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Top 15 Scholarships for International Sociology Students

This article delivers you the one-stop guide for scholarships. From the application to disbursement, all the essential steps in your scholarship journey are explained. It also contains top 15 scholarships (for higher studies) from around the world along with their eligibility criteria, the application process, and benefits.

SOCIOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS

In academics, a scholarship is a great way for students to utilize their intelligence, talent, and skills to secure financial support to fulfil their dreams. Scholarships not only help in overcoming financial constraints but also serve as motivation to excel. Educational institutions worldwide provide national as well as international scholarships to help hardworking students move ahead.

First thing first, What is a scholarship?

Scholarships are a form of financial aid, grants, and awards given to students in need. They are sponsored by governments, organisations, institutes, colleges, universities, business companies, and even non-profits. They are different from loans as you don’t need to repay them. Scholarships are assessed based on assignments, exams or interviews, and the financial situation of the student, along with aptitude and dedication of the student is taken into consideration while granting scholarships.

You can apply for scholarships in high school, college, and even for PhD studies. It is open for all students (with certain criteria) to apply, both nationally and internationally.

How can you apply for scholarships?

The first step is an application form. After careful assessment, the selected students are notified about selection or the next step. The process of applying can also vary according to institutional guidelines, either the scholarship application is submitted with an admission form or after securing admission. Some scholarships are also provided in between the course duration based on academic excellence.

Documentation generally includes a mark sheet, resume, income proof, achievements (certificates), letters of recommendation (LOR), information about extracurricular activities, and motivation letters or essays. It is important to note that eligibility criteria and required documents can also vary depending on the university and country’s rules.

How are scholarships disbursed?

It can be partially or fully funded which means some scholarships provide half of the course fee, while some sponsor the entire amount. There are a few scholarships which support accommodation needs too.

In some scholarship schemes, the scholarship check or money is sent directly to the college/university on behalf of the selected student. Sometimes, the money is given directly to the students, which can be used for tuition fees, purchasing notes, books and study materials, as well as for food and other basic needs. There are also a few scholarships which provide a monthly, quarterly, or yearly allowance and stipend to students to manage their studies and other expenses.

A student is required to go through all the details and requirements of the scholarship before applying for it. Also, the misuse of scholarship money is strictly prohibited, as it allows for studying without any pressure of repayment.

Preparation tips before applying for scholarships:

Firstly, decide if you want to pursue further education in your home country or abroad. As rules can differ for national and international scholarships, preparation and application should be done accordingly. All institutions have certain eligibility criteria, which often include excellent academic scores and outstanding achievements. Every institution also specifies a minimum score required for applying.

Here are some to keep in mind if you want to secure a scholarship:

  • Check the eligibility criteria specified on the institution’s website and start working in that direction.
  • It is important to familiarise yourself with the application process before starting the submission form, so check the institution’s website for that.
  • Keep all your documents ready and updated before applying.
  • If required, be prepared for interviews and learn about the university, course, and possible questions.
  • If you have any doubts or face any difficulty, consult with the institution’s helpdesk via mail or call.
  • Be aware of the application timeline and try to apply in the initial days, as some scholarships are awarded early in the admission process.
  • Seek help/ tips from seniors and teachers.

Also Read: How to write Sociological Essay

International scholarships

Apart from the above considerations, students applying for international scholarships and seeking to study abroad should take care of the following:

Top 15 Scholarships for International Sociology Students
  • Start preparing for admission and scholarship a year or a year and a half in advance and keep yourself updated about the application window.
  • Other than the general criteria, international students are expected to show proof of English language proficiency through exams such as TOEFL and IELTS. Apart from regular studies, you need to prepare for these tests as well.
  • Check if any special scholarships are provided for your region/country, as certain international scholarships are awarded to students from particular countries.
  • Get in touch with someone who has previously studied in the same institution or achieved a scholarship there; you can do it through Quora and LinkedIn.
  • Check the process for the student visa, prepare your documents, and prepare accordingly. Embassies require various documentation proofs and interviews, so be prepared for that. Some scholarships include visa guidance and support, as well as airfare, so keep an eye out for that (we have mentioned one such scholarship below).
  • International students are also required to write motivational letters or essays about the university or themselves, thus, draft such things creatively and be aware of guidelines and suggestions provided by the university.

