How apprenticeship (work and learning) can help you get your scholarship for foreign universities

Aristotle once said “For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”

If all Indian students that study abroad are put together they would exceed the population of Mauritius. It is estimated that by the end of 2023 more than 1.2 mn Indian students would be studying across 85 countries and this number is only set to grow. The demand for foreign education is only growing each year primarily due to the economic opportunities, quality of education and the international exposure. While several Indian Universities have made a global mark and many more are joining the ranks each year it will be some time before this trend reverses. The funding of foreign education is the most challenging aspect for many students. While very few can afford 100% self funding, a lot of the students rely on student loans and scholarships.

Scholarships offer a rich socio economic dividend, ability for students to manage their expenses and start their career with little or no debt. A study has shown that students who secure scholarships are more likely to complete their studies and be economically successful. Scholarships are offered by the destination Universities, destination countries and by independent institutions abroad and India. The amounts can vary depending on the programs, economic background, diversity quotient and the students capability.


Let us focus on one key aspect that enhances the showcase of the students capability - hands on work experience through apprenticeship. Institutions receive hundreds of applications each year for the limited number of scholarships they have to offer. Your application with an apprenticeship will set you apart from the rest in six ways.

1. It will demonstrate that you value experience in addition to the knowledge you have acquired. Applying the knowledge acquired in the classroom at a workplace helps you develop a context to the theoretical know how.

2. The reviewer will see this as a commitment to building a future for yourself. It will be quite clear that you have taken extra efforts to enhance your profile and secure the most coveted scholarship.

3. ‘Learning by doing’ is the best way to learn. Real world experiences teach you the nuances that may never be stated in textbooks. It provides you with use cases of the theoretical frameworks you have learnt.

4. You develop skills like interpersonal communication, analytical thinking and problem solving when you practice something. While knowledge is abstract, skills require experiential learning.

5. Your statement of purpose will be enhanced with practical experiences and references that you picked up during your apprenticeship. This will make it very relatable to the scholarship review committee.

6. An appreciation of what the real world application of the education you plan to acquire will give the review committee confidence that you are very certain of the education choices you have made.

Once your application is shortlisted, you will be invited for an in person interview. It is there that some of the softer elements you acquired during your apprenticeship will manifest in your interactions with the review committee. Firstly, you will be ready for a formal interaction very comfortably as you would have had few opportunities in a similar environment during your apprenticeship. Secondly, you will be able to share real stories
of your experiences rather than state your impressions of other professionals. Finally, you will be able to express in practical terms how you will be able to apply the chosen foreign degree for your career development.

In conclusion, an apprenticeship of even a few months can add tremendous value to your personality and your scholarship application for foreign universities.

(Author is COO & Head of employability in TeamLease Edtech)