Studying abroad has many benefits, especially for education and career advancement. However, pursuing such an opportunity can be more expensive than many can afford. Fortunately, South African scholarships for students who want to study abroad allow students to study at renowned universities without spending a fortune.
In case you are still pondering the question, “How can I get a scholarship to study abroad?” all the answers from government scholarships to scholarships focusing on specific fields like medicine, nursing, pharmacy, engineering, and theology are provided in this guide (you must also remember about the need to get the cheapest student travel insurance). So, how to win a scholarship to study abroad?
Study Abroad Scholarships Made for South African Students
There is more than one type of scholarship for high school students to study abroad:
- Government-Granted: Issued from specific countries in order to draw in students from other countries.
- University-Sponsored: Given from universities for exceptionally performed students.
- Private Funded: These scholarships are not associated with the government but are issued by corporations, NGOs, or individuals.
- Field Specific: They are targeted to pharmacy, nursing, medicine, surgery, theology, architecture and several branches of engineering.
Tip: Most abroad scholarships require specific grades and community service!
Best Undergraduate Scholarships for African Students to Study Abroad
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Country | Fields of Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandela Rhodes Foundation | South African students | Any | Any discipline |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | African students | USA, UK, Canada | Business, Engineering, Medicine, etc. |
| DAAD Scholarships | South African students | Germany | Engineering, Architecture, Medicine |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | African students | UK | Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering |
| Ghana Government Scholarships | South Africans & Africans | Ghana | Various fields |
| Nigeria Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship | Nigerian students | Various | Medicine, Engineering, etc. |
| Zambian Scholarships | Zambian students | Various | Any discipline |
These scholarships for students who want to study abroad cover tuition, accommodation, and sometimes living expenses.
Winning A Scholarship To Study Abroad – A Handy Guide
The first question that comes to mind for most people is, “What is required to win a scholarship to study abroad?” Here are a few ways to improve your chances:
- Start Your Research Early: Aim for starting your search for scholarships at least one year before you plan to go.
- Keep Improving Your Grades: Good academic performance is a prerequisite for gaining most scholarships offered.
- Write An Effective Personal Statement: Explain your achievements, and dreams and why you believe you are deserving of the scholarship.
- Obtain Good Recommendations: Get references from teachers, employers, or mentors.
- Apply For Several Scholarships: Don't rely on the merits of a single application – to improve your chances, submit several.
Scholarships for Particular Fields of Study
There are various scholarship programs to study abroad that are intended for particular professions.
- Medicine And Surgery Scholarships: Available in the UK, Germany, and Canada.
- Pharmacy Scholarships: Granted in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.
- Nursing Scholarships: Available in USA & UK Universities.
- Engineering Scholarships: Funded by DAAD (Germany), Erasmus (Europe), and Commonwealth Scholarship (UK).
- Theology Scholarships: Given out by universities or other Religious organizations to those studying religion.
- Architecture Scholarships: Offered in the USA and Europe.
Tip: Search for a government scholarship to study abroad because they usually provide full funding for tuition fees and living expenses.
How to Come Across South African Scholarships for Overseas Studies
“Which steps do I take to apply for a scholarship? What is the process of application?” If such questions have crossed your mind, here is what you need to do:
- Select the suitable option: Consult different universities and interested government and NGO websites.
- Adherence to standards: Check the requirements set for eligibility before making the submissions.
- Compilation of Necessary Documents: Such documents include, but are not limited to, transcriptions, CVs, personal statements, and references.
- Send in your documents before the deadline: Usually, applicants are required to submit paperwork 6-12 months prior to the beginning of the academic year calendar.
- Prepare for interview: For certain scholarships, you may have to first attain approval on financial aid before you can be interviewed.
Final Word
Medical and surgery, nursing, pharmacy, engineering, and even theology, there exists a wide range of South African scholarship awards available for international and local students. If you happen to be from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, or Zambia, you are in luck.
There are fully sponsored programs in places such as Germany, the UK, Canada, and even Ghana. Start your research as soon as possible, apply to as many programs as you can, and make the most out of this opportunity!