Did you know that studying abroad can boost your academic performance, career prospects, and personal growth? According to a survey by the Institute of International Education, 97% of students who studied abroad reported an increase in their self-confidence, 84% improved their academic skills, and 76% enhanced their employability.
However, studying abroad is not without its challenges, especially for international students who want to pursue research at the doctoral level. They may face financial, academic, cultural, and linguistic barriers that can limit their access and success in foreign institutions. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for international students to overcome these challenges and achieve their research goals abroad. One of the most effective ways is to apply for research scholarships that can cover their tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other research-related expenses.
The purpose of this article is to present the top 7 research scholarships for international students to study abroad in various fields and destinations in 2024. These scholarships are categorized into three types: program-specific, country-specific, and field-specific. By applying for these scholarships, you can not only fund your research abroad, but also gain valuable experience, exposure, and recognition in your field of study.
Program-specific Scholarships
Program-specific scholarships are those that are offered by a specific program or institution for international students who want to enroll in their doctoral research courses. These scholarships usually have specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines that vary depending on the program or institution. Some of the benefits of these scholarships include:
- They are tailored to the needs and interests of the students and the program
- They provide full or partial funding for the duration of the program
- They offer academic support, mentoring, and networking opportunities for the students
- They enhance the reputation and visibility of the program and the institution
Here are some examples of program-specific scholarships for international students to study abroad in 2024:
- The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is a prestigious and competitive program that offers grants for international scholars to conduct research, teach, or consult in the United States. The amount of the grant varies depending on the country and the project, but it usually covers travel, living, and research expenses. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the participating countries, have a doctoral degree or equivalent professional qualification, and propose a research project that aligns with the Fulbright objectives. The deadline for applying also varies depending on the country, but it is usually between September and November of the previous year.
- Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships are merit-based scholarships that provide full funding for international students who wish to pursue a PhD at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and a stipend of £15,609 per year for up to 3.5 years. Applicants must be accepted into a full-time or part-time PhD program at the University of Edinburgh, have a UK first-class or 2:1 honors degree or equivalent, and demonstrate academic excellence and research potential. The deadline for applying is February 1, 2024.
- GROW (Graduate Research On Worldwide Challenges) PhD Program is an innovative and interdisciplinary program that offers full funding for international students who want to conduct research on global challenges such as climate change, health, security, and migration. The program is a collaboration between six leading European universities: University of Groningen, University of Copenhagen, University of Edinburgh, University of Geneva, University of Hamburg, and University of Vienna. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and a stipend of €2,500 per month for 4 years. Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, have a strong motivation and interest in interdisciplinary research, and meet the admission requirements of the host university. The deadline for applying is January 31, 2024.
Country-specific Scholarships
Country-specific scholarships are those that are offered by a specific country or government for international students who want to conduct research in their institutions or regions. These scholarships usually have general eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines that apply to all the applicants regardless of their field of study or destination. Some of the benefits of these scholarships include:
- They are open to a wide range of disciplines and topics
- They provide full or partial funding for the duration of the research
- They offer cultural immersion, language learning, and travel opportunities for the students
- They foster international cooperation and exchange between the countries and the students
Here are some examples of country-specific scholarships for international students to study abroad in 2024:
- ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship for Students from Developing Countries is a joint scholarship program that offers full funding for students from developing countries who want to pursue a PhD in natural sciences or related fields at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) or the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) in China. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of RMB 7,000-8,000, and a travel subsidy of USD 600. Applicants must be citizens of developing countries, have a master’s degree or equivalent in natural sciences or related fields, be under the age of 35, and be proficient in English or Chinese. The deadline for applying is February 15, 2024.
- ASTAR Singapore International Graduate Award is a scholarship program that offers full funding for students who want to pursue a PhD in science or engineering at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) or its partner universities in Singapore. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of SGD 3,000-3,500, and a one-time airfare grant of SGD 1,500. Applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in science or engineering, have good academic records, and have a passion for research. The deadline for applying is June 1, 2024.
- PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women to Study in the USA and Canada is a scholarship program that offers partial funding for women who are citizens of countries other than the United States or Canada and who want to pursue a graduate program in the United States or Canada. The scholarship provides up to USD 12,500 per year for tuition fees and living expenses. Applicants must have a full-time admission offer for a graduate program in the United States or Canada, and demonstrate financial need. The deadline for applying is December 15, 2024.