Provided below are various renowned (international) 15 scholarships for higher education with a focus on sociology.

  1. Rhodes Scholarship

If you are looking forward to studying at the prestigious Oxford University, then the Department of Sociology at Oxford offers various courses like MSc, MPhil, and DPhil in Sociology. Studying and living in the UK can seem challenging for international students, but the Rhodes Scholarship allows you to fulfil your dream.

Every year, approximately 100 scholarships are awarded to international students who will begin their PG program at Oxford. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides an annual stipend of £19,092 per annum (£1,591 per month) for up to 3 years for Masters, MPhil and DPhil (PhD). The stipend to be used for all living expenses and accommodation. It also covers student visa fees, health insurance, and economy flight fares at the start and end of the course.

Eligibility:

  • To avail of the benefit of the scholarship, the student must be selected and admitted to Oxford University.
  • The age of the applicant should be between 19 to 25 years during applying.
  • The applicant should be from the country that is eligible for the Rhodes Scholarship.
  • Applicants should have completed at least 4 years of Education in the last and recent 10 years.
  • The applicant should have their undergraduate degree with first-class honours.

 Scholarship application process:

  • To avail of the benefit of the scholarship, the student must first create an account on the Rhodes Trust website.
  • Then, the application form must be filled out, along with the personal information and required documents.
  • Documents like statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, an updated resume, a copy of valid passport, a photograph, and IELTS or TOEFL score should be submitted.

The detailed procedure for applying and selecting for the Rhodes Scholarship can be found on their website.

2. Western Illinois University Scholarships

If you are looking to pursue a degree in the USA, then Western Illinois University (WIU) has several scholarships to help you achieve your dream. WIU provides full scholarships on tuition fees for international undergraduate and graduate students.

For international students, scholarships are applicable to those who are non-sponsored and enrolled at the WIU for the first time. The grant ranges between $4,000 – $8,000 per year, depending on the scholarship you are applying for. It is available during the fall and spring semesters.

Scholarships offered for international students:

  • Undergraduate Commitment Scholarship
  •  International Graduate Commitment Scholarship
  • International Graduate Transfer Commitment

Eligibility:

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • The scholarship is renewable if the GPA is maintained.
  • The scholarship form should be filled out simultaneously with the college application form.
  • Students enrolled in online courses are also eligible.
  •  The scholarship is applied to tuition fees only.

Additionally, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology of WIU offers four annual scholarships for undergraduate sociology majors. The sociology scholarships offered are as follows:

  • The Harriet Stull Sociology Scholarship – An annual award of $1,600 is given to outstanding sociology students.
  • The Kara Leigh Broughton Memorial Scholarship – This award is given to students who wish to bring a change in the world with the knowledge and experience they gain there. Students are analysed for the scholarship based on their essay on “How You Intend to Use Your WIU Education to Make a Difference in this World”.
  • The Pathways Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to incoming sociology or anthropology majors transfer students.
  • The Sociological Masters Scholarship – This scholarship is an annual award given to an outstanding student fulfilling basic academic requirements and is enrolled in the M.A. program in Sociology.

More details about various scholarships and courses offered by the WIU are available on their university website.

3. Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships, Newcastle University, UK

Newcastle University in the United Kingdom offers multiple courses across different disciplines. The university aims to focus on diversified research methodologies, social schemes, and an interdisciplinary outlook. The inclusive and friendly environment of the university makes it a desirable place to study.

If you are looking forward to pursuing your undergraduate or postgraduate studies here, then the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship at Newcastle University will help you follow your dreams.

Eligibility:

  • The applicant must be a national of one of the following countries: India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam.
  • The applicant must have accepted an undergraduate or master’s degree program at Newcastle University’s campus in the incoming session to be classified as an international student for fee purposes.

