Hey everyone! I’m Shivansh, and if you’re reading this, you probably dream about studying abroad just like I did a few years ago. I used to scroll through university websites, watch study-abroad vlogs, and imagine myself walking on a foreign campus. But there was one thing that always stopped me—money. I thought studying abroad was only for the rich. Turns out, I was wrong.
This is my honest, step-by-step story of how I went from “I can’t afford it” to getting a 100% fully funded scholarship to study abroad. I’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and everything I wish someone told me earlier. Whether you’re from India or any other country, I promise you’ll find real, practical help here.
Why I Wanted to Study Abroad in the First Place
For me, studying abroad wasn’t just about education—it was about exposure, independence, and self-growth. I wanted to learn from a diverse environment, explore new cultures, and build a career in an international setting. I kept hearing how students studying abroad get better job opportunities and more global experience. But let’s be honest—when I checked the tuition fees, it felt impossible.
Universities like Oxford University or MIT charged more than I could even dream of paying. Even mid-range universities in Europe or Canada seemed too expensive once you added living costs.
That’s when I discovered the world of scholarships and fully funded programs. And that changed everything.
Step 1: Researching Scholarships That Actually Fit My Profile
There are thousands of scholarships available globally, but not all are suitable for you. I spent weeks understanding what type of scholarships exist:
- Merit-based scholarships: For students with excellent academic records.
- Need-based scholarships: For students from low-income backgrounds.
- Country-specific scholarships: For example, Chevening Scholarships (UK), Fulbright (USA), DAAD (Germany), and Canadian Commonwealth Scholarships.
- University-specific scholarships: Every top university offers internal scholarships—some even cover tuition + living + airfare.
I made an Excel sheet listing the deadlines, requirements, GPA cutoffs, and essay topics. This simple organization step helped me stay focused and not miss opportunities.
Step 2: Writing a Scholarship-Winning Personal Statement
Honestly, this was the toughest part. Writing about myself felt weird at first. But after reading multiple samples and watching tips from IELTS Liz and Study Abroad YouTubers, I realized the key: authenticity beats perfection.
I didn’t try to sound overly formal or robotic. Instead, I focused on why I wanted to study my subject, what problems I wanted to solve, and how the scholarship could help me do that. I shared personal stories about challenges in my hometown and how education could create change.
“The biggest mistake students make is copying sample essays. Scholarship committees read thousands of them. Be real, be you.”
Once my essay was ready, I asked my English teacher and one friend to review it. Their feedback helped me make it sound more natural and focused.
Step 3: Building My Academic and Co-curricular Profile
Many students think only grades matter. But the truth? Scholarship committees want well-rounded students. I joined local volunteer programs, represented my college in a debate competition, and even started a small English-speaking club for juniors. These small initiatives showed leadership and community involvement—qualities every university loves.
By the time I applied, I had:
- Strong GPA (8.9/10)
- IELTS score: 7.5
- 3 volunteering certificates
- 1 published research paper (local journal)
These weren’t extraordinary achievements, but they reflected consistency and effort—and that’s what matters most.
Step 4: Applying Without a Consultant (Yes, You Can Do It Yourself)
I didn’t hire any overseas education consultant because I couldn’t afford the fees. Instead, I learned everything online. Here are the free resources I used:
- ScholarshipRoar.com – lists fully funded scholarships
- Yocket – helps compare universities and get student advice
- Reddit’s r/GradAdmissions – real experiences from students
- StudyPortals – to find global courses with scholarships
Every document—from my SOP to my recommendation letters—was written, reviewed, and uploaded by me. It was time-consuming, but totally worth it.
Step 5: The Moment I Got the Acceptance Letter
I still remember the day I received the email—it started with “Congratulations!”. I screamed so loud that my mom thought something happened. I had just been accepted into a top European university with a fully funded scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, insurance, and even a monthly stipend.
That moment changed my life. I realized that money was never the real barrier—information was.
What I Learned During My Study Abroad Journey
- Culture shock is real – but you adapt quickly once you make friends.
- Budgeting skills – I learned how to live on a stipend and save money.
- Networking – attending university events opened doors for internships.
- Confidence – presenting in an international classroom built my communication skills.
Most importantly, I learned that students from any background can study abroad if they plan early and stay persistent.
My Top Tips for Students Who Want to Get a Full Scholarship
- Start preparing at least 12 months before deadlines.
- Don’t ignore small scholarships—they add up!
- Follow official embassy and university pages for verified info.
- Learn basic financial terms—budgeting and currency conversion matter abroad.
- Network with students already abroad (LinkedIn is gold for this).
Popular Fully Funded Scholarships You Should Check
| Scholarship Name | Country | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | United Kingdom | Full tuition + Living + Flights |
| Fulbright Program | United States | Full funding + Health insurance |
| DAAD Scholarships | Germany | Monthly stipend + Tuition fee waiver |
| Erasmus Mundus | Europe | Tuition + Living + Travel grant |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | UK & Commonwealth Nations | Tuition + Allowances + Return airfare |
Common Mistakes Students Make (And How I Avoided Them)
- Submitting generic essays – write from your heart.
- Ignoring small scholarships – every dollar helps.
- Applying to too few programs – apply to at least 5–7.
- Not checking deadlines early – some open a year before admission.
If you avoid these mistakes, your chances of winning a scholarship increase massively.
Final Words — From One Dreamer to Another
If you’re doubting yourself, don’t. I was an ordinary student from a middle-class family. But with dedication and free online resources, I made it abroad. You can too.
Remember this quote that kept me going: “Scholarships don’t go to the smartest, they go to the most persistent.”
If you want, I’ve also shared a list of ongoing fully funded scholarships here—check it out and start today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I find a full scholarship to study abroad?
You can search official university websites, government scholarship portals like National Scholarship Portal (India), or global sites like Scholarship Roar and StudyPortals. Always apply through official links only.
2. Is IELTS mandatory for all scholarships?
Not always. Some scholarships accept TOEFL or even waive English tests if your previous education was in English. Check the specific scholarship requirements carefully.
3. How do I write a good scholarship essay?
Write honestly about your goals, challenges, and motivation. Avoid copying samples. Make your story emotional, authentic, and goal-driven. Use examples from your life.
4. Can middle-class students really study abroad for free?
Yes, absolutely. Many full scholarships cover everything—from tuition to living costs. I’m proof that it’s possible with research, effort, and persistence.
5. Which country gives the most scholarships to international students?
Countries like Germany, the UK, Canada, and the USA offer the largest number of fully funded programs for international students. Europe is especially scholarship-friendly.
Written by Shivansh — a student who once thought studying abroad was impossible, until it wasn’t.