How Can I Get a Scholarship for an International University?
For many families, the dream of an international education is accompanied by one major question: how will we pay for it? Tuition, materials, living expenses, and the time spent studying rather than working all add up.
It is unsurprising that the term "scholarship" is one of the first things students look for when planning their future. The good news is that scholarships aren't limited to a small group of exceptional students. Panels look for potential, character, and fit just as much as grades, and many strong candidates are overlooked simply because they were unaware of what was expected, prepared too late, or never applied at all. This blog explains what scholarship panels look for, how to prepare each part of your application, and the most important step of all: being evaluated in person by the decision-makers.
Why scholarships matter more than most families think
Financial assistance does more than just lower a bill. It affects who studies, where they study, and whether they complete. According to research on student aid, financial support increases the likelihood that students will attend and complete higher education (Dynarski, 2003).
The impact extends beyond financial considerations. In a large experiment in Michigan, high-achieving students from lower-income families received a personalized, guaranteed scholarship offer before applying. The money was no more than they would have received otherwise, but because the offer was clear and certain, application and enrollment rates at the university increased dramatically (Dynarski et al., 2021).
Uncertainty, rather than cost, was holding students back. A similar pattern emerged in a well-known study of gifted students from modest backgrounds. Many of them never applied to selective institutions, despite being eligible for generous financial aid. A simple package of information about the application process and available financial aid significantly influenced where they applied and were admitted (Hoxby & Turner, 2013).
The lesson for families is clear. Never assume that a scholarship is out of reach.
Students who receive assistance are often those who asked, prepared, and applied.
Scholarships often come with an added benefit: motivation. Studies on merit-based awards have found that performance-based scholarships can encourage students to take more courses and maintain higher grades (Scott Clayton, 2011), and that combining financial incentives with academic support can improve results, especially when students use the support available (Angrist et al., 2009).
A scholarship is more than just a reward for what you have done. It is an investment in your next steps.
What scholarship panels really look for
Although each institution has its own set of criteria, the majority of scholarship decisions are based on the same principles. Prepare all of these carefully, and your application will stand out.
1. A consistent academic record
Grades remain one of the most important signals in any application, and with good reason. A large meta-analysis discovered that high school grades are a strong predictor of how students perform and whether they continue their studies once they arrive at university (Westrick et al. 2015).
Panels look for a consistent track record as proof that