 How to apply:

  • Applicants must apply for the scholarship while filling out the application form of the college.
  • Applicants are selected based on merit.
  • Academic course applications that meet the eligibility requirements will automatically be considered for a Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship.

4. The Canadian Experience Scholarship

The scholarship is provided by St. Lawrence College, Ontario, Canada and is valued at Partial Funding, CAD 2000. Scholarships are available for Master’s degrees. This scholarship is open to students from around the world.

St. Lawrence College has a profound sociology department that explores different sociological perspectives and theories over a duration of two years. If your study plans include Canada, then this is a great opportunity.

Eligibility:

  • To qualify for Canadian Experience Scholarships, students must hold an offer letter from St. Lawrence College for a Masters-level program.
  • International students are eligible to apply for Canadian Experience Scholarships.
  • Candidates must meet university admission requirements for the Canadian Experience Scholarships

How to Apply:

  • Aspirants must be admitted to the graduate program at the university to be eligible for this award program.
  • After that, the application form for the scholarship needs to be filled out.
  • The student needs to submit the following documents to avail of the scholarship: passport, original/certified, as well as translated copies of your completed secondary/post-secondary transcripts or equivalent, original/certified secondary/post-secondary diploma/degree.

5. University of Surrey Sociology PhD Studentship, UK

The University of Surrey in the UK allows exemplary scholars to pursue a PhD under their guidance. The scholarship will cover, for three years or on a pro-rata part-time basis, full costs (at national or international rates), an annual allowance (£16,000), and a training grant of £500 per year. It is awarded to exceptional graduate researchers whose work corresponds to the research topics of the Department of Sociology.

The departments accept applications for all projects but have certain prioritized subjects each year, so look out for that. More details about the themes on which the school works are available on their website.

Eligibility:

  • To be considered for the PhD program, applicants will need to meet the minimum requirements. The requirements are mentioned in detail on the university website.
  • Applications must be submitted to the University of Surrey by successful candidates.
  • References will be checked before offers are made.
  • Any UK or international student is eligible to apply for this studentship.

 How to Apply:

  • The application forms are available on the official website of the university.
  • The applicant needs to fill in all the details along with a statement of purpose and research proposal in the form.
  • Various stages, including an interview, will be conducted before final selection

6. International Tuition Grant Scholarship at Michigan State University, USA

The international tuition grant scholarship at Michigan State University (MSU) is especially for a graduate degree and is available for all the subjects offered at the University. MSU will offer up to $25,000 per year to all successful applicants for its International Tuition Grant Scholarship in the USA.

The university has a renowned and eminent Department of Sociology, which was established in the year 1924. The sociologists conduct research around the world, collaborating with various stakeholders and across multiple disciplines. The University offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in sociology.

Eligibility:

  • Applicants applying for the grant must have an offer letter for the program they want to pursue at MSU.
  • The applicant must be qualified as an International Student.
  • Applicants must fulfil the basic admission requirements while applying for the scholarship as well as be able to submit all the credentials and documents required by the trust.

How to apply:

7. Kazakhstan Government Scholarship for International Students

The government of Kazakhstan offers scholarships to international students from different countries and for multiple universities and programs. The scholarship is also available for students of Kazakh identity and communities who are not residing in Kazakhstan. Currently, Kazakhstan is the first and only country in Central Asia recognised as a full member of the European higher education area.

You can apply to any university or institute for your desired course of study. You can apply for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees under this scholarship programme.

Eligibility:

  • All tuition will be covered by this program.
  • Students are paid a monthly allowance based on their educational progress.
  • The grant does not cover travel, health insurance, visa, or accommodation expenses.
  • Students applying for bachelor’s programs should possess a primary/secondary level education with good grades.
  • Students applying for master’s and PhD degrees should have a bachelor’s and master’s  degree, respectively, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4, along with an international certificate of proficiency in a foreign language.

