A Guide to Need-Based Scholarships for International Students

Need-based scholarships provide financial aid to students with little money available.
These scholarships help make higher education more fair and available to many more people.
Learn about requirements, application steps, and tips to secure need-based scholarships.
Find the perfect scholarship for you with our scholarship search.

Need-based scholarships are a type of financial aid that helps students who face financial challenges. Unlike merit-based scholarships, which are awarded based on academic achievements or other talents, need-based scholarships focus on helping those who need financial support to pursue higher education. With these scholarships, talented students can access quality education, regardless of their financial situation.

Need-based scholarships can also vary depending on the provider. Some scholarships are funded by universities themselves, while others are offered by governments or private organisations. Understanding the source can help determine where to apply for support and what requirements to expect.

Student

Who can apply

Need-based scholarships are available to a wide range of students, but there are some common requirements that most applicants need to meet. These scholarships are primarily for students who genuinely need financial support, but other factors can also come into play, such as where you're from, your academic history, and your chosen field of study. Here are some of the typical requirements you might come across:

Financial need: The main requirement is needing financial support to pay for your education. Some scholarships require a detailed analysis of your family income, while others use simpler assessments.
Citizenship: Many need-based scholarships are available for international students, but there might be specifics based on citizenship or regional eligibility.
Academic achievement: Basic academic qualifications are often required, although the primary focus is financial need rather than academic excellence.
Field of study: Some scholarships are targeted at specific fields, such as STEM, Humanities, or Social Sciences, depending on the goals of the funding organisation.
Experience: Some scholarships may prefer applicants with volunteer or professional experience, especially in community service or relevant fields.
Diversity considerations: Some scholarships may also consider factors like cultural background or underrepresentation, as they aim to support a diverse student body.

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What expenses does it cover?

Need-based scholarships can cover a variety of expenses, helping students focus on their studies without worrying about financial burdens. These may include:

Tuition fees: Scholarships can either fully cover tuition fees or partially cover them, significantly reducing the financial load for students. This means that students don’t have to worry as much about paying their university fees and can focus more on their studies.
Accommodation and living expenses: Scholarships can also help with housing, utilities, and daily living costs. This support ensures that students have a safe and stable place to live while they complete their education without having to stress over monthly bills and rent.
Travel and study materials: Many need-based scholarships go beyond just tuition and accommodation. They may also include funds for travel, such as flights to and from your study destination. Additionally, they can cover the cost of study materials like textbooks, equipment, and other supplies, making sure you have everything you need to succeed in your classes.

Emergency support: Some need-based scholarships may also provide emergency funds for unexpected situations, such as medical bills or family emergencies, to ensure students stay on track with their studies.

These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden as much as possible so that students can dedicate their energy to learning. In many cases, they cover a significant portion of the total costs, which can make a big difference in a student’s ability to succeed in their studies.

Students

How you receive the money

Scholarship funds can be given out in a few different ways, depending on who provides the funding. The scholarship might pay your tuition directly by sending the money to your university. Sometimes, students receive monthly payments to help with living expenses. Or, you might get a lump sum payment—a single large amount—at the start of the academic year to cover different costs.

On top of that, some scholarships come with extra perks, like networking events or special educational programmes. These benefits can be a great way to help you grow both academically and professionally. Additionally, students may have access to workshops or career services that help them build skills and connections that will be valuable beyond their studies.

What are your responsibilities?

Students who receive need-based scholarships must meet certain obligations to continue receiving funding:

Maintain academic performance: Meeting a minimum GPA requirement to remain eligible. Many scholarships are renewable each year, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Participate in programmes: Some scholarships require students to take part in mentorship programmes or community initiatives. This helps in building a supportive network and giving back to the community.
Reporting requirements: Students may need to provide periodic updates on their academic progress. This ensures that they are on track and making good use of the scholarship support.
Understand renewal criteria: Some scholarships are renewable, meaning they can be continued for multiple years. Renewal usually depends on keeping up with both academic and financial requirements, so staying informed about these conditions is important.

How to apply

The application process for need-based scholarships usually involves several steps:

Check requirements: Make sure you meet all the necessary criteria for the scholarship. This includes verifying eligibility regarding financial need, academic qualifications, and other specifics.
Prepare documents: Collect financial statements, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a motivation letter. Be sure to include all documents that demonstrate financial need, such as income statements or tax records.
Complete the application form: Fill out the application form, which is typically available on the scholarship provider's website. Make sure you understand the deadline and submit everything on time.
Submit your application: Follow the submission guidelines carefully and ensure your application is sent before the specified deadline. Early applications are often beneficial since many scholarships have limited spots.

Additionally, many universities offer financial aid advisors or workshops that can help you understand the application process better. If you're unsure, seek out these resources to get assistance.

Increase your chances of getting the scholarship

The selection process for need-based scholarships usually looks at a student's financial situation and academic qualifications. Some scholarships might also ask for an interview or additional steps to decide. If you want to improve your chances, keep the following tips in mind:

Motivation letter: Clearly explain your financial situation, academic aspirations, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Be specific and honest—scholarship committees want to understand your story.
Recommendation letters: Choose people who know you well and who are familiar with both your academic and financial circumstances. It’s helpful if they can provide examples of your determination and need for support.
Preparation for interviews: Be ready to discuss your background, goals, and why financial aid is very important for your education. Practice beforehand to ensure you can confidently talk about why you deserve the scholarship.

Examples of Need-Based Scholarships

Here are three examples of well-known need-based scholarships available for international students:

The Fulbright Program (USA): The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students wanting to study in the United States. It provides funding based on financial need, covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance. It also offers opportunities for cultural exchange, helping students grow both academically and personally.
Chevening Scholarship (UK):The Chevening Scholarship is offered by the UK government to students from eligible countries who demonstrate both leadership potential and financial need. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and more, providing full support for a one-year master’s degree program at any UK university.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany):The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers need-based scholarships to international students who wish to study in Germany. These scholarships are available for various levels of study and typically cover tuition, living expenses, and health insurance, helping students who face financial barriers pursue their academic goals in Germany.

Conclusion

Need-based scholarships are a great way to help students overcome financial struggles and follow their dreams of higher education. By making education more affordable, these scholarships give everyone a fair chance to succeed, no matter their financial situation. If you think you qualify, go ahead and explore the available scholarships — don’t wait to apply!

Additional resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a need-based scholarship?

A need-based scholarship is financial aid given to students who need extra help paying for their education. It focuses on a student's financial situation rather than their grades or achievements.

2. Are merit scholarships based on need?

Merit scholarships are not based on financial need. They are awarded for achievements in academics, arts, or athletics.

3. How do I prove financial need?

You may need to submit financial documents, such as family income statements, tax records, or bank statements, to demonstrate financial need.

4. Can I combine need-based scholarships with other forms of financial aid?

In many cases, yes. It is possible to combine need-based scholarships with other forms of aid, such as part-time work, grants, or merit-based scholarships, but always check with the scholarship provider.

5. What is the renewal process for need-based scholarships?

Some need-based scholarships are renewable, meaning you can receive funding for multiple years as long as you maintain eligibility requirements, such as a minimum GPA or continued financial need.

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