Before beginning medical school, it’s essential for all students to have their financial plan sorted. Since you’ll want to maximize your study abroad experience, it’s priceless to understand the financial support options available to you. In this article, we’re exploring the 7 key things you need to know about bursaries for studying abroad.
In order to help you navigate this important aspect of planning for medical school, it’s important to differentiate between Bursaries vs. Scholarships.
Bursaries vs. Scholarships
Our focus here is Bursaries: a vital form of financial assistance, usually in an education setting, that helps students ease the financial burden. Unlike scholarships, which are often awarded for academic excellence or specific talents, bursaries are typically granted based on financial need. While scholarships reward achievement, bursaries focus on supporting students who may struggle with funding their education.
Eligibility for bursaries often depends on factors like:
- Financial need
- Country of origin
- Program of study
And, last but not least, there’s also region-specific bursaries available in places like the EU, UK, and U.S.
With these definitions, let’s dive into the guide!
Table of Contents
- 1. Types of Bursaries Available for Studying Abroad
- 2. How to Find Bursaries for International Students
- 3. Eligibility Criteria for Bursaries
- 4. How to Apply for a Bursary to Study Abroad
- 5. Can You Combine a Bursary With Other Financial Aid?
- 6. Common Pitfalls When Applying for Bursaries
- 7. Regional and Program-Specific Bursaries to Consider
- Key Takeaways for Students Exploring Bursaries
1. Types of Bursaries Available for Studying Abroad
To begin, let’s unpack the three bursary types for studying abroad and the varied ways they’re designed to support students.
The three most common studying abroad bursaries:
Need-based bursaries
This bursary is frequently awarded to students from low-income families. A need-based bursary helps level the accessibility playing field by providing support to those who may not have the financial means to pursue higher education.
Therefore eligibility is typically based on financial need. It’s mostly determined through an assessment of household income and financial circumstances. Compared to scholarship focusing on academic or athletic achievement, need-based bursaries are focused on ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent talented students from accessing educational opportunities.
Merit-based bursaries
Merit-based bursaries are awarded to students based on their academic achievements, skills, or other accomplishments. This bursary is typically given to you if you’ve demonstrated excellence in studies, extracurricular activities, or other areas of interest.
While some merit-based bursaries are purely academic, others may take into account your leadership potential, community involvement, or athletic abilities. Overall, these awards aim to recognize and reward high-performing students. Hence, there’s often an expectation that you’ll maintain a certain level of academic performance or meet specific criteria while studying.
Government or regional bursaries
Government or regional bursaries are financial awards provided by governments, organizations, or regional bodies to support international students. In fact, these bursaries frequently complement larger initiatives for promoting cross-cultural exchange, education, and collaboration between nations. Accordingly, examples you might have heard of are Europe’s Erasmus+ programme or Commonwealth Scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries.
If you receive a government bursary, then it may cover full or partial tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. A core objective of these bursaries is giving students access to education abroad while easing the financial burden. As a result, they’re often awarded to students from specific countries or blocs like the European Union (EU). Concurrently, you may also be eligible if you’re from a region where there’s bilateral or multilateral agreements in place.
2. How to Find Bursaries for International Students
Now that you’ve seen how bursary types work and help students, let’s discuss the process of how you find them.
Here’s how to search for your bursary as you proceed with your study abroad financial help plan:
1. Start with Your Home Country’s Government or Education Department:
Many governments provide financial assistance to students who wish to study abroad. Check with your country’s Ministry of Education or relevant government agencies for information on the bursaries available for international study. You can ask about scholarships and grants, too. Remember that bursary programs can be based on certain higher education in specific fields or regions so explain your plans. Your eligibility can be based on where you’re going and if there’s bilateral agreements in place.
2. Research Universities Offering Bursaries for International Students:
Many universities offer bursaries specifically for international students to encourage diversity on campus. Both the financial aid or international students’ office websites of universities you’re interested in should list what’s available. Look for available bursaries lists that cover the three types – need, merit, or specific regional criteria. Another international student option is checking if there’s university partnerships with governments and organizations for study abroad funding. Don’t forget to check if bursary applications are part of the admissions process or a separate application.
3. Explore Private Organizations, Charities, and NGOs:
Lastly, private organizations, non-profits, and international non-government organizations (NGOs) often offer bursaries and funding for students studying abroad. Bursary funding comes from a wide range of sources, including professional associations, multinational corporations, and philanthropic foundations. Simultaneously, there may be bursaries via organizations related to your field of study or regional groups that support international education. Online resources like ScholarshipPortal and the British Council are a great student resource for finding global bursary opportunities.
