Table of contents:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based scholarships
- Scholarships for international students
- Scholarships for underrepresented groups
- Scholarships with a particular focus
- Scholarship types by awarding institution
- Scholarship types by the amount of funding offered
- How to secure a scholarship
There are two types of scholarships that most people mention: merit and need-based. At a closer look, there are more diverse ways to categorise them, ways that can increase your chances of getting a scholarship. Other relevant scholarship categories are based on who awards them, what students they aim to help, and skills they want to support, but let’s explore them in more detail.
Scholarships are the best solution for students who need help to fund their education; no news here. However, getting a scholarship may be a difficult task because competition can be tough.
The best way to increase your chances of getting a scholarship is by applying to the types of scholarships that are best tailored to your specific profile. But the golden rule will always stay the same: any type of scholarship will put excellent academic results first.
1. Merit-based scholarships
This is the best-known type of scholarship and is awarded to students based on their superior achievements in academia, art, or other similar fields.
Beyond how well they do in school, many students excel in specific fields and show potential that can genuinely impact our society. In recognition of this talent, many institutions offer scholarships based on research, artistic, or athletic achievements.
Thus, merit-based scholarships aim to recognise the hard work and dedication of students, motivating others to do the same. They manage to attract talent and the brightest minds among students, which leads to a competitive and high-performing learning environment.
Merit-based scholarships can be divided into four more specific categories:
a. Scholarships for excellent academic results
These awards are given to students based on their superior academic performance. They are among the most sought-after forms of financial aid and play an essential role in giving top-performing students the resources to continue their academic pursuits.
Common criteria to qualify include:
- Grade Point Average (GPA) scores that shouldn’t be below specified limits;
- Minimum scores for standardised tests like SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT;
- Course-specific achievements, for subject-specific scholarships.
Key advice: focus on your grades and keep them as high as possible.
b. Scholarships for research achievements
Research scholarships are dedicated to students who demonstrate exceptional ability in conducting research, often leading to new findings, innovations, or contributions to a specific field.
Common criteria to qualify include:
- Original research projects or publications;
- Participation in recognised research competitions;
- Recommendations from mentors or professionals in the field.
Key advice: document everything by maintaining thorough records of your research, including findings, methodologies, and implications.
c. Scholarships for artistic achievements
These scholarships recognise students who have demonstrated exceptional talent in the arts, be it visual arts, music, dance, theatre, or other artistic disciplines.
Common criteria to qualify include:
- A portfolio showcasing your work;
- Participation in exhibitions, competitions, or performances;
- Recommendations from teachers, mentors, or professionals in the artistic community.
Key advice: Your portfolio is extremely valuable for this type of scholarship, it is your main tool to showcase your talent. Make sure it is diverse, high-quality, and up-to-date.
d. Scholarships for athletic achievements
Aimed at students who excel in sports, these scholarships are found especially in countries like the US or Australia, where college sports play a significant role in culture and community.
Common criteria to qualify include:
- Outstanding performance in a particular sport;
- Participation in national or international events;
- Recommendations from coaches or relevant sports authorities.
Key advice: maintain a highlight reel, as a video showcasing your skills and achievements can be crucial for many sports.
2. Need-based scholarships, for students with low incomes.
This type of scholarship helps deserving students with low income get a fair shot at higher education regardless of their economic background.
Demonstrating a low income is a mandatory condition, but such scholarships often have second selection criteria, which can be one of the merit-based categories.
Need-based scholarships aim to support economically disadvantaged students and help break the cycle of poverty, offering recipients a chance to improve not only their lives but also their community.
Common criteria to qualify:
While demonstrating a low income is a mandatory condition, these scholarships often employ a second selection factor, which is typically one of the merit-based categories.
Key advice: in your motivation letter, focus on the bigger effect your education can have on your community.
3. Scholarships for all international students
An increasing number of students choose to study outside their home countries. Recognising the value of this educational exchange, many institutions and organisations offer scholarships specifically for international students.
These awards promote cultural exchange, attract global talent, and strengthen international relations. They help create a more diverse campus where you can find several cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
Common criteria to qualify include:
- Being an international student is a mandatory condition;
- Language proficiency if the course is in a foreign language, demonstrated with tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent;
- Letters of recommendation: references from teachers, mentors, or professionals attesting to your potential can be crucial.
Key advice: check all the requirements of the scholarship, not only the international aspect, and apply for those that you are most suited for.
4. Scholarships for underrepresented groups
Scholarships aimed at underrepresented groups are instruments of change that empower people from marginalised backgrounds, allowing them to challenge stereotypes and become role models for future generations. Examples of underrepresented categories include ethnic and racial minorities, women (especially in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented, like STEM), the LGBTQ+ community, students with disability, and first-generation students.
