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Scholarships for master’s degrees abroad

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Dreaming of earning your master’s degree in the U.S. or Canada? Schools in these countries offer incredible academic opportunities, but tuition and living costs can add up fast. Scholarships for master’s degrees can ease the financial burden and make your educational goals more achievable. The key is knowing where to look and how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad. With the right strategy, you can secure the funding you need and focus on what really matters – your education and future career.

Why international scholarships matter

Education scholarships aren’t just about money – they offer lots of additional benefits. Here’s why applying for scholarships is worth your time.

  • Less financial stress: University is expensive, but scholarships help cover tuition, housing and even daily expenses. This means you can focus on your education instead of worrying about how to pay for it.
  • More time for academics and new experiences: By reducing financial worries, an overseas master’s scholarship allows you to dive into your research, participate in extracurricular activities and enjoy new cultural experiences.
  • Career-boosting perks: Many scholarships come with mentorship, internships and networking opportunities, giving you a head start in your field. These experiences can enhance your resume and make you a more competitive candidate in the job market.
  • Credibility and recognition: Winning a scholarship highlights your achievements and can make your resume stand out for future employers and universities. Scholarship recipients are often seen as dedicated and high-achieving individuals, which can open doors to further academic and professional opportunities.
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Different types of scholarships for master’s degrees

There are several kinds of master’s scholarships for international students studying in the U.S. and Canada.

  • Merit-based scholarships: These are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership or extracurricular achievements. If you have a strong academic record and actively participate in extracurricular activities, you may qualify for these scholarships. They reward students for their hard work and dedication.
  • Need-based scholarships: If you can demonstrate financial need, these scholarships for master’s degrees can help cover tuition and living costs. Many universities and organizations offer these to support students who would otherwise struggle to afford higher education.
  • Field-specific scholarships: If you’re pursuing a degree in STEM, business or social sciences, there may be scholarships specifically for your area of study. These scholarships aim to support students in growth fields where graduates are in high demand.
  • Diversity scholarships: Many scholarships for master’s degrees are designed to support underrepresented groups, such as women in STEM, minority students and those from developing countries. These scholarships help promote inclusivity and equal opportunity in higher education.
  • University-specific scholarships: Some universities offer their own scholarships based on academic performance, financial need or both. Be sure to check your school’s financial aid office for details on available opportunities.
  • Government-funded scholarships: Various government programs offer scholarships for international students. These can be highly competitive but provide excellent financial support.

How to create a winning scholarship application

Applying for scholarships for master’s degrees requires a solid strategy and attention to detail.

  • Start early and research your options: Many scholarships have early deadlines, so start looking at least a year in advance. Research different scholarships through university websites, government portals and private scholarship databases. The more informed you are, the better prepared you’ll be to apply for the right opportunities.
  • Know the eligibility criteria: Each scholarship has specific requirements like academic performance, leadership experience or financial need. Make sure you qualify before applying so you don’t waste time on scholarships that aren’t the right fit for you.
  • Write a compelling personal statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine. Share your story, career goals and why you deserve the scholarship in a way that’s engaging and memorable. Use real-life experiences and specific examples to make your application stand out.
  • Get enthusiastic letters of recommendations: Choose mentors or professors who know you well and can highlight your strengths in a detailed and enthusiastic way. A well-written recommendation can make a big difference in your application.
  • Customize your applications: Don’t submit the same essay for every scholarship. Tailor each application for the values and mission of the scholarship provider. Show them how your background and goals match their objectives.
  • Proofread, proofread, proofread: Spelling and grammar mistakes can hurt your chances. Have someone review your application before submitting it. A well-polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
  • Follow the guidelines and submit on time: Ensure you include all required documents and meet deadlines. Even a small mistake could disqualify you from consideration, so double-check all the details before hitting submit.
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MPOWER Financing: Scholarships and support services

MPOWER Financing is all about making higher education accessible to international students. Founded by two international students who know first-hand the obstacles that students face, MPOWER seeks to provide access to the education and opportunities they need to achieve their dreams.

MPOWER offers a number of international scholarships opportunities, including:

  • Monthly scholarships with new opportunities throughout the year, giving students multiple chances to secure funding.
  • Women in STEM scholarships for female students in science, technology, engineering and math, encouraging more women to pursue careers in these fields.
  • Refugee scholarships for students who are fleeing harsh conditions from around the world and coming to the U.S. or Canada for a better future.
  • Global citizen scholarships for globally minded, multilingual, culturally competent graduates poised to take on the world’s most pressing problems in science, technology, business and public policy.
  • MBA scholarships for students pursuing business degrees, helping future business leaders finance their education.
  • Udaan India Scholarships, providing Canadian and U.S. scholarships for Indian students pursuing higher education and supporting academic excellence and leadership.

MPOWER also provides a variety of services, in addition to scholarships for master’s degrees.

  • International student loans: MPOWER offers no-cosigner student loans, making financing easier for international students who may not have access to traditional funding. This ensures that students can pursue their education without financial restrictions.
  • Visa support: Resources and guidance to help you understand and navigate the student visa process with a free support letter and expert visa interview course.
  • Career services: Support with resume building, job search strategies and interview prep to help you land a great job after graduation.

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FAQs

What are scholarships for master’s degrees?

Scholarships for master’s degrees are financial awards that help international students pay for graduate school in the U.S. or Canada. Some cover tuition, while others also cover living expenses. The best part about scholarships is that they don’t need to be paid back, though you may have to meet and maintain certain requirements.

Where can I find scholarships for master’s degrees in the U.S. and Canada?

You can find scholarships for master’s programs for international students on websites like MPOWER Financing, Scholarships.com, EducationUSA, Fastweb, ScholarshipPortal and IEFA. Other great resources include International Student Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, Fulbright Program and DAAD Scholarships.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships?

Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of getting funding. Just make sure you customize your application for each funder’s values and areas of focus. And multiple smaller scholarships add up!

What are the common eligibility requirements?

It depends on the scholarship, but common requirements include academic excellence, financial need, leadership experience and specific fields of study.

How do I apply for a Canadian or U.S. postgraduate scholarship for international students?

Each scholarship has different requirements, but you’ll typically need to submit an application form, an essay, your transcripts and several recommendation letters.


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DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

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