When students think about studying abroad, they usually search for big, famous scholarships. Fulbright. Chevening. Erasmus. Those are great—but they’re also extremely competitive. What many students don’t realize is that some of the best study abroad scholarships are hidden in plain sight.
These lesser-known opportunities often have fewer applicants, simpler requirements, and just as much impact on your budget. If you’re willing to dig a little deeper, you can fund your international education without relying on only the “popular” options.
Let’s uncover the scholarships most people miss—and how you can find them.
Why So Many Students Miss Study Abroad Scholarships
The biggest reason? Lack of awareness.
Most students:
- Search only on Google’s first page
- Apply to the same scholarships everyone else does
- Assume scholarships are only for top students or STEM majors
In reality, many scholarships go unclaimed each year because students don’t know they exist—or assume they’re not eligible.
1. Department-Specific University Scholarships
This is one of the most overlooked funding sources.
Many universities offer scholarships inside specific departments, not on the main scholarship page. These are often funded by alumni, research grants, or private donors.
Examples:
- Political Science travel grants
- Engineering mobility scholarships
- Business school exchange awards
- Humanities research bursaries
Why competition is low:
Only students already admitted to that department usually apply.
Tip: Email your department’s academic advisor and ask:
“Are there department-level or study abroad scholarships available for international students?”
2. Country-to-Country Exchange Scholarships
Some governments quietly fund students from specific countries to study in partner nations.
These scholarships don’t always appear on global scholarship websites.
Common examples:
- Asia-to-Europe exchange funds
- Africa-to-Asia cooperation scholarships
- Regional mobility programs
Why people miss them:
They’re often listed on embassy, ministry, or government education portals—not commercial scholarship sites.
Tip: Check:
- Your home country’s Ministry of Education website
- Embassy education sections
- Cultural exchange councils
3. Partial Scholarships That Stack Together
Many students ignore scholarships that don’t say “fully funded.” That’s a mistake.
Small and mid-sized awards can be combined to cover most—or all—of your costs.
Examples:
- €1,500 travel grants
- Tuition discounts
- Monthly stipends
- Accommodation support
Why this works:
Most scholarships allow you to receive multiple awards as long as they don’t overlap funding sources.
Tip: Apply for 3–5 smaller scholarships instead of relying on one big one.
4. Scholarships for “Non-Popular” Majors
STEM scholarships get attention, but many funders want to support fields that don’t attract as much funding.
Often overlooked fields:
- Education
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Environmental policy
- Development studies
- Arts & cultural studies
Why competition is lower:
Fewer applicants assume funding exists.
Tip: Search using your exact degree name, not just “study abroad scholarships.”
5. Short-Term and Exchange Program Grants
Not all study abroad programs are full degrees.
Many universities and organizations offer funding for:
- Semester exchanges
- Summer schools
- Research placements
- Language immersion programs
These grants often cover:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Program fees
Why people miss them:
Students focus only on full bachelor’s or master’s programs.
6. Scholarships With Simple Eligibility Requirements
Some scholarships don’t require:
- Perfect grades
- Standardized tests
- Long essays
Instead, they focus on:
- Motivation
- Background
- Financial need
- First-generation students
Why these are hidden:
They’re often offered by private foundations or local organizations with minimal promotion.
Tip: Look for keywords like:
- “No GPA requirement”
- “First-generation students”
- “Community impact”
- “Underrepresented backgrounds”
7. Scholarships Offered After Admission
Here’s a secret many students don’t know:
Some scholarships are only available after you receive an offer letter.
Universities may award:
- Automatic tuition reductions
- Merit-based discounts
- International student grants
Why people miss them:
They assume funding must be secured before applying.
Tip: Always ask admissions:
“Are there internal scholarships or funding opportunities after enrollment?”
8. Study Abroad Scholarships From Non-Education Organizations
Not all scholarships come from universities.
Look into:
- NGOs
- Industry associations
- Professional bodies
- Cultural foundations
Some support students who plan to work in:
- Public policy
- Sustainability
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Journalism
Why competition is low:
Students don’t think outside traditional education platforms.
How to Find These Hidden Scholarships (Step-by-Step)
- Start with university department pages
- Check embassy and government education portals
- Email program coordinators directly
- Search by degree + country + “grant” or “bursary”
- Follow scholarship deadlines year-round, not just once
Common Mistakes That Cost Students Funding
- Applying only to famous scholarships
- Ignoring partial funding
- Missing early deadlines
- Not asking universities directly
- Assuming “I’m not eligible” without checking
Final Thoughts
Scholarships for study abroad students are not rare—they’re just poorly advertised.
The students who succeed aren’t always the smartest or richest. They’re the ones who:
- Ask better questions
- Apply more strategically
- Look where others don’t
If you’re serious about studying abroad, stop chasing only the popular scholarships. The real opportunities are often quieter, easier to win, and just as life-changing
