Can I apply for multiple scholarships for studying abroad?

Okay, so I’m planning to study abroad next fall (fingers crossed!) and the costs are insane. I’m already looking at student loans, but obviously, scholarships would be amazing. My question is pretty straightforward: Can I apply for multiple scholarships to help pay for my program? Like, is it frowned upon? Is it even allowed?

I’m specifically worried about a couple of scenarios:

• School-Specific Scholarships: My university offers some study abroad scholarships, and so does the partner university I’ll be attending. Can I apply for both of those? Would one disqualify me from the other?

• Outside Scholarships: There are tons of scholarships offered by external organizations (like foundations, government programs, etc.). Is there a limit to how many of these I can apply for?

• Overlapping Funding: What happens if I actually get more scholarship money than I need for my program fees, tuition, and room and board? Do they make me return the extra?

I’m just trying to figure out the best strategy here. I don’t want to waste my time applying for things I’m not eligible for, or accidentally mess up my chances by applying for too many things. Any advice or experience anyone has would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Answer

Yes, you can generally apply for multiple scholarships for studying abroad. In fact, it is often recommended to do so to increase your chances of securing funding. However, there are some important considerations and nuances to keep in mind.

General Principles:

• No Universal Restriction: There is no universal rule prohibiting students from applying for multiple scholarships. Scholarship providers are aware that students often need to cast a wide net to finance their education abroad.

• Increased Chances: Applying to multiple scholarships significantly improves your odds of receiving at least some financial assistance. Study abroad can be expensive, and diversifying your funding sources is a sound strategy.

• Complementary Funding: Scholarships are often designed to be complementary. This means they may not cover the entire cost of your program, and you’ll need to combine multiple sources to meet your financial needs.

Important Considerations and Potential Restrictions:

• Specific Scholarship Terms: Always carefully read the terms and conditions of each scholarship you apply for. Some scholarships may have clauses that restrict you from holding other awards. These clauses are less common but do exist.

  • Exclusivity Clauses: A very rare scholarship might require you to decline all other funding if you accept their award. This would typically be a very prestigious and comprehensive scholarship.

  • "Last Resort" Scholarships: Some scholarships may be designated as "last resort" funding. This means they require you to demonstrate that you have already sought and been denied other forms of financial aid, including other scholarships.

• Transparency is Key: It is generally considered good practice to be transparent with scholarship providers about other scholarships you have applied for or received.

  • Application Forms: Some application forms will explicitly ask you about other funding you are seeking or have already secured. Answer these questions honestly.

  • Interview/Communication: If you are selected for an interview or other communication with a scholarship provider, be prepared to discuss your overall funding plan and any other scholarships you are considering.

• Overlapping Award Restrictions: Some scholarship providers may have policies that reduce the amount of their award if you receive funding from other sources. This is more common than a complete prohibition on receiving other scholarships.

  • Need-Based Scholarships: Scholarships based on financial need may be adjusted if you receive other funding that reduces your demonstrated need.

  • Institutional Scholarships: Scholarships offered directly by your university or the study abroad program may be affected by other awards, as the institution seeks to distribute funds equitably among students.

• Reporting Requirements: If you receive multiple scholarships, you may be required to report the details of each award to your university’s financial aid office or the scholarship providers themselves.

• Ethical Considerations: It is unethical to accept more scholarship funding than you actually need to cover your study abroad expenses. If you receive more money than required, you should notify the scholarship providers and return the excess funds so they can be awarded to other deserving students.

• Stacking Limits: Some scholarship programs might have limits on how much total funding you can receive from all sources. This might be expressed as a percentage of your program costs or a maximum dollar amount.

Practical Tips:

• Maintain a Spreadsheet: Keep a detailed spreadsheet of all the scholarships you apply for, including deadlines, eligibility requirements, award amounts, and any specific terms or conditions.

• Read Instructions Carefully: Devote time to thoroughly understand the application guidelines and eligibility criteria for each scholarship.

• Proofread Everything: Ensure that all your application materials are error-free and professionally presented.

• Prioritize Scholarships: Focus your efforts on scholarships that are a good fit for your academic background, study abroad program, and financial need.

• Meet Deadlines: Submit your applications well before the deadlines to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

• Seek Guidance: Consult with your university’s study abroad office or financial aid office for personalized advice on scholarship opportunities and application strategies.

In summary, you can and should apply for multiple scholarships to study abroad. Just be sure to read the fine print, be transparent about your funding situation, and act ethically. Good luck with your applications.