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Applying for international postgraduate scholarships 

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International postgraduate scholarships are a great way to finance your dream of studying abroad in North America. Canadian and U.S. postgraduate scholarships for international students can help you achieve your academic goals without taking on excessive debt, allowing you to focus on your studies rather than how to pay for them. Whether you’re looking for an education scholarship for a specific field or general funding for your degree, there are many opportunities available.

Types of  international postgraduate scholarships

There are a variety of international postgraduate scholarships available. Understanding the options can help you find the right one for your needs.

  • Merit-based scholarships: These are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership skills or other outstanding achievements. Many universities and organizations offer merit-based doctoral or master’s scholarships for international students to attract top talent.
  • Need-based scholarships: These are designed for students who need financial help to pursue their education. Institutions and private organizations often provide these scholarships to help talented students who would otherwise not be able to afford a degree.
  • Government-funded scholarships: International students may apply for government-based scholarships like Fulbright Scholarships in the U.S. or Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships funded by the government.
  • University-specific scholarships: Many universities offer international postgraduate scholarships to attract students from different countries. These scholarships may cover tuition fees and living expenses.
  • Subject-specific scholarships: Some scholarships are available for students pursuing degrees in particular fields, such as engineering, business or healthcare. These often come from industry associations, private companies or government programs seeking to improve the quality of graduates in high-demand fields.  
  • Country-specific scholarships: Some scholarships target students from particular regions. For example, there are U.S. scholarships for Indian or Chinese students designed to support these Asian nationals who wish to study in the U.S.
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The advantages of earning an international postgraduate scholarship

International postgraduate scholarships offer more than just funding – they can be a stepping stone to academic, personal, and professional success. Here’s how they can benefit you:

  • Lower financial burden: Studying abroad can be expensive, but scholarships can help cover tuition, housing and other expenses, allowing you to focus on your studies.
  • Access to top universities: Scholarships make it possible for talented students to study at prestigious institutions in the U.S. and Canada, regardless of their financial background.
  • Expand your professional network: Many international postgraduate scholarships provide students with access to alumni networks, industry connections and mentorship programs that can help with career growth.
  • Enhanced career prospects: Employers value international education and global experience. Receiving an overseas master’s scholarship can boost your resume and make you stand out in the job market.
  • Gain global experience: Scholarships that make it possible to study abroad allow you to experience different cultures, improve your language skills and develop a global perspective, all of which are valuable in today’s interconnected world.

How to craft a strong postgraduate scholarship application

When applying for competitive international postgraduate scholarships, a well structured and compelling application can set you apart. Here’s how to maximize your changes:

  • Research thoroughly: Start by identifying scholarships for a master’s abroad or a doctoral program that matches your background, field of study, career goals or nationality. Understanding the funder’s priorities can help you frame your application effectively.  
  • Follow the guidelines: Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria and application requirements. Carefully read the instructions and ensure you meet all the conditions before applying.
  • Write a compelling personal statement: Your personal statement should highlight your academic achievements, career goals and reasons for applying. Be specific about how the scholarship will help you achieve your dreams.
  • Secure impactful letters of recommendations: Request letters from professors, mentors or employers who can speak to your academic and professional potential. Provide them with enough context to write meaningful letters.
  • Emphasize your broader contributions: Many postgraduate scholarships value leadership skills, community involvement and research experience. Showcase how you’ve made a difference outside the classroom.
  • Review your application carefully: Double check every element of your scholarship application for clarity and accuracy. Errors in your application can leave a bad impression. Review your essays, proofread documents and ensure everything is polished before you press “Send.”
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International postgraduate scholarships  from MPOWER Financing

As you’re looking for international postgraduate scholarships, be sure to review the scholarships and services offered by MPOWER Financing. MPOWER is dedicated to providing financial support for high-potential international students by making higher education more accessible, regardless of a student’s financial background. By offering scholarships and no-cosigner loans, MPOWER enables students to achieve their academic and career dreams.

If your master’s program is in science, technology, business or public policy at an MPOWER-eligible school, you may qualify for the Global Citizen Scholarship, awarded to international students taking on the world’s most pressing problems. MPOWER’s Women in STEM Scholarship is designed to support women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while the MBA Scholarship provides support for future business leaders pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at an MPOWER-eligible school. The Monthly Scholarship Series is a rotating scholarship program that offers funding at an MPOWER-eligible school based on different themes throughout the year. There are also scholarship programs available for refugees, for promising Chinese students and for Indian students in STEM fields.

Along with scholarship programs, MPOWER supports international students with visa services, career support, financial services and more.

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FAQs

How can I find the right international postgraduate scholarship for me?

Start by researching scholarships that align with your field of study, nationality and financial needs. University websites and scholarship databases are great places to start including internationalscholarship.com, IEFA.com and EduPass.org.

Do I need to have an admission letter before applying for a scholarship?

Most scholarships require proof of admission, but some allow you to apply before securing a spot in a program.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?

Applying for multiple scholarships increases your chances of receiving financial aid. Be sure to tailor each application to the specific scholarship.

What expenses do scholarships typically cover?

Scholarships may cover tuition, living expenses, travel costs or study materials. Read the scholarship details to understand what’s included.


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