How to Apply:

  • Fill out the application form for the scholarship by going to the respective university website.
  • Select your desired colleges along with the field of study.
  •  Submit the motivational essay and all the other documents asked in the form
  • Attempt an online psycho-technical test for identification purposes.

8. DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service

One of the biggest scholarship funding organisations, DAAD scholarships help students experience top-notch education in Germany without frantically worrying about the financial burden. The DAAD scholarship allows international students to pursue their master’s education, fully funded in Germany. The scholarships are provided for a period of 10 to 24 months, depending upon the duration of the course.

The applicant can select respective courses and universities in which they wish to pursue future education. The monetary aid is €934 a month with insurance and travel allowance. After the fulfilment of the 1st year of the academic course, the performance of the student will be scrutinised for the renewal of the scholarship.

If you want to study Sociology, Germany has many prodigious Institutes that provide Sociology majors and even come under the DAAD scholarship programme. Note that Germany is the most affordable European country to live and study in.

Eligibility:

  • Completion of a degree (bachelor’s or diploma) is the most important prerequisite for the scholarship. The degree should be completed when the period of funding begins.
  • It is available to all students around the globe.
  • Depending on the course you wish to apply for, the language requirements may vary. A TOEFL score of at least 550 and an IELTS (band 6) certificate are the minimum requirements for applying for a DAAD scholarship.
  • Matriculation is required for courses taught in German. A DSH 2 or Test DAF 4 certificate is mandatory for those courses taught in German. A level B1 certificate is required at the time of application.
  • The quality of study projects is also an important criterion.
  • The potential of the applicant through criteria of motivation, prospects, and extracurricular commitment is also taken into consideration.

How to Apply:

  • The DAAD application form is available on their official website.
  • The application, once filled out, should be directly sent to the respective universities.
  • The application should be filled in English or German only.
  • The list of required documents is published on the official website and may differ concerning different universities and programs.

9. Global Korea Scholarship

The popularity of K-POP has made South Korea one of the most desired countries to live in among the youth. But along with that South Korea has made great development in terms of infrastructure, trade and especially education. Every year a great number of international students move to South Korea to pursue their future education. South Korea provides contemporary knowledge and indulges in the classroom and on-field experiences, thus giving students a holistic experience.

If you want to pursue Sociology as your major, the Global Korea Scholarship will allow you on the international level to interact with different communities and ethnicities. It will give you a chance to make a global impact and bring about a change. The scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare costs, living and language courses allowance, medical insurance, and research support among other facilities.

Eligibility:

  • The applicant and their parents must belong to their respective countries and shouldn’t possess Korean citizenship.
  • Applicants should pass the basic mental and physical health criteria to stay in a foreign country.
  • Have finished formal education – diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s from the recognized country.
  • Should be under 25 years of age for a graduate degree and under 40 years of age for a postgraduate degree while applying.
  • Should have a minimum of 80% GPA in their previous degree.
  • Students who have already procured a degree from any university in Korea are not eligible.

How to Apply:

  • It is the responsibility of the applicants to submit all documents related to their scholarship applications. These documents should be forwarded to the Korean Embassy or the university in their country of residence.
  • With the required documents, the Korean Embassy or the domestic university submits the appropriate candidates to NIIED.

Once selected, the candidates will be informed via email, and an official letter will be sent to the applicant’s residency.

10. Orange Knowledge Programme, Netherlands

The Orange Knowledge Programme  (OKP) is an opportunity for international students to pursue their education in the Netherlands, the land of tulips and canals. However, before applying to the OKP, a student must take into account that currently the programme is available to citizens of 38 countries. The list of OKP-eligible countries is constantly updated on their official website.

The student can browse and select the universities which collaborate with this program and then continue with the process. As a student of Sociology, the Orange Knowledge Programme will prove to be beneficial as it engages more in field study and research.

