Are you hoping to study without the heavy burden of school fees? You’re not alone. Many students dream of getting a quality education but are held back by financial limitations. The good news is that several scholarships are currently open, but the deadline to apply is fast approaching. If you don’t act quickly, you could miss your chance.
This article highlights some of the top scholarships you can still apply for—and how to make sure your application stands out before the deadlines close.
Why You Should Apply Now
Waiting till the last minute to apply for a scholarship is risky. You might miss important documents, make mistakes, or run into technical issues. Deadlines mean final chances. Once they pass, there’s no second chance until the next year—if the scholarship is even offered again.
Applying early gives you time to:
- Gather all the needed documents
- Write a strong personal statement
- Ask for recommendation letters
- Edit and double-check your application
Now, let’s look at a few scholarships that are still open but closing soon.
Top Scholarships Nearing Their Deadline
Note: Deadlines may vary depending on your location, so double-check the time zone and specific requirements on the official websites before applying.
1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
This popular scholarship is for international students who want to study in Germany. It covers full tuition, travel costs, and a monthly allowance.
Deadline: Varies by course, many close between April and May.
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This program supports students from Africa, offering full scholarships to study at top universities in Africa, Canada, and the U.S.
Deadline: Most partner universities close applications between April and June.
3. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening is for future leaders who want to study a master’s degree in the UK. It covers tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Deadline: Opens in August but internal university deadlines (for required offers) are usually in early May.
4. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
These are for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who want to pursue master’s programs in the UK.
Deadline: Mid-April for most participating universities.
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
Erasmus is one of the most competitive scholarships in Europe. It allows you to study in two or more European countries and get a joint degree.
Deadline: Usually closes by mid-April or end of April for most courses.
6. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
This is a fully funded scholarship for graduate study in the U.S., available in over 160 countries.
Deadline: Varies by country, but some close as early as April or May.
Helpful Tips Before You Submit
To make sure your application stands out, here are a few final tips:
Be clear and honest in your writing
Avoid copying generic personal statements. Talk about your real story—what motivates you, your challenges, and your future goals.
Check all requirements twice
Each scholarship has its own rules. Some require language tests like IELTS or TOEFL, while others may need reference letters or transcripts in a specific format.
Get help if needed
Ask a teacher, mentor, or friend to review your application. A fresh pair of eyes can spot errors you might miss.
Submit before the rush
Online portals can get busy near the deadline. Submitting your application 3–5 days early can save you from last-minute issues.
Conclusion
Scholarships are not just financial aid—they are life-changing opportunities. If you’re serious about studying without worrying about how to pay for it, then don’t wait. Scholarships closing soon won’t wait for anyone. Get your documents ready, check the deadlines, and submit your applications now.