Professionals often feel the need to enhance their skills, gain global exposure, or shift into new fields of expertise at some point during their careers. Returning to school abroad for a master’s degree can provide mid-career professionals, entrepreneurs, and public sector employees with leadership, research, and international career opportunities.
Funding postgraduate studies abroad requires professionals to balance their work and personal obligations. Working professionals from developing countries can apply for several fully funded and partial scholarships to pursue master’s programs abroad.
This guide will help you plan your return to study, find out what scholarships are available, and transition smoothly from work to academics.
Studying abroad for professionals: Benefits and Drawbacks
It may seem daunting to return to school after a long career, but there are a number of advantages:
- Enhance your career prospects by acquiring specialized knowledge.
- Networking across the globe: Connect with peers, experts, and mentors.
- Leadership and community impact training are included in the majority of scholarships for professionals.
- International Awareness and Adaptability: Studying abroad increases your ability to adapt to different cultures.
- Changing careers: Allows professionals to pursue new areas, such as public policy, technology, or international development.
When selecting a program and scholarship, you should consider your long-term career goals and professional experience.
An Overview of Studying Abroad as a Professional
Step 1: Think about your career goals
When applying for a return to school, you should clearly state why you want to go back. Here are some questions to think about:
- What can I do to advance my career? Can you tell me what skills or qualifications I need?
- In my current field or in a different industry, would I like to specialize?
- Why should I study abroad?
Having a clear purpose will not only help you choose the right course, but will also help you in your scholarship essays and interviews.
Step 2: Identify appropriate research programs and universities
Identify universities offering programs tailored to professionals and midcareer students. There are a variety of flexible schedule options and leadership training elements included in these programs.
These include:
- Public Administration (MPA) – for government and non-profit professionals.
- Designed for managers and entrepreneurs, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree in business administration.
- International Development or Policy Master’s degree – for professionals in social or economic fields.
- The Master of Public Health (MPH) can be earned by healthcare professionals.
- Master of Engineering or Technology Management – for technical experts.
Among the universities with international partnerships and active alumni networks are Harvard, Oxford, Melbourne, and National University of Singapore.
Step 3: Locate professional scholarships
Professionals in mid-career can apply for scholarships with full funding for tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Below are a few of the best options:
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening scholarships are grants funded by the British government for mid-career professionals. Support is available for master’s programs at any university in the UK.
Requirements:
- A minimum of two years’ experience in the field
- Demonstrate leadership potential and strong academic credentials
- Citizenship of a Chevening-eligible country
Highlights:
- Full payment of tuition fees
- Travel and stipend expenses
- Leadership and networking training
Application tip:
Indicate how the scholarship aligns with your leadership goals and how your experience contributes to the development of your country.
2. U.S. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship
The Humphrey Fellowship is available to professionals who wish to gain academic and practical experience in the United States that will enhance their leadership abilities. Despite not being a degree-granting program, it offers career advancement opportunities.
Requirements:
- An experience of at least five years in the field is required
- Community service and leadership
- Strong proficiency in English
Highlights:
- Tuition and living allowance
- Flights and activities for professional enrichment
- Internships and networking opportunities
Application tip:
Highlight your leadership roles and your commitment to transforming social or institutional systems.
3. DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses in Germany
In Germany, developing country professionals can apply for DAAD Scholarships to study development-related master’s programs.
Requirements:
- A minimum of two years’ experience
- Bachelor’s degree with strong academic record
- Applicants with experience in public administration, non-profit organizations, or private industry
Highlights:
- Full tuition and a monthly stipend
- Travel allowance and insurance
- Prior to studying German, study German
Application tip:
Connect your professional background with the government, engineering, and environmental focuses of Germany.
4. Australia awards scholarships
The Australian government funds this program, which helps professionals from developing countries study at Australian universities and contribute to their countries’ development.
Requirements:
- A minimum of two years’ professional experience
- An individual from a developing country
- Commitment to returning home after studying
Highlights:
- All living expenses, airfare, and tuition are included
- Academic and leadership program
- Engaging global change-makers
Application tip:
Show how your work has already made a difference and how future studies will expand that impact.
