Study in UK – Part 2
Is your dream of studying in UK breaking down due to the non-availability of sufficient finance? If yes, you need not to worry as you can make a good use of outstanding scholarships rewarded by the British government. Each year, hundreds of overseas students get benefited from lucrative scholarships awarded by the U.K. government. These scholarships aim to provide a steady financial assistance to students willing to study in the U.K.
Most U.K. scholarships are available only for the postgraduate study and research. As far as the availability of scholarships for undergraduate programs is related, there are very few scholarships available for the study at Bachelor’s level.
As the Unites Kingdom is quite popular among the international students, there is a lot of competition between students for available scholarships. So, if you are aiming for a U.K. scholarship to finance your studies, start applying at least a year well in advance before the start of your course. Also, make sure to apply before the last deadline for receipt of applications. Let’s look at a few scholarships that prospective students can avail to study in the U.K.
British Chevening Scholarships
Chevening scholarships are one of the best ways to get access to quality education in the U.K. Every year, hundreds of scholars make their way to the U.K. to learn new skills. If you are looking forward to apply for a Chevening scholarship, here is the list of things that you need to be aware of:
1. You need to be a graduate with proven academic skills.
2. You must be ready to go back to your home country and contribute to the socio-economic progress of your home country by using your newly acquired skills.
3. You should be able to explain at the interview that you have all personal qualities required to benefit from the scholarship.
4. You must have good English Language skills and must have a good score in British Council’s International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for getting an admission into a postgraduate course.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
Commonwealth Scholarships in the U.K. are monitored by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, a non-departmental Public Body founded by the Parliament.
The organization offers opportunities to Commonwealth citizens so that they can study in the U.K. As a part of the U.K.’s contribution to the International Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the body also identifies the U.K. citizens who are willing to study overseas.
The Commission provides assistance for a full-time study at both Master’s and Doctoral levels. Besides, there are opportunities for people doing Doctoral degrees from the universities of developing countries. Under this provision, such scholars can spend up to one year in the United Kingdom as a part of their research.
As far as the availability of scholarships for undergraduate programs is concerned, the Commission supports undergraduate studies of only those people, who belong to specific countries and territories, wherein undergraduate provision does not exist.
Application Process:
1. Check whether any CSFP scholarship is presently available in the country in which you want to study.
2. If the name of that country is listed, you need to check whether you are qualified for the scholarship or not.
3. If you are eligible for an award, make sure the scholarship is offered to nationals of your home country.
4. If the award is provided to citizens of your country, do a detailed research on the possible course or university where your scholarship can be obtained.
5. When scripting an application for the scholarship, make sure to present yourself positively.
U.K. Council for International Student Affairs (U.K.CISA):
The U.K. Council for International Student Affairs (U.K.CISA) is the United Kingdom’s nationwide advisory body catering to the interests of overseas students and students working with them. A relatively small number of awards are offered by the U.K. research councils and professional bodies for pursuing the postgraduate study abroad. So, the student should contact the relevant body to check whether the body offers something appropriate.
Other than this, you can contact the British Embassy or the British Council in your home country to apply for a U.K. scholarship.
Anir ban writes on behalf of Shiksha.com.Shiksha is a portal that connects education seeker with education provider.Shiksha provides information about Study in UKandScholarships.
