I would like to be autobiographical at the outset of this article. Some stories are more impactful if they are first person. I wish to emphatically enunciate that an Indian Student should never find the concept of studying overseas an impractical dream. At every stage, we are inherently, genealogically and culturally predisposed to take on the world. Our upbringing,our cultural and heritage added to which the gift which the 3 centuries of British rule gave us…put us right on top.Yes, I am speaking of the natural prowess which an average Indian student has as part of his native conformation!!Now add to this our intrinsic diligence,resilience and innovative skills…well you have a winner. This is what I tell all academic aspirants.

The finances, cultureshock, efficacy of personal enhancement and many such concerns are really myths. They are mirage oriented obstacles which can be easily overcome. I should know…I have studied, lectured and worked abroad. I have enmeshed myself in their culture and understood their ethos. I have gained tremendously as a person and a professional….I have grown. Aboveall, I have never needed to compromise my National calling, myself-worth or my lifestyle. I have remained a vegetarian and yet have been wholeheartedly accepted by my peer group.Interestingly,I returned to my beloved Bharatvarsha…something I had planned right from the beginning. Now, through my penmanship and counsel I try to encourage and help young aspirants. My perspective today is on Engineering Students…hope my first-person thoughts help the reader…it is Imagineering…and more.

Draw a Blueprint of Your Goals

My first premise is some great news…all Bachelors and Master’s Degrees from Colleges and Universities endorsed by Indian Authorities, in India are valid abroad.Hence, the first point is to draw a blue print of one’s academic and professional path with clearly defined short- and long-term goals. This is extremely insightful and helps to organise timelines of visualisation and actualisation.

The blue print should be a team effort not solo effort…involving Parents,family,teachers,peers and well wishers.A realistic assessment of financial and logistic details should be drawn with parents and family. Dearth or a shortfall in finances has never been a deterrent for a student aspiring to further his qualification overseas. This has to be explained to parents also. They are your ultimate well-wishers. Yet lack of knowledge about budgets,scholarships,cost of living and such factors sometimes makes the ‘givers’…apprehensive.Many parents need to be reassured on nodal psychological and practical aspects to put them at ease. Inshort, thequestion. “Where is the money?” needs to be addressed knowledgeably.

Need-based and Merit-based Scholarships

Let us begin with some details about Scholarships…There are several scholarships for engineering students to study abroad, including need-based and merit-based scholarships. I have listed a few of them below:

• Cornell University Tata Scholarship: A fully-funded scholarship for Indian students who want to study at Cornell University in the US. This scholarship is need-based.
• Fulbright Scholarship: A fully-funded scholarship for international students pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree. This scholarship covers tuition, airfare, living stipend, health insurance, and more.
• KC Mahindra Uwc Scholarship : A scholarship and grant program for college students who want to study abroad.
• NUS Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship: A scholarship for academically gifted students from Asian countries who want to study at the National University of Singapore.
• Chevening Scholarships: A scholarship for exceptional international students, including Indian students, offered by the UK government.

Global Scholarships

Students must secure at least “PASS” class in their previous examination. (students passed with ATKT / grace marks / condoned are not eligible to apply). Students must clear their previous academic year in first attempt. A maximum of two children from the same family may apply.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Global Skills Scholarship in Bangalore: This scholarship celebrates the achievements of students in the world of science, digital technology and other cerebral fields which require students to apply themselves to innovative pursuits from a young age.

How to Enhance Your Chances

Here are some significant factors to be noted for increasing one’s chances of getting a scholarship.

• Apply early
• Customize your application to the university’s and scholarship’s requirements
• Highlight your achievements and work experience in the relevant field. I have outlined some details of how to do this.

It is truly worthwhile, considering the preparation of an Academic Dossier. It is the most appropriate way to showcase one’s profile. It is advisable to enlist the help of consultants…experts who would professionally put you in best light. The writer is one such Consultant of long-standing experience. A Dossier ideally consists of a tailormade Curriculum Vitae, Letters of Recommendation, Work Performa and of course the all-important Statement of Purpose.

It would help to do an internship
or two to gain the ‘on the floor’
experience… However, a recommendation from the employer, Mentor or in charge is needed.

Universities to be applied to should be shortlisted and a worthwhile exercise would be to connect to a professor there to gain a personal resonance. His line of work should be followed on the Internet.

Some More Useful Pointers

#Always work out funds and funding so that one is clear about one’s own financial position .

# Make a concerted effort to connect to Alumni, Student assistance groups, connect to family and acquaintances living in environs of the University to understand cost of living, demography, climatic conditions, socio-cultural fabric including safety.

#Get travel arrangements done by an established company. Start scanning all nodal documents…including PASSPORT, VISA, APPLICATION…

#To increase one’s chances of earning a 100% scholarship to study abroad, one must try to apply ahead of time by tailoring one’s applications specific to the university’s and scholarship’s requirements.

# There are many scholarships available to study B.Tech abroad for the Indian students. Candidates can check the section scholarships to get a comprehensive list of scholarships they can apply to.

#Yes, the Indian government offers many engineering scholarships. These come from the Ministry of Education and other government bodies. They provide significant financial support and opportunities for aspiring engineers.Check the small print when accepting a Scholarship….desist signing a bond of any sort.

#Countries like Germany, Norway, and certain universities in the USA and UK offer 100% scholarships to Indian students.

Some additional details..

Methodology of Empower one’s US College Transition as an Indian Student:

Transitioning to a college in the United States is a monumental step for any Indian student. It’s a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and a myriad of preparations.

Applying for US scholarships can be daunting, especially for Indian students facing numerous myths and fears about the process. Many students worry about their grades, the complexity of applications, or…valid factors like Visa, Safety, Psychosomatic factors like food,climatic conditions, clothes and the lesser considered details. Looking back, I wish to summate that having visited every continent in the auspices of my work,my jaunt overseas stood me in good stead.It broadened my perspective as a Consultant, Academician, Researcher, Person and a true blue Bhartiya. I know it will value-add to your promising potential…so go ahead and ride your crest. My best wishes are with you.