Abroad Scholarships: Which Should You Target?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s face it: going abroad to study is the dream of many students, but financial matters can easily become a mountain to climb, even for the bravest of hearts. I am no exception, having stared at thumping tuition fees that make my head spin. But here&#8217;s the good news: whether you are a straight &#8211; A student or someone who needs some financial assistance, there&#8217;s definitely a scholarship for you. Let&#8217;s break down the two major types of <strong>study abroad scholarships<\/strong>, and help you see which ones to focus on.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-right counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/merit-vs-need-based-study-abroad-scholarships\/#study-abroad-scholarships-merit-based-scholarships\" >Study Abroad Scholarships: Merit-Based Scholarships<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/merit-vs-need-based-study-abroad-scholarships\/#1-common-merit-based-scholarships-include\" >1. Common merit-based scholarships include<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/merit-vs-need-based-study-abroad-scholarships\/#2-who-should-target-merit-based-scholarships\" >2. Who Should Target Merit-Based Scholarships<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/merit-vs-need-based-study-abroad-scholarships\/#study-abroad-scholarships-understanding-need-based-scholarships\" >Study Abroad Scholarships: Understanding Need-Based Scholarships<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/merit-vs-need-based-study-abroad-scholarships\/#the-smart-strategy-apply-for-both\" >The Smart Strategy: Apply for Both<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/merit-vs-need-based-study-abroad-scholarships\/#the-bottom-line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"study-abroad-scholarships-merit-based-scholarships\"><\/span><b>Study Abroad Scholarships: <\/b><b>Merit-Based Scholarships<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Merit-based scholarships are actually like gold stars in your achievement book. They are awarded for academic excellence, leadership qualities, or some specific talents. The Institute of International Education reports that in the past year alone over $350 million in merit-based scholarships were awarded to fund international study.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-common-merit-based-scholarships-include\"><\/span><b>1. Common merit-based scholarships include<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fulbright Scholarships:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These prestigious scholarships take into account your academic records, leadership potential, and project proposals. These are among the most competitive scholarships but might allow you to earn a living during your whole study abroad.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Boren Awards: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide funding of up to $25,000 for study abroad experiences in critical language regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Critical Language Scholarships:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you&#8217;re studying specific languages deemed critical by the State Department in regard to international relations, working with the scholarship may be your best way to go abroad.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Also Read : <a href=\"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/teaching-opportunities-for-medical-graduates-mbbs-bangladesh\/\">Teaching Opportunities for Medical Graduates: MBBS Bangladesh<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-who-should-target-merit-based-scholarships\"><\/span><b>2. Who Should Target Merit-Based Scholarships<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;re a prime candidate if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your GPA is 3.5 or higher, and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have demonstrated strong leadership experience,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have received some academic award or honor,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;ve been involved in substantial extra-curricular activities,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have some other talent or skill that fits with the scholarship&#8217;s objectives.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"study-abroad-scholarships-understanding-need-based-scholarships\"><\/span><b>Study Abroad Scholarships: Understanding Need-Based Scholarships<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need-based scholarships are payments made to fill the gaps in finance by addressing the economic condition of students rather than their academic achievements. According to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, each year, need-based aid enables thousands of students to have the experience of studying abroad that they otherwise might not be able to.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Common Need-Based Options Include<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gilman International Scholarship:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Specifically for Pell Grant recipients, providing 5,000 dollars for foreign school options.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fund for Education Abroad:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Provides scholarships for underrepresented students in study abroad programs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Go Overseas Need-Based Scholarships: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An ongoing opportunity throughout the academic year for students demonstrating financial need.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b> Who Should Target Need-Based Scholarships?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regard the needs-based sprinter scholarship<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qualify through your college or university for low-income students<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Receive acceptance to university for the first time<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are a student from a previously underrepresented population who studies opportunities abroad<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are qualifying for receiving financial assistance through a Pell grant\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Also Read : <a href=\"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/australian-student-visa-2024\/\">Australian Student Visa Requirements for 2024 and 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-smart-strategy-apply-for-both\"><\/span><b>The Smart Strategy: Apply for Both<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experts recommend applying for both merit and need-based scholarships to expand your chances of securing financial aid for your international learning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Tips for Application Success<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Start Early: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researching and applying ideally should be six to twelve months before your anticipated study abroad date.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Document Everything:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Keep written documentation of your academic and financial life.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tell Your Story: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For merit or need-based, scholarship committees hope to hear authentic voices telling them why students are soliciting the funds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Check for Institution-Specific Options:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many universities offer their own study abroad scholarships. The University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center is one institutional resource that offers extensive support for study abroad programs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-bottom-line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best strategy is not choosing between the choice of merit-based or need-based scholarships but strategizing the individual ones that would take the most time. Put your energies into scholarships where you meet all the criteria for selection so you have a compelling story to tell about your achievements or financial situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start with your scholarship search right now and remember that for every application you submit, you are one step closer to getting on the plane for your study abroad adventure. Somewhere out there is the perfect scholarship (or combination of scholarships) waiting for you!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to start your scholarship search? Consider using <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gooverseas.com\/scholarships\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>GoOverseas&#8217; Scholarship Search Engine<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. More help? Your university&#8217;s study abroad office should be your first stop for personalized advice on finding and applying for scholarships that are tailored to your particular situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let&#8217;s face it: going abroad to study is the dream of many students, but financial matters can easily become a mountain to climb, even for the bravest of hearts. I am no exception, having stared at thumping tuition fees that make my head spin. But here&#8217;s the good news: whether you are a straight &#8211; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1252,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1251"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1251"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1251\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1253,"href":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1251\/revisions\/1253"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1252"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1251"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savisacentral.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}