Are you planning on continuing your post-graduate study overseas but you are afraid it will cost a lot of money? What if money is not an issue anymore? What if you can study in your desired countries taking your desired majors where your every need is fully covered? Will you take the chance?
For those of you who long to pursue your master degree abroad without having to worry about where to get the money for your flight, accommodation, tuition fee, and even your living cost, these 3 most prestigious scholarships are the answer of your confusion.
Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
The Fulbright Program is a fully funded scholarship founded by the US government. This scholarship is meant for graduate students, young professionals, researchers, scientists, and artists who want to pursue their master or Ph.D. degree at universities in the United States. Fulbright grants cover tuition fee, airfare, health insurance, accommodation, and a living stipend of its awardees. The scholarship is open for every discipline and field of study except medical sciences.
Each year, approximately 4,000 foreign students all over the world receive Fulbright Scholarships. Additionally, more than 155 countries have participated in this program including Indonesia. And the official foundation that acts as the Fulbright Commission in Indonesia is called AMINEF (American Indonesian Exchange Foundation).
As one of the most prestigious international scholarships, it is not an easy task to win a Fulbright. Besides competing with so many candidates in your country, you will also have to fulfill certain requirements which vary in each partner country and each Fulbright program. Â
The specific requirements for a master's degree program include holding a bachelor's degree, having a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.00 scale), having a minimum TOEFL ITP score of 550 or IELTS equivalent. Other requirements may include outstanding academic record, an excellent project proposal or statement of purpose, proven leadership potential, and a commitment to return to your country once completing your study.
Chevening Scholarship (UK)
Chevening is the UK's government fully funded scholarship program for outstanding professionals and scholars from all over the world. This scholarship offers a one-year master degree program in any subject at any UK university. A Chevening scholarship usually covers tuition fees, airfare, a monthly stipend, visa application costs, accommodation, and a travel allowance to attend Chevening events in the UK. This scholarship gives its awardees the privilege to focus on their study, developing their skills academically and professionally.
To be able to apply for this scholarship, a candidate must be the citizen of one of Chevening eligible countries. Fortunately, Indonesia is one of those.
Other requirements of Chevening scholarship are almost similar with the Fulbright's. First, you have to complete your bachelor degree. Second, you have to meet Chevening English language criteria -- a minimum Academic IELTS score of 6.5, Pearson PTE Academic score of 58, TOEFL iBT score of 79, or C1 Advanced score of 176. But the third one is quite different in which you must have a 2-year working experience in any field. There is also a commitment to get back to your country once finishing you study in the UK.