Field-specific Scholarships
Field-specific scholarships are those that are offered by a specific organization, foundation, or association for international students who want to pursue research in a specific field or topic. These scholarships usually have specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines that relate to the field or topic of interest. Some of the benefits of these scholarships include:
- They are focused on the advancement and innovation of the field or topic
- They provide full or partial funding for the duration of the research
- They offer professional development, mentoring, and publication opportunities for the students
- They enhance the impact and contribution of the research to the field or topic
Here are some examples of field-specific scholarships for international students to study abroad in 2024:
- Microsoft Research Scholarship for Scholars in Europe, Africa Middle East (EMEA) is a scholarship program that offers full funding for students who are enrolled in a PhD program in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a related field at a university in EMEA and who have a research proposal that aligns with the Microsoft research areas. The scholarship covers total tuition fees, a monthly stipend of EUR 2,000, and a travel and conference budget of EUR 10,000. Applicants must have completed at least one year of their PhD studies and have a research proposal that aligns with the Microsoft research areas. The deadline for applying is March 31, 2024.
- Columbia University International Postdoctoral Humanities Fellowship is a fellowship program that offers a salary of USD 63,000 per year and a research allowance of USD 2,000 for scholars who have received their Ph.D. in the humanities or humanistic social sciences between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2024, and who have a research project that engages with the themes and questions of the Society of Fellows in the Humanities at Columbia University in the United States. The fellowship is for one year, and renewable for a second year. Applicants must not have held a tenure-track position before, and have a research project that engages with the themes and questions of the Society of Fellows. The deadline for applying is October 4, 2024.
- The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS) is a fellowship program that offers a stipend of USD 56,000, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a research allowance of USD 5,000 for early-career faculty members who have taught in the higher education system in Africa for less than ten years and who have a research project that relates to the University of Michigan’s academic strengths. The fellowship is for six months, starting in either August or January. Applicants must have a terminal degree and a research project related to the University of Michigan’s academic strengths. The deadline for applying is October 15, 2024.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article has presented the top research scholarships for international students to study abroad in various fields and destinations in 2024. These scholarships are categorized into program-specific, country-specific, and field-specific. By applying for these scholarships, you can fund your research abroad and gain valuable experience, exposure, and recognition in your field of study.
Studying abroad can be a rewarding experience for international students who want to pursue research at the doctoral level. However, it can also be challenging and costly without adequate financial
support. That is why applying for research scholarships is a smart and strategic move for international students who want to study abroad. Research scholarships can cover your expenses and provide opportunities to learn from the best, collaborate with the brightest, and contribute to the most pressing issues in your field.
If you are interested in applying for research scholarships, here are some tips and resources to help you:
- Start your search early and plan. Research scholarships have different deadlines and requirements, so you need to prepare your application materials well in advance. You can use online databases, such as Scholarship Portal, PickaScholarship, and PhD Portal, to find and compare scholarships that suit your needs and interests.
- Tailor your application to the specific scholarship. Research scholarships are highly competitive and selective, so you need to stand out from the crowd. You can do this by showing how your research project matches the goals and priorities of the scholarship provider, how your academic and professional background qualifies you for the scholarship, and how your personal and career aspirations align with the scholarship’s vision and mission.
- Seek feedback and guidance from your mentors and peers. Research scholarships are not only about your academic achievements but also about your potential and impact. You can demonstrate this by asking for letters of recommendation from your professors, supervisors, or colleagues who can attest to your research skills, abilities, and contributions. You can also ask for feedback and advice from your mentors and peers who have experience applying for research scholarships or are familiar with your field of study.
- Proofread and polish your application. Research scholarships reflect your professionalism and credibility, so you must ensure that your application is error-free and well-written. You can use online tools like Grammarly, Hemingway, and ProWritingAid to check and improve your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. You can also ask someone else to read and review your application before you submit it.
Applying for research scholarships can be challenging and rewarding, but it is worth it. Research scholarships can open the doors to new opportunities, experiences, and discoveries that can enrich your personal and professional growth. So, what are you waiting for? Start your search and apply for the research scholarships that suit your needs and interests. You never know; you might be the next recipient of one of the top research scholarships for international students to study abroad in 2024. Good luck!
