Tips to Secure International Scholarships

Evaluating Your Own Abilities
According to Hà Ngọc Anh, a former student of Monash University (Australia), you need to assess your own abilities by looking at the criteria set by scholarship programs to find one that matches your qualifications.
Huỳnh Hoa Thủy Tiên, a graduate of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City, received a student exchange scholarship to South Korea in her second year of university. “In addition to focusing on academic excellence and improving your language skills, you should also pay attention to extracurricular activities. Besides gaining life skills, you can expand your network with departments and organizations at school, leaving a good impression on professors so that you become the first candidate considered for any opportunities,” Tiên shared.
Similarly, Nguyễn Diễm Lê, a student at the Foreign Trade University (Hanoi), who has received valuable scholarships like the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (sponsored by the U.S. Department of State), Saxion Talent Scholarship (STS) from Saxion University (Netherlands), and is currently studying at Nazareth College, Rochester (USA), shared that students often find thousands of results when searching for “Scholarships for international students” on Google. However, to access scholarships that are suitable for their needs and capabilities, students must have strong information filtering skills. “You should not apply for all scholarships but should find programs that are most suitable for your abilities,” Diễm Lê advised.

Make Your Application Stand Out
According to Ngọc Anh, preparing and submitting your application is crucial as it affirms the work you’ve put in. “In my opinion, from preparing the application to heading abroad typically takes two years, as you need to complete necessary tests like TOEFL, GRE... and professional qualifications. Foreign schools usually accept international students in September each year, so if you want to apply for a September intake, the deadline is usually December or January of the previous year, so preparing in September of the previous year is ideal,” Ngọc Anh said.
Lê Bình Huy, a former full scholarship recipient at the University of Nottingham (UK), shared, “If you intend to apply for international scholarships, make sure to highlight what makes you unique because that uniqueness will grab the attention of the admissions committee. Don’t hesitate to let them know about your talents. If you play an instrument or sing, include videos along with your scholarship application. Sometimes, the admissions committee might not be impressed by your grades but will gladly welcome you for your distinctive qualities that others may not have.”
Trần Bá Quốc, who received a full PhD scholarship in environmental engineering at Naresuan University funded by the Thai government, shared, “Each scholarship requires a different application, but typically, the contents include personal information, academic experience, an essay, recommendation letters, diploma, and transcript. If applying for a PhD scholarship, you will also need to submit your research topic. This part, along with the essay, takes the most time and needs to be continuously updated; you can’t just write it well the first time,” Quốc said.
Hoàng Thị Minh Trang, who received multiple scholarships in Australia and the UK, pointed out that most international universities value criteria such as outstanding academic results in undergraduate studies, extracurricular activities, and the objectives of the course you’re applying for. “Therefore, when applying for a scholarship, you should emphasize that you have researched the field thoroughly, have the full capacity to pursue the course, and highlight that you will work hard to become the best student,” Trang said.
Sharing tips on how to write an impressive essay, Nguyễn Minh Thành, a student in Norway, said, “You should choose a meaningful topic and write it in your own words. Don’t copy someone else’s work. Make sure the essay doesn’t exceed the word limit, check for spelling mistakes, and ensure it is clear, well-structured, and easy to understand. Your essay should cover key points such as: the course content, why you chose this scholarship, the benefits it will bring to you, your country, and the international community, and your strengths and qualities that will help you succeed in the course and make the most of the knowledge gained.”
Bình Huy also advised during the scholarship interview:
“It’s important to stay calm and know how to guide the conversation. A relaxed mindset and confident attitude will make the interviewer feel more at ease and engage with you naturally. Extending the conversation and proactively making sure the interviewer doesn’t feel bored is also a necessary skill.”

Popular Scholarship Search Websites
USA and Canada
www.collegescholarships.com; www.internationalscholarships.com;
www.finaid.org; www.vef.gov; www.scholarshipscanada.com; www.usc.ca...

Australia
www.australia.gov.au
http://www.australianuniversities.com.au/scholarships/
http://scholarship-positions.com/category/australia-scholarships/
http://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/scholarship-advice/
international-scholarships-study-australia

New Zealand
www.studyinnewzealand.com/Scholarships

Europe
http://www.scholars4dev.com/category/country/europe-scholarships/
http://www.scholarshipportal.com/