Eligibility:

  • The candidate should be an experienced professional in a relevant field. This is to analyse the ability to implement their knowledge in the real world
  • Experience with ministries, academic institutions, or NGOs is preferred. The candidate must possess a valid identity document, such as a passport.
  • Candidates should be nationals of a country on the OKP Country List and working in a country on the list.
  • Applicants must have secured admission to a university in the Netherlands to study one of the specific courses listed in the OKP Scholarship Category.

How to Apply:

11. MEXT Scholarships

If you are looking forward to studying in Japan, then the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan has this scintillating opportunity for international students to live and study there.

Students who wish to pursue their graduation, post-graduation, or PhD in Japan can do so under the MEXT scholarships. It is a fully funded scholarship programme. It will cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly living allowance, and round airfare travel expenses from your country to Japan.

Studying sociology in Japan under this programme will help you to interact with various communities and enrich your knowledge and experience. The best part is that IELTS or TOEFL exam scores and knowledge of the Japanese language are not a compulsion.

Eligibility:

  • All the countries are eligible and the mandatory language of communication is English.
  • Foreign nationals who wish to apply must be citizens of nations with diplomatic relations with Japan.
  • An applicant who has Japanese nationality at the time of application is not eligible.
  • In the case of undergraduate students, applicants must be at least 17 years of age and under 25 years of age and have a high school diploma or courses equivalent to a high school diploma (including prospective graduates).
  • Masters and PhD students must be under 35 years old and college graduates (including aspiring graduates). It is also necessary that the applicant has completed 16-18 years of education.

How to Apply:

  • The applicant has to visit the Japanese Embassy or Consulate of their own country to apply for the MEXT scholarship.
  • Applicants need to visit the website of the Japanese Embassy in their respective country. Under the section on education or scholarships, the details about the MEXT scholarship will be provided.
  • The applicant needs to download the form and submit it with the documents which are required. A fully detailed list of required documents will be provided on the website.
  • The documents need to be submitted to their respective embassy.
  • Additionally, a written test and interview of the shortlisted candidates will be taken.
  • The selected candidates will be informed via mail or will be notified by the Embassy itself.

12. Webster Vienna Scholarships

If you want to explore different courses that come under the ambit of sociology, then Webster Vienna Private University is a perfect place for you. It has special programmes like Bachelors in Sociology, Social Work, and Community Organization and Development Practices. These courses will help you grow with the help of an intensive syllabus, fieldwork, and research.

The Webster Vienna Scholarship provides partial funding up to €2000 to €10,000 per academic year. And the best part is that the scholarship is open and applicable to all nationalities. Guidance for the visa application process is also provided.

Eligibility:

  • Applicants applying for the scholarship must be recent undergraduate, graduate, or transfer students and must possess minimum required certificates during the application.
  • The applicants need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 from a qualified university.
  • Applicants must possess excellent academic records and merit.
  • Knowledge of English is compulsory and required for communication and interaction. Those possessing exemplary communication skills will be preferred.
  • Transfer students who wish to study at Webster Vienna Private University under the scholarship can also apply.

How to apply:

  • Students who are selected and accepted for the programmes offered by the University can request the scholarship forms from the University Administration or Scholarship Coordinator.
  • The student needs to upload and submit the requested documents to carry on with the scholarship procedure.
  • Documents like acceptance letters, motivation letters, and financial documents like salary and tax slips are required to qualify for the scholarship.
  • An original essay on the topic given by the university must be submitted by the student.

The students who fulfil all the requirements and qualify will get the benefits of the scholarship which they can utilise for their study, research, and stationery purposes.

13. University of Sydney International Scholarship

The University of Sydney in Australia has a well-known and celebrated Department of Sociology that provides Graduate and Undergraduate courses in Gender Studies, Sociology, and Social Work.

The courses focus on honing research and analysis skills with the help of creative learning and on-field experience. It is a welcoming place, especially for international students and there are all sorts of resources available to aid and assist them.

If you are willing to create a social change with the help of fundamental skills, then the University of Sydney is the right place for you. With the help and support of the International Scholarship fund, studying at this prestigious university is a dream open to all students.

Eligibility:

  • It is open to all nationalities except for Australians.
  • The scholarship is available for Masters and PhD degrees.
  • The applicant must be commencing or enrolled as an international student at the University of Sydney.
  • The applicant must possess excellent academic achievements and research potential.
  • The minimum requirement of grades can be changed by the university every year.
  • The University provides full funding of about 35,629 AUD per annum for academic purposes.

How to Apply:

14. Turkiye Scholarships for International Students

If you want to study in a country that is the center of world culture, history, and languages, then the Turkiye Scholarship will help you get a fully-funded degree in Turkey.

The scholarship is available to all nationals across various courses. Turkey has comprehensive and holistic Sociology Master’s and PhD programmes available across different universities. You can apply to multiple colleges and universities as per your preferences with a single application form.

Eligibility:

  • Citizens of all countries are eligible to apply except those who are citizens of Turkey or have lost their Turkish Citizenship.
  • Applicants must be a graduate student at the time of applying for the scholarship.
  • Individuals who are currently enrolled in programs at Turkish universities at any level of education are not applicable.
  • Age criteria will defer as per the courses applied for. Masters’ programme candidates should be below 30 years of age and for PhD programmes below 35 years of age.

How to Apply:

  • The official application form will be available on the website.
  • Applicants need to select their desired programs, courses, and university preferences while filling out the form.
  • All the documents asked must be submitted before time along with a letter of intent explaining the aims and goals for the applicant’s future.
  • A test and interview will be conducted at the final stage after assessing all the required documents. If the candidate fulfils all the requirements, then a confirmation call or email of selection will be sent to the selected candidate.

15. Faculty of Arts International Master’s Degree Scholarship

The Faculty of Arts International Master’s Degree Scholarship is provided by the University of Auckland, New Zealand, in the field of Arts. It is open to students from all nationalities. The scholarship provides partial funding of up to $10,000. The grant is especially for tuition fee purposes.

The University of Auckland is a public research university and is ranked among the top 100 universities in the QS world universities ranking. It provides undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses in sociology and also ranks as one of the best colleges in New Zealand in terms of employability.

The international master’s degree scholarship provides an opportunity for international students to critically engage with society and contribute to the development of the communities and the world at large.

Eligibility:

  • Scholarships are offered to all international students who are not citizens of New Zealand.
  • There will be up to ten scholarships awarded annually, each with a value of up to $10,000 per annum for a year. Master’s degree recipients can reapply in the following year if they are enrolled in a two-year program.
  • It is necessary for candidates to be enrolled and have paid fees for full-time enrolment in a Master of Arts degree program, or have arranged to pay the fees, to be eligible for the scholarship.
  • To be eligible for scholarship consideration, applicants must achieve a GPA or GPE of at least 7.00 in their most recent qualifying program.
  • Ensure that all program-specific requirements are met.
  • Academic merit will be taken into account for selection.

How to Apply:

  • Application deadlines for scholarships are usually announced around six weeks before they expire.
  • The candidates need to fill out the application form and submit the required details and documents. Detailed information will be provided on the University of Auckland website.
  • Scholarship applications are submitted to the Scholarships Office.
  • The Scholarship is awarded based on recommendations from the selection committee. Application evaluation is based on both the applicant’s qualifications and needs.

Besides these, there are various other scholarships available concerning courses, countries, and universities.

Scholarships help students and their families to overcome financial constraints. They provide a great way to pursue higher education without the pressure of paying high tuition fees and additional expenses.

A scholarship is not only a financial aid but provides deserving students with great learning opportunities that might otherwise seem impossible. Securing scholarships is the result of constant efforts and excellence. A scholarship can pave the way to a dream career and greater success. If you also want to secure a scholarship to help yourself in pursuing your desired education, then keep yourself informed and updated through the sources provided by the institutions.

With diligence and quality guidance, you can accomplish great heights.

All the best for your academic journey.

Also Read: How to Apply Sociology in Everyday Life

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