Who doesn't dream of their child studying abroad today?
Increasingly, parents are starting to think about their little one's future education in advance: they study directions, save money, because for the most part, education is paid. Many people are thinking about the possibility of getting a scholarship. Do such options exist and how achievable they are, we learned firsthand from an academic advisor and a graduate of an American university.
Applicants and students can try their hand at grant programs. They provide for discounts, short-term free tuition or a scholarship. For the most part, such conditions are offered for passing master's, postgraduate or research programs.
Among applicants who enter the first year, the real chances of receiving a scholarship at a foreign university are the winners of national and international Olympiads, competitions, scientific programs, athletes.
Some universities also establish preferential conditions with the obligatory condition of studying the language of the country. These are France, Germany, Czech Republic, Norway, Austria, Slovakia. Applicants need to pass a special test to confirm the required level of knowledge of the language of the country where they plan to study. So you will have to study it seriously and in advance.
- You need to carefully familiarize yourself with all the conditions of such programs, - emphasizes Olesya Shakhrayuk, Academic Adviser of the EduSteps educational agency. - For example, if a student studies French in France, he will still pay a certain registration fee, the amount of which depends on the university. Therefore, it cannot be said that the student will not pay anything at all. Do not forget about the coverage of related expenses - travel, accommodation, food for the child abroad, etc.
Speaking of completely free education, continues Olesya, these can be some universities in Germany with instruction exclusively in German. Also, universities of the Czech Republic and Slovakia on similar conditions. In other countries, a certain minimum cost is established - a registration fee.
Special educational programs
In addition to universities, such scholarships are provided by international organizations, and sometimes by special government programs. In particular, the American Fulbright program, the Swedish Institute, and the German DAAD.
Marina Narizhnyak, Marketing Director of Miratech, shared her own experience. She won a short-term scholarship from the American government program FLEX in the 11th grade. So Marina finished high school abroad, living with an American family.
In total, she spent 9 years in the USA, studying in various programs at 4 educational institutions - from school to NBA University. The education was divided into several strategic parts, which helped to save part of the budget and gain quality knowledge and experience.
- To enter the bachelor's program, I had to take several standardized tests, one of which was the TOEFL language test, since the instruction was entirely in English. Another is the ACT, similar to the Ukrainian ZNO, - says Marina. - The university also requested an application letter - a letter in which I argue why I want to study at this particular institution, why the commission should choose me. Some universities have a limited number of places, so they take into account both grades and self-presentation. In general, there are different ways to get scholarships, grants, and other discounts on tuition in the USA. Accordingly, the criteria for granting benefits differ significantly. I managed to get a scholarship for international students - a real discount from the university.
Пільги для спортсменів
What about athletes, who are so revered in American universities, judging by numerous Hollywood films? Indeed, only in the USA there are good benefits for athletes. There are several programs that fully fund the student's tuition, accommodation, food and insurance, and may even pay extra.
- These are athletic scholarships, explains Academic Adviser Olesya. - In my practice last year, two Ukrainian tennis players received full funding from universities in the USA. They were selected for the university teams, after which they were enrolled in universities that paid for all the expenses. But applicants must understand that they are exchanging their athletic achievements for tuition. Such students work full-fledged as athletes, they need to demonstrate good results and be on the team throughout all 4 years.
So, how and where to study, on what conditions - the choice is yours. One thing can be said for sure - you need to prepare for admission and study abroad purposefully and in advance!
