Scholarships that are the most competitive are not usually global or government-funded. Instead, universities offer them directly to attract talented international and domestic students. There is usually less competition for these awards and eligibility is more targeted than for large national scholarships. Finding them will increase your chances of obtaining funding if you understand how to find them.
We provide detailed instructions on how to discover and apply for university-specific scholarships.
What are Campus-Specific Scholarships?
Campus-specific scholarships are awards created and funded by the university. Therefore, they are designed to:
- Rewarding academic excellence is important
- Students in need of financial assistance
- Encouraging international enrollment and diversity
- Recruit talent in specific fields such as engineering, the arts, and health care
- Promote leadership, sports, or research
Some programs allow you to apply automatically for these scholarships, whereas others require you to apply separately.
Scholarships offered at specific universities
A merit-based scholarship program
Awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership, or achievement.
With these awards, tuition can be reduced by 30% to 100%.
The need-based scholarships and bursaries
Designed for students with financial difficulties.
International students are often eligible for this program as well.
Faculty or departmental scholarships
Engineering, business, art, medicine, education, or computing are examples of specialized fields.
Students benefit from specialized programs.
Entrance scholarships or scholarships for freshmen
During admission, high-performing students are automatically awarded this scholarship.
There is no need to submit separate applications.
(Masters & PhD) Graduate Assistantships
Students who assist with teaching or research are offered this opportunity by departments.
Tuition and stipend are usually included.
Excellence Awards for International Students
Students from countries other than the university’s home country are eligible for exclusive funding.
Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia are all familiar with it.
Donor-funded scholarships or alumni-funded scholarships
Contributions from alumni or private donors are used to fund these awards.
Often, students with specific backgrounds or interests are targeted.
What are the best places to find campus-specific scholarships?
1. Check out the university’s official website
It is the most reliable source to start with.
Visit this page:
- “Tuition and Fees”
- “Scholarships & Financial Aid”
- “Funding for International Students”
- The “Graduate Funding” program
- The “Admissions Scholarships”
Scholarships are listed on the scholarship pages of every university.
2. Look up faculty or departments
The scholarship pages for general scholarships do not list all scholarships.
Departments often offer their own awards, such as:
- Research grants for engineers
- Scholarships for art studios
- Creative grants for film and media
- Awarded by business schools for leadership
- STEM lab assistant scholarships
Visit the department’s website to learn about hidden funding opportunities.
3. Schedule an appointment with the admissions office
Admissions staff can provide you with the following information:
- Scholarships available to international students
- Automatic or application-based scholarships
- Documentation requirements and deadlines
The information you receive is direct and accurate.
4. Send an email to faculty or program coordinators
Professors should be aware of what funding is currently available for graduate programs.
Ask politely if there are:
- Assistantships
- Financing for research
- Teaching positions
- Project grants
The PhD and MSc programs are particularly benefited by this type of funding.
5. Take part in virtual open days or webinars offered by universities
Most universities offer online information sessions.
Often, these sessions reveal:
- New scholarships
- Updates on scholarships
- Application tips
The scholarship team can be contacted directly if you have any questions.
6. Ensure that your awards are automatically granted
Applicants to some universities are automatically assessed for funding when they submit their application.
Your scholarship decision will be added to your offer letter once you have submitted your admission application.
Examples include:
- Awards for entrance
- Excellence scholarships at the international level
- High GPA awards
This is a great option for students who prefer a simple application process.
7. Explore the international offices of the company
Most universities have an office for international students.
There is information provided on:
- Tuition discounts
- Providing scholarships tailored to specific countries
- Partnership grants for regional development
It is recommended that students from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East take advantage of this opportunity.
8. Examine the scholarship lists of alumni or donors
Numerous universities offer endowment scholarships funded by individuals or organizations.
Typically, these awards are targeted at:
- Country
- Field
- Gender
- Academic interest
These positions typically attract a smaller pool of applicants.
9. Consult campus databases for scholarship information
Some universities have internal databases where students can search for:
- Faculty
- Level of study
- Country of origin
- Academic performance
Regular updates are made to databases.
10. Establish partnerships with scholarship organizations
Several universities offer special funding as a result of partnerships with organizations and foundations.
Among the partnerships are:
- Banks
- Tech companies
- NGOs
- Government agencies
Through these partnerships, scholarships are created that can only be obtained at that particular university.
Preparation required
You must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for most campus-specific scholarships:
- Outstanding academic performance
- Essay for a scholarship or personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Demonstration of leadership or community involvement
- Portfolios (for creative programs)
Some awards automatically consider your admission documents.
Tips for Increasing Your Chances
- Many awards are awarded on the basis of a first-come, first-served basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early
- Make sure your personal statement demonstrates a high level of motivation and leadership
- When preparing your application, take into consideration the mission or values of the university
- Make sure your CV includes both academic and extracurricular accomplishments
- Contact faculty early to obtain funding for research or assistantships
- It is possible to apply for multiple scholarships at the same university
Scholarships increase your chances of receiving funding the more you receive.
Scholarships that are campus-specific are important
- There is less competition for scholarships than for national scholarships
- Specifically designed for your program and academic level
- Renewals for multiple years are common
- Guaranteed funding is often provided to high-performing employees
- Involvement with faculty and departments on a direct basis
- The application process for these scholarships is often simpler than the application process for global scholarships
In conclusion
A campus-specific scholarship is one of the most effective and accessible means of financing your education abroad. Although often overlooked, they provide substantial financial support with a much greater chance of success. A university-based scholarship can cover all or a portion of your tuition and living expenses if you do your research carefully, contact the appropriate department, and provide strong documentation.