University Funded Scholarships for M.S. Students

In order to attract meritorious students, top colleges offer different kinds of scholarships. University-funded scholarships are awarded to students based on various factors. Applicants to MS programmes are often advised to stick to their strengths while narrowing down on any scholarship. To increase your chances of getting a scholarship, it is very important to build a strong profile. Participating in extracurricular activities like sports, arts and community service can also help you to apply for scholarships that have different eligibility criteria. By participating in various activities, you not only make yourself eligible to apply for a greater number of scholarships but also demonstrate a strong personality. Doing so can also enable you to make up for an average academic background.

Read this article to learn more about applying for university-funded scholarships for MS students.

How to Apply for University Funded Scholarships for MS Programmes?

Members of the admission committee at a university look at different criteria for awarding scholarships. Some of the common factors are as follows:

1. Financial Background

The need for financial aid is one of the most common factors for students to be awarded scholarships by the university. Universities prefer to assist students with a lower financial background to help make quality education more accessible. Hence, institutions like Harvard University provide scholarships based on their financial background that are also need-blind, which means applying for the scholarship does not affect the chances of selection of any candidate. These scholarships aim to prevent financial constraints from coming in the way of quality education.

2. Academic Record

In order to attract students with a stellar academic record, some colleges provide them with monetary benefits. Students are often tempted by the relaxation in tuition fees as it helps them save a significant amount of money. These scholarships are awarded to students with the most exceptional GPAs, the most impressive series of extracurricular activities and a history of community service. 

3. Place of Origin

Many top universities provide scholarships to students based on the country to which they belong. For example, DAAD scholarships are awarded by the German government to the students belonging to developing countries. These countries may also be chosen on the basis of the diplomatic relations and region to which they belong.

4. Type of Course

The terms and conditions of the scholarships that are provided by a university often vary between the departments. However, there are some colleges that provide scholarships specifically to the students enrolled in courses related to a particular field like engineering, finance, economics management etc. Universities often incentivize students by providing fee relaxation in some of the less popular courses to increase the overall intake. The students are also provided scholarships based on the length of course they undertake, as shorter courses like a postgraduate diploma or masters require less funding than a course like a PhD. 

5. Achievement in Sports

For the right student-athlete, a merit scholarship in their sport can open the door to the college of their choice. Some colleges like University College Dublin provide scholarships to international students based on achievement in the field of sports. The academic record is also taken into consideration while shortlisting the candidates for admissions.

6. Scholarships for Women

In order to empower women, colleges like AAUW (the American Association of University Women) award International Fellowships for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not United States citizens or permanent residents. Both graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited institutions are supported. These scholarships are for women to encourage them to enter into fields that are male-dominated.

7. Excellence in Arts

There are many top-notch colleges that provide scholarships to students enrolled in arts courses. Colleges like Stanford University, University of the Arts London, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Royal College of art provide art scholarships to international students based on merit. These scholarships are highly competitive, and applying students have to present samples of their artwork to be considered for admission. Art scholarships require a portfolio to be submitted, while music scholarships and other performance-based art forms require an audition by tape or in person.

Now that we have mentioned to you the various factors that can increase your chances of getting a university funded scholarship, let us look at a few popular scholarships awarded by some prestigious universities.

Given below are some of the popular university funded scholarships MS students:

Clarendon Scholarships at University of Oxford (UK)

The Clarendon Scholarship Fund is a prestigious graduate scholarship scheme covering the entire tuition and college fee including a generous grant for living expenses. Around 140 new scholarships are provided to eligible graduate applicants (including international students) at the University of Oxford every year. These scholarships are provided on the basis of academic excellence and potential across all degree-bearing subjects at the graduate level at the University of Oxford.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)

Gates Cambridge Scholarships cover the full cost of studying at Cambridge University. These costs include university fees, maintenance allowances, airfare, and some dependent’s allowance. These scholarships are awarded to students for graduate study and research in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. International students from all over the world can avail the benefits of this scholarship.

Harvard University (USA)

The financial aid provided by Harvard is need-blind, which means the financial need will not spoil any candidate’s chances of selection. The aid provided at Harvard is also need-based and doesn’t have anything to do with merit. Approximately, 70 per cent of the students at Harvard receive some form of aid, and about 60 per cent receive need-based scholarships and pay an average of $12,000 per year.

New York University (USA)

A limited number of international students receive Wagner Scholarships at New York University (NYU) every year. Partial to full tuition fees are provided to the students under this scholarship ranging from $25,000 to $47,000.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto (Canada)

The University of Toronto recognizes the international students through the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program which covers their tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. In order to avail of the benefits of this program, the students must portray exceptional academic achievement and creativity. They must also be recognized as leaders within their schools.

Adelaide Scholarships International (Australia)

The University of Adelaide offers the Adelaide Scholarships that include course tuition fees, annual living allowance, and health insurance. The aim of this program is to attract high quality international postgraduate students to increase the research strength in the University of Adelaide.

University of Sydney International Research Scholarships (Australia)

University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS) covers tuition fees and living expenses of the students for up to three years. Through this scholarship, the University of Sydney aims at enhancing the quality of research work carried out at the university by attracting top talent from all over the world.

Now that we have informed you of the various factors taken into consideration while awarding scholarships and the various university funded scholarships for MS students that are available, you’re better informed to carry out your own research into the various scholarships awarded and choose the best one for you.