Scholarship guide
Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
Funding a first degree abroad usually means combining a scholarship with family planning. This guide explains how undergraduate awards are typically structured and what school leavers should prepare.
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Last verified 10/01/2026. Admission, tuition, scholarship, and visa information can change. Use this guide to compare options, then confirm current details with the university and official sources such as Each destination country's ministry of education, The admissions office of the university you apply to, China Scholarship Council (CSC), Japan Ministry of Education (MEXT) before applying.
How undergraduate awards are usually structured
Undergraduate scholarships are commonly offered by universities as merit-based reductions, by governments as larger programs for international students, and by foundations for specific groups. Some are decided at admission, while others require a separate application after you receive an offer. Because a bachelor's degree lasts several years, check whether the award is renewed yearly and what grades or progress you must maintain. A strong first-year offer matters less if renewal terms are hard to meet.
Your school record is the foundation
Admissions teams look first at your secondary-school results, the subjects you took, and how your qualification compares with their entry standards. Find out how each university treats your specific school-leaving qualification, since this differs between countries and even between faculties. Keep official transcripts and certificates ready, and ask whether translations or certified copies are needed. Predicted or in-progress results may be accepted for conditional offers, but confirm this with the university rather than assuming.
What else strengthens an application
Many scholarship panels also read personal statements, activity records, and references. Concrete evidence of effort, such as projects, volunteering, competitions, or sustained interests, helps more than general claims about being motivated. Panels differ in how much weight they give each element, so read the selection criteria for every award and tailor your materials to match.
- A clear explanation of why you chose the subject and country
- References from teachers who know your work
- Language evidence that matches the teaching language
- A study plan that is realistic for your background
Comparing offers across universities
A larger headline discount at one university does not automatically mean a lower total cost. Compare tuition after the award, accommodation, living costs in that city, and any extra fees across the whole length of the degree. Use the cost calculator to put offers side by side in the same format. Also weigh program quality, language of instruction, and recognition of the degree in the career or country you have in mind.
Planning with your family
Most families treat an undergraduate scholarship as one part of a funding plan. Discuss what happens if the award is partial, delayed, or not renewed, and agree on a budget before you accept any offer. Keep applications to a manageable number so each one is carefully prepared. No scholarship, admission, or visa outcome can be promised, so a shortlist with different risk levels is the safer approach.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start applying for undergraduate scholarships?
Start well before your intended intake, because many providers run their own application windows and some need documents that take time to obtain. Check each provider's official page for current dates, as deadlines vary by country, university, and year. Always check the latest official terms before you rely on this.
Do I need to apply to the university first?
It depends on the scheme. Some university scholarships are considered automatically with your admission application, while government and foundation awards often have a separate process. Read the instructions for each award so you apply through the correct channel in the right order.
Can I get a scholarship with average grades?
Some awards consider factors beyond grades, such as field of study, country of origin, or personal circumstances, while others are strongly merit-based. Check each provider's current criteria honestly and avoid assuming either way. Outcomes are never certain, so apply to a range of options.