3. Eligibility Criteria for Bursaries
Obviously understanding and meeting the eligibility criteria – including regional guidelines – for bursaries is essential for securing financial aid. Because each bursary has specific requirements, you need to have a tactical approach to successfully meet these. It’s crucial to carefully review the criteria for each bursary to ensure you qualify before applying and avoid application rejection.
In Europe
Common bursary eligibility criteria and requirements are:
- Financial need
- Academic achievement, and
- Residency status(sometimes)
Most EU bursaries are available to students who have lived in an EU country for a set number of years before applying. Then, they may also require students to demonstrate academic performance, often through GPA or exam results.
Many EU-based bursaries also prioritize students from low-income backgrounds or groups underrepresented in higher education. Certain programs, such as Erasmus+, have additional criteria based on the specific country and field of study. To access these bursaries and find out eligibility criteria, you’ll need to check with your home country’s government or your preferred university.
In the UK
For the most part, bursaries for international students typically have these requirements:
- Clear financial needs, and
- Strong academic records
Many UK universities offer bursaries to students from low-income backgrounds or who demonstrate exceptional academic promise. For example, the UK Government’s 16-19 Bursary Fund provides financial support for students in further education based on income thresholds.
If you’re an international student, you may need to meet residency criteria for some bursaries. To demonstrate eligibility, you may need to have been a UK resident for three years ahead of your course starting.
While bursary eligibility is strict, requirements do vary by university and the exact type you’re applying for. It’s important to check both the institution’s website and government portals for current guidelines. Subsequently, you could discover the region you’re from is covered by eligibility criteria for bursaries like Commonwealth or Chevening Scholarships.
In the U.S.
In the U.S., eligibility for bursaries is often based on both:
- Financial need, and
- Academic performance
Nevertheless, criteria can vary significantly depending on the U.S. state and institution. What’s more, many U.S. universities require students to demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for federal or institutional bursaries. Also, some bursaries require a specific academic GPA or achievements, especially for merit-based awards.
International students may face additional eligibility restrictions, such as citizenship status. Presently, only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for local bursaries.
Accordingly, if you’re an international student, you may only be eligible for U.S. bursaries focused on supporting global education. These are predominantly offered by private organizations or foundations so you’ll need to research their criteria and application guidelines.
4. How to Apply for a Bursary to Study Abroad
Once you’re confident that you meet the eligibility criteria for a study abroad bursary, it’s application time!
Here’s your success steps for how to apply for bursaries abroad:
1. Gather Documentation:
You’ll need to compile all required documents meeting the specific requirements outlined by the bursary provider.
These are frequently:
- Proof of income
- Academic records
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Ensure these documents meet the specific requirements outlined by the bursary provider. Emphatically, remember that accurate and complete documentation is the foundation of a winning application.
2. Deadlines Matter:
Repeat to self: bursary deadlines are not up for negotiation. Start your application early to allow enough time to gather documents, review your application, and avoid rushing. Early submission also reflects your seriousness and organizational skills. Plan for the submission format (physical or digital), document notarization or translation, and any data privacy guidelines.
3. Submit a Strong Application:
A compelling personal statement is often a deciding factor in the selection process. Take your time crafting a clear, concise, and honest statement. Chiefly, you’ll need to respond to eligibility criteria, highlighting your academic achievements, personal experiences, and your goals for studying abroad. Showcase why you’re a deserving candidate through direct responses that demonstrate how you fulfil the bursary criteria.
5. Can You Combine a Bursary With Other Financial Aid?
At this time, it’s generally possible to combine a bursary with other forms of financial aid. Students from the UK, U.S., and EU have combined financial aid to fund their studies abroad.
Before attempting this, check the policies of the bursary provider and the rules set by the institution. Keep in mind that some bursaries may have specific restrictions on stacking financial aid. Through checking, you’ll know if you have a bursary (or scholarship) that may reduce the amount of funding provided if you’re awarded additional aid. Basically, you may find there’s a condition that your total financial support doesn’t exceed your costs. Likewise, the bursary guidelines may not allow you to use other sources of funding at all.
To avoid any confusion or issues, it’s always best to check directly with the bursary provider and your university’s financial aid office. Then you’ll know exactly how different bursary types of financial aid can be combined whether it’s needs, academic, or government. Ultimately this guarantees that your funding package works to its fullest potential without conflicts.
6. Common Pitfalls When Applying for Bursaries
Undoubtedly, applying for bursaries can be competitive and eliminating avoidable mistakes helps keep you on track to success.
Here’s three common pitfalls to be aware of and avoid when you’re applying for bursaries for studying abroad:
1. Missing deadlines or incomplete applications
One of the most common mistakes is avoidable: you need to submit a complete application to succeed. Don’t underestimate how long it takes to gather the necessary documents, write personal statements, and completely understand the requirements. While you may feel intimidated, the reality is that both guidelines and deadlines are strict. You don’t want to risk automatic disqualification for any reason.
Action checklist:
- Mark key dates on your calendar and set reminders well in advance.
- Start your application early, allowing time for any unexpected delays.
- Review your application with the guidelines well before submission, checking for all required documents and signatures
2. Failing to meet eligibility criteria
Each bursary has specific eligibility criteria. Despite this, many students overlook or misunderstand this. Be careful not to apply for bursaries you’re not qualified. Make sure you meet eligibility including academic performance, financial need, or the field of study. So you avoid this, carefully read the bursary’s eligibility criteria and check conditions with the provider if you’re unsure. Then, if you’re eligible, comprehensively prepare your application so that it clearly demonstrates how you fit the bursary’s requirements.
3. Not researching enough options (and missing out on lesser-known opportunities)
Many students focus only on the most well-known bursaries or scholarships. Then this means they miss out on lesser-known opportunities for quality financial support. Don’t limit your research solely to popular websites or a few institutions without exploring smaller, specialized bursaries. Consequently a broadened search increases applications and your chances of receiving funding. Widen your research net to bursaries offered by professional organizations, local businesses, or niche scholarships related to your study field.
7. Regional and Program-Specific Bursaries to Consider
Regardless of where you’re from, make sure to have a clear sense of bursaries in the leading study abroad regions.
Bursaries in Europe
Erasmus+ offers funding for European students, including those in medical fields, to study abroad within Europe. You’ll receive financial support for travel, living costs, and tuition fees, depending on your home country. Eligible students must be enrolled in a university or program that participates in Erasmus+. Additionally you must meet specific academic and language requirements. To apply, students need to work through their home institution, who will help facilitate the application process. Deadlines are typically several months before the start of the academic year. Therefore you should begin preparing early, usually in the spring before your planned study abroad term.
Bursaries in the UK
The UK offers various Commonwealth scholarships for medical students from Commonwealth member countries. If you’re eligible then these bursaries typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. To be eligible, applicants must be from a Commonwealth country and your Bachelor’s Degree must qualify you for postgraduate medicine. In order to apply, you’ll typically submit an online form through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s website. The annual deadline is usually in March or April. Commonwealth scholarships are highly competitive, so meeting all eligibility criteria and preparing strong supporting documents is pivotal to your success.
Bursaries in the U.S. and Canada
In the U.S. and Canada, private organizations provide a range of bursaries for medical students. Generally, the eligibility criteria is focused on financial difficulties or pursuing specific medicine areas like primary care or research. Some well-known bursaries include those offered by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Canadian Medical Foundation. When you apply, you’ll need to submit a personal statement, academic transcripts, and proof of financial need. While application deadlines vary, they’re often in the late fall or early spring. Be sure to check with individual organizations for specific eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Bursaries in the Caribbean
Finally, Caribbean medical schools, like those in Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, offer several international student bursaries and scholarships. The eligibility criteria is often based on academic merit or financial need. If you receive a bursary, then it can cover partial or full tuition fees. Furthermore, some institutions partner with international organizations to provide additional funding. Specifically, applications generally involve you submitting your academic records, financial documentation, and possibly an interview. Because application deadlines vary by institution, but are generally set several months before the start of the academic year, planning is non-negotiable. Therefore, start early with lots of research on the specific options available at your preferred schools.
Key Takeaways for Students Exploring Bursaries
In summary, you can clearly see how valuable bursaries can be in your medical school journey. Unlike scholarships, which are typically awarded based on merit, bursaries are granted based on financial circumstances. Neither repayment is necessary like loans nor should you feel ashamed of seeking a fantastic opportunity that supports medical students everywhere.
Once you’ve finished reading this guide, you’re all set to use this checklist for finding bursaries:
- Begin by researching various opportunities well in advance.
- Explore your university’s website, government funding programs, and private organizations that offer bursaries.
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and gather all necessary documents, such as proof of income, academic records, and references.
- Be mindful of deadlines and make sure to submit your application on time.
- Give your all to developing and submitting a well-written personal statement that persuasively demonstrates why you need the bursary and how it will benefit your studies.
- Commit to the application process through persistence, organization, research, and thoughtful, tactical effort.
- Don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed on your first try – there are numerous bursaries available, and the more you apply, the more you maximize your chances to succeed.
- Check which bursaries and financial aid you can stack to keep you focused on medical school.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we hope you’re feeling completely prepared to pursue the bursary options waiting for you. Correspondingly, don’t put off finding financial support for your medical studies abroad. And, don’t forget that universities, like our team at NAU, are here to help you learn about bursaries and other financial aid opportunities. Contact us now and visit our Funding website – we’re ready to guide you through the process and provide the support you need.