Common criteria to qualify include:
- Proof of belonging to a particular community, ethnicity, gender, or other specific group;
- Financial need, which is considered in many cases;
- Personal essays, the candidate’s opportunity to write about their experiences as part of the underrepresented group and their aspirations.
Key advice: Explain in your motivation letter how your belonging to an underrepresented group has shaped you and your motivation.
5. Scholarships with a special focus
The four categories we detailed above are the main types of scholarships and the most common way of identifying financial awards for students, but scholarships can also be classified based on a specific focus. At the same time, please keep in mind that the following categories intertwine with the ones discussed already.
- a. Location-specific scholarships. These scholarships are designed for students from a specific geographical area - be it a country, city, or a broader region. They may fall under the international scholarships category, or they may be scholarships created specifically for national or regional students in order to promote higher education in that area.
- b. Subject-specific scholarships. Tailored for students pursuing a particular field or subject, these scholarships promote education in specific domains. Many nations offer these scholarships in subjects where there's a shortage of skilled professionals.
- c. Programme-specific scholarships. These scholarships are related to specific academic programmes or courses, rather than broader subjects. They promote pioneering programmes by offering scholarships for newly introduced or unique programmes to attract talented students.
6. Scholarship types by awarding institution
Finally, let’s look at scholarships from the point of view of who awards them. All scholarships we’ve talked about fit into one of the categories below. However, the largest number of scholarships are either awarded either by a university or by a government.
- Scholarships offered by universities. The criteria by which universities offer scholarships are usually academic excellence, level of study, age limit (students need to be under a certain age), nationality, programme of study, and income.
- Scholarships offered by the government. Usually, students who receive a scholarship awarded by the government are exempt from tuition fees. Most of these scholarships last for three, six, or nine months.
More rarely, you may also find scholarships awarded by the following bodies:
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Non-Profits
- Professional and Trade Associations
- Corporations and Businesses
- Community and Civic Groups
- Religious Organisations
- Foundations
- Military and Defense Organisations
- Individuals
- Labour Unions
- Cultural or Ethnic Groups
- Sports organisations
7. Scholarship types by the amount of funding offered
All the scholarships we discussed until now, and regardless of who awards them, can cover tuition fees and other expenses fully or partially. These are the common types:
- Full-tuition Scholarships: these cover the entire tuition fee for a course duration.
- Partial Scholarships: only a part of the tuition fee is covered, which could be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total cost.
- Renewable Scholarships: these are awarded yearly, provided the student maintains the requisite academic standard.
One-time Grants: a single financial grant awarded for a specific academic year or term.
How to secure a scholarship
There are numerous types of scholarships which can be a bit overwhelming. To ease things, follow these steps to keep track of your scholarship-search journey:
- Research early: read this article which contains everything related to your scholarship application, and start searching for scholarships by going to the search portal and selecting the Scholarships tab;
- Identify what you are good at and maintain a strong record in that area: it may be academia, research, art, or sports;
- Engage in extracurricular activities that relate to your strongest interests: extracurricular activities with a purpose are more meaningful;
- Write a strong application: read our advice on how to write a good motivation letter, as well as excerpts from letters written by past winners of the Studyportals Scholarship.
Don’t forget
Scholarships reflect society’s values, global trends, and academic priorities. The best chance to secure one is to find a path tailored to your unique story, aspirations, and strengths. The key lies in thorough research and a good understanding of where your aspirations intersect with the available opportunities.
Other resources
- What Is a Scholarship? The Complete Guide
- All Your Questions Answered: A Guide on How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad
- All You Need to Know About How to Apply for a Scholarship to Study Abroad
- Ultimate Guide to Government Scholarships in the World's Top Study Abroad Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How is a student loan different from a scholarship?
Student loans and scholarships are two significantly different types of financial aid. A student loan is a form of financial aid that must be repaid with interest, whereas a scholarship is a financial award that does not require repayment. Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit, need, or specific criteria, and are intended to support a student's education without creating a future financial burden. In contrast, student loans provide immediate financial assistance but result in debt that the student must repay after completing their education.
2. What are the different types of scholarships available?
Scholarships come in various types, including merit-based, need-based, international, for underrepresented groups, and subject-specific. Merit-based scholarships reward academic or extracurricular achievements, while need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need. International scholarships support students studying abroad, and those for underrepresented groups aim to promote diversity. Subject-specific scholarships focus on particular fields of study.
3. How do merit-based scholarships differ from need-based scholarships?
Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on a student’s achievements in academics, arts, athletics, or other areas, recognising excellence and talent. Need-based scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded based on the financial need of the student and their family, ensuring that those with lower financial means can access higher education.
4. How can I find scholarships that fit my profile?
To find scholarships that match your profile you can start by using our scholarship search. Look for scholarships offered by governments, private organisations, and community groups. Pay attention to the eligibility criteria and deadlines, and consider reaching out to academic advisors or financial aid offices for additional guidance and resources.