5. Joint World Bank-Japan scholarship program
This program is open to professionals from developing countries working in development-related fields.
Requirements:
- Working experience of at least three years in development-related fields
- Admission to a participating master’s degree program
- Commitment to return home after graduation
Aspects:
- Full tuition and a monthly living stipend
- Round-trip flights
- Health insurance
Tip for Application:
Ensure that your studies will help you address a development challenge specific to your country or region.
6. Master’s Scholarships for Erasmus Mundus Joint Degrees (Europe)
Several European universities participate in the Erasmus Mundus program, which provides funding for international students to attend joint master’s programs. Professionals with cross-disciplinary expertise are in high demand.
Candidate qualifications:
- Strong academic and professional credentials
- University consortium participation
- The expansion of cultural exchange
Highlights:
- There is a travel allowance and a tuition allowance
- Monthly living stipend
- During your studies, you should visit at least two European countries
Here’s an application tip:
Make it clear that you are able to work in collaborative, international environments and that you are interested in them.
7. Scholarship Program for Asia-Pacific Countries (ADB-Japan)
Developing country students can apply for scholarships from the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program to study economics, management, science, and technology in Asia-Pacific countries.
Requirements:
- Two years’ experience in the field is required
- Exceptional academic record
- Contributing to the development of the country upon returning home
Highlights:
- Tuition fees for full-time students
- Amounts for living and housing
- Medical and travel insurance support
An application tip:
Consider the alignment between your professional experience and regional development goals.
8. Scholarships for Rotary Peace Fellowships
This fellowship supports professionals working in humanitarian development, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution.
Candidate qualifications:
- A minimum of three years of full-time work experience is required
- Peace or development commitment
- Bachelor’s degree equivalent
Highlights:
- Tuition and living expenses are included
- Internship and field study opportunities
- Peacebuilding and leadership training
Tip for Application:
Explain what you do to promote peace, dialogue, and social harmony as a professional or as a volunteer.
Step 4: Balance Work and Application Preparation
It takes time to prepare a scholarship application. Ensure that your job responsibilities and preparation are balanced by:
- Creating a weekly study and writing schedule
- Supervisors should be requested for recommendation letters as early as possible
- Preparation of eligibility and required documents months in advance
- Participating in online info sessions or webinars offered by scholarship providers
Once you have been awarded your scholarship, plan the timeline for your resignation or study leave.
Step 5: Prepare strong application documents
Scholarships for professionals are typically awarded based on the following criteria:
- Updated CV/Resume: Highlight achievements, leadership, and community involvement.
- An explanation of your career goals and why you deserve the scholarship should be included in your motivation letter.
- Certificates and transcripts: Provide official and translated copies if necessary.
- Referee letters: Choose people with expertise in your field as referees.
- IELTS/TOEFL Results: Minimum requirements met.
Both your academic ability and your professional maturity should be reflected in your submissions.
Step 6: Readjust to your new life as a student
Returning to school after years of working may seem strange, but if you have the right mindset, you can succeed.
- Embrace learning: Be open to new ideas and technologies.
- Organize your time effectively: Make sure you balance your studies, networking, and personal obligations.
- Take the time to get to know your colleagues: Learn from them and share your experiences.
- Get career advice from professors or alumni: Engage in mentorship programs.
In order to assist mature learners in integrating academically and socially, most universities offer student support services.
Step 7: Prepare for post-study employment
After earning a master’s degree, you may want to consider these options:
- The ability to bring your new skills home to apply for scholarships (a requirement for many scholarship programs)
- It is possible to obtain a work permit after studying in certain countries, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
- Networking with international organizations and institutions
Obtaining postgraduate experience will not only advance your career, but also enhance your global perspective and professional credibility.
In Conclusion
As a professional, returning to school abroad is an exciting and challenging move. Scholarships such as the DAAD, Australia Awards, Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, and ADB-Japan help you upgrade your education.
Success depends on clarity of purpose, strong preparation, and a passion for lifelong learning. Studying should not be viewed as a step back, but as a strategic investment in your career and community.
Taking your professional experience and turning it into an academic journey abroad is possible when you have the right scholarship.