Sources of funding for International Students

In the light of recent transfer of cost of courses from the state to students, this has led to an increase in the cost of fees across aboard and in some cases an even bigger increase of fees for International students. Prior to this increase a number of aspiring international students were already struggling meet up financially in terms of funding to study outside their countries in such countries as the UK,United States and many other European countries. While many of these students in the past, combined studies with working to make up differences, the jobs that have mostly been relied upon are now no more due to the downturn in the economy coupled with strict conditions attached to visa issued to international students.

It is interesting to note that the UK government and a number of organisations in the UK have always provided a number of international student scholarships and awards which are available to all to access based on merit and individual circumstances.

Below is a list of the major scholarships and awards.

1. British Chevening Scholarships

The British Chevening Scholarship scheme is purposed to facilitate the coming of future leaders, decision-makers and opinion-formers to the UK for a period of postgraduate study. To qualify, you should have a proven record of success and possess the potential to rise to a position of power and influence in your chosen career. These awards are given annually to students from diverse countries. They cover all or part of the cost of a one-year postgraduate course in the UK. Once you have completed the course, candidates are expected to return to their home country. This was administered by the British Council prior to April 2012 but is now overseen by the FCO and the Association Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and contact can be made via email- info@chevening.org – the new email gateway for Chevening enquiries. For more information please refer to: The Chevening Scholarships Secretariat at the ACU.

2. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) – The target of CSFP are students from developing countries that are part of the Commonwealth who are expected to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the respective countries on the completion of their study in the UK. If you are from a developing country in the Commonwealth, your chosen area of work is expected to contribute directly to development objectives. If you are from a developed Commonwealth country, you should have the potential to become a leader in your chosen profession.

CSFP Scholarships

-Usually for duration of one and three years.

- Cover the cost of travel to and from the UK, tuition fees and living expenses.

- Sometimes an allowance is paid to help with the cost of maintaining your spouse and family in the UK.

Professional Fellowship awards.

-Typically for three months.

- Short period of professional updating in the UK for people working in developing Commonwealth countries.

- Mostly Academic Staff Fellowships with offer of opportunities for a six-month period of postdoctoral research.

-Open to Commonwealth citizens in teaching appointment in a university in their respective countries.

More information on this is available at Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme

-To assists students from developing Commonwealth countries who would benefit from higher education in the UK.

-If you are unable to study in the UK for financial reasons and not eligible for other British government support schemes.

You can find further information on the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship scheme at Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).

UNESCO Fellowship Bank Scheme

For those planning to study education, the natural sciences, the social sciences, humanities, culture, communication and information or informatics, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) grant is the most ideal. This can be accessed through your local national commission.

• Subsequently I will move unto the country specific, charity specific and institution specific awards available.