1. Start 12 months ahead

   Most deadlines fall 6 to 12 months before studies begin. Put every deadline in your calendar now.

2. Check eligibility first

   Read the nationality, level, age and work experience rules before anything else. They decide whether you can apply at all.

3. Prepare your documents

   Passport, transcripts, degree certificates, a language test, a CV and two or three reference letters. Some take weeks to obtain.

4. Write a precise personal statement

   Explain your goal, why this programme and country, and what you will change when you return. Use examples, not slogans.

5. Apply to several scholarships

   Competition is strong. Apply to four or five scholarships that fit your profile.

6. Avoid scams

   Real scholarships never ask you to pay an agent to apply. Check that the website belongs to the government or university that offers the award.

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