When it comes to further education, degrees are not the only option that prospective students should be able to consider. If students are interested in gaining practical skills or professional development without any simple educational credentials, non-degree options can be considered. These can include short-term courses, certificate programs, diplomas, and several more.
In addition to this, finances are definitely a big factor to be considered. Fortunately, there are multiple ways of funding non-degrees, particularly through financial bursary schemes or scholarships. In this article, we will take you through several examples of short course scholarships that will assist you with funding your studies.
List of Short Course Scholarships for International Students
Hubert Humphrey Fellowships in the USA for International Students
Description: For experienced professionals who are keen on developing leadership through their education. It covers tuition/academic fees as well as other living expenses. Annually, 200 fellowships are awarded and selected Fellows are placed within a participating US university or college (not out of their choices however). More than 10 fields of study are available under this fellowship, ranging from business administration and urban planning to law and English teaching. If you are interested in getting a short course scholarship, this is a great one!
Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens from eligible countries, hold an undergraduate degree, have minimum of 5 years of professional experience, have thorough leadership experience, limited/no prior experience in the United States and fluent in English. For more information, visit the scholarship page.
Orange Knowledge Program in The Netherlands
Description: Provides short course scholarships as well as Master’s programs scholarships through OKP member universities in the Netherlands. They cover all academic fees in addition to cost of living, travel, visa etc.
Eligibility: Applicants should be citizens of OKP member countries. Additional requirements include a valid passport, current employer’s letter, a government statement which meets requirements of the country of the employer and proof that the applicant is not an employee of an organization that has funds for staff development.
INTO International Foundation Scholarships at University of East Anglia
Description: The INTO group, together with the University of East Anglia, offer up to 10 scholarships for prospective students in the International Foundation pathway. 100% of the foundation pathway fees are covered.
Eligibility: This scheme is predominantly applicable to international students who have been awarded a place on the International Foundation pathway and is awarded on academic merit.
EdX Free Online Courses
Description: The edX educational platform focuses on providing students with opportunity of free learning through online and long-distance programs offered by premier universities across the globe. While these are not particular scholarships, the platform offers places for students to engage with over 800 free courses, which range from biology and computer science to history and economics. Participating universities include MIT, Harvard University, UC Berkeley, University of Toronto and Georgetown University.
Eligibility: edX courses are open to students of all backgrounds from anywhere in the world. Students simply require a computer with a good browser and internet connection. Some courses from particular institutions may require a small fee in order to earn an authentic certificate but this is entirely optional and at the student’s discretion.
Endeavour Vocational Education and Leadership Training Awards
Description: The Endeavour VET scholarship offers financial support to prospective international students who are opting to study a vocational education course, diploma or advanced diploma in a field of their choice in an accredited Australian university for 1-2.5 years. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of $3000 per month and certain applicants will also be eligible for travel allowances, insurance and health allowances given the right circumstances.
Eligibility: Applicants are required to be over 18 years of age at the time of application, not be in receipt of any benefits from the Australian government and not be undertaking any leadership activity in their country of citizenship.
Endeavour Executive Fellowships
Description: In addition to the VET scholarships, Endeavour also offers financial support for professionals and high achievers (including both Australians and Non-Australians) in the business and industrial fields in terms of professional development programs. Rather than focusing on the academic area of the course, these fellowships look at building and developing skills in professional development, including management training, peer-to-peer networking, mentoring and short courses. The fellowship value is up to $18,500.
Eligibility: Applicants should be citizens of specific countries, be over 18 years of age and commence their studies after a particular date.
MENA Short Course Scholarship Program for Professionals from the Middle East and Africa
Description: The Middle East and North African (MENA) Scholarship program provides scholarship opportunities for professionals with a confirmed place in Dutch higher educational institutes. It should be noted that only specific courses within these institutions fall under this scheme so it would be recommended to thoroughly check these before applying. The scholarship covers tuition fees, visa fees, medical insurance and other costs of living.
Eligibility: Candidates should be nominated by their current employer through a supporting statement. They should also be citizens of one of the 10 member countries in order to qualify for the scholarship.
Australia Awards Fellowship
Description: The Australia Awards Fellowship fosters and develops leadership and networking between its member countries. They are specifically oriented towards professionals and high achievers who show distinct leadership skills and can greatly influence development and socioeconomic reforms. A maximum of $30,000 is provided for each Fellow. A fellowship proposal must be submitted which focuses on an issue in a variety of fields ranging from arts & design and education to development economics and law.
Eligibility: Candidates have a number of requirements, which include being at least 18 years of age at the time of application, be a citizen of an eligible country, not have any citizenship/PR status in Australia, satisfy all requirements for visa, have obtained professional working experience in their country and have a sufficient grasp of the English language. For more information, visit Australia Awards Fellowship Page.
Hungarian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
Description: Offered by the Hungarian Ministry of Education, these scholarships for foreign students are highly deserve and encompass funding from professional degrees such as PhD programs to non-degrees including short courses. They are applicable to any field of study at an accredited Hungarian higher educational institute. Scholarships cover all academic fees and the costs of living for the duration of the courses.
Eligibility: Candidates are required to check which courses are affiliated to these scholarships by browsing the institute’s website. No age limit is applicable to short course scholarships.
Netherlands Scholarships for Short Courses
Description: The Netherlands Fellowship scheme offer scholarships for a number of selected courses that are provided by specific universities in The Netherlands. These courses are often related to Dutch Certificate courses or full-time diplomas than last from 1 to 12 months. The allowance provided by the Fellowship include the tuition fees, living expenses, travel, insurance and other necessary funds. This is an excellent short course scholarships for those who want to study in Netherlands.
Eligibility: Applicants should be nationals who live and work in one of the 51 NFP countries. They should be nominated by their employer in order to be fully eligible for the scheme.
We hope that this guide on short course scholarships were helpful. If you are interested in studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
