How scholarships work, and how to spot scams

Many bright students never apply because they think scholarships are only for other people, or because someone told them they must pay to get one. Neither is true. Here is how it really works.

The three kinds of funding

On this site we show funding with a stack of layers. The more layers are filled, the more of your costs are covered.

• Fully funded (three layers). Covers tuition and usually housing and a living allowance. Often flights too. These are the most competitive.
• Partly funded (two layers). Covers some costs, such as tuition only, or a percentage. You pay the rest, so check the numbers carefully.
• Student loan (one layer). Money you borrow and repay after you graduate. A loan is not a scholarship, but it can still make study possible. In Tanzania, the main one is HESLB.

Honest advice: fully funded undergraduate places are rare and many people apply. Apply to several options, including partly funded ones and loans, so one "no" does not end your plan.

Who gives scholarships

• Governments, for example Türkiye, Hungary, Korea, Japan and China.
• Universities, often as discounts for strong students or students in need.
• Foundations, such as the Mastercard Foundation, which works through partner universities.

How winners are chosen

Most programmes look at the same few things:

1. Your grades. Your Form Four and Form Six results matter.
2. Language. For English-taught courses, you may need an English test. Some programmes accept proof from your school instead, so check.
3. Your personal statement. Your story, your goals and why you want this course. See how to write a personal statement.
4. Recommendation letters. See recommendation letters and your CV.
5. Documents. Certificates, transcripts, passport and photos, all complete and on time.
6. Sometimes an exam or interview.

The scam checklist

Fake scholarship offers are common. Be very careful if you see any of these:

• You are asked to pay to "secure" or "guarantee" a scholarship. Real scholarships choose you on merit or need. A real university may charge an application fee, but you pay it on the university's official website, never to a person's phone number.
• You "won" something you never applied for.
• A message pressures you: "pay today or lose your place".
• The email address looks wrong. Official programmes use addresses that end in things like .gov, .edu, .ac. or the institution's own domain, not free Gmail or Yahoo addresses.
• The offer is vague. No official website, no clear rules, no deadline.
• Someone offers to "do everything" for a big fee. You can do the application yourself. That is why this site exists.

How to check an offer

1. Find the official website yourself, by searching the name of the government, university or foundation. Do not trust a link you were sent.
2. Check that the rules and dates on that page match what you were told.
3. For government scholarships, ask the embassy of that country.
4. When in doubt, message us on WhatsApp and we will help you check.

A simple plan

• 12 months before you want to start: learn the options, check eligibility, and book any tests.
• 9 months before: write your personal statement, ask for recommendation letters, and get your passport.
• 6 months before: apply, and keep digital copies of everything you send.
• After you apply: keep checking your email, including spam.

Next, learn how to tell your story in the personal statement guide.