Awards for achievement: grades, test scores, research, leadership, creative work and more. Learn what counts as merit, how these awards work and how to present your strongest application for study abroad.
An award given for what you have achieved, rather than for financial need. It can reduce tuition or provide a fixed amount.
Decided by your record, not your family's finances, although some awards consider both.
Some universities consider you when you apply; others need a separate application.
Some awards continue each year if you maintain a required grade.
Many strong applicants compete for limited awards.
What an awarding body values depends on the scholarship. Check each one's criteria.
Grades, class rank and the strength of your courses.
Where relevant, standardised or entrance test scores and English proficiency.
Research work, publications, projects and presentations.
Academic, sporting, creative or community recognition.
Leadership roles, volunteering and community impact.
Relevant experience, particularly for postgraduate and MBA awards.
Tick the strengths you can evidence. This is not an eligibility test. It shows what to emphasise and what to build before you apply.
Tick everything you can support with documents.
The university reviews your admission application for merit awards. No separate form, but a strong application matters.
You apply to the scholarship with essays, references and documents, often by its own deadline.
You keep the award each year by meeting conditions, such as a minimum grade.
General routes only. Confirm details on official websites.
Examples only, not a complete list or a recommendation. Programmes, eligible countries, levels and deadlines change, so check the official page before applying.
Things that usually help:
Applicants often lose out because of:
Tick off what you already have. Each award lists its own requirements.
A general guide. Check each award's official dates.
List merit awards and note opening and closing dates. Some close a year before you start.
Request references, take any tests and gather proof of achievements.
Submit scholarship and university applications, sometimes together.
Respond to offers and read renewal conditions carefully.
See also our intake timeline.
What students commonly ask about merit awards.
No fixed rule applies to all awards. Strong grades help, but many awards also consider other achievements, and criteria vary by university and programme.
Sometimes. Some universities consider you for merit awards with your admission application, while others need a separate application. Check each university's scholarship page.
Many renewable awards require a minimum grade each year. Read the conditions before accepting.
Sometimes. Some awards limit other funding or have rules about work. Check the terms, and ask the awarding body if unsure.
No. Only the awarding organisation decides. We help you find suitable options and prepare a strong application.
Tell us your course, level and destination. We will point you to scholarships worth exploring.
Fill in your details and our team will get in touch.
Tell us a little about your study plans and a counsellor will help you understand your options.
Share your details and our education counsellor will contact you.
Your enquiry has been received and a counsellor will contact you shortly.
We could not send your details just now. Please message us on WhatsApp so we do not miss your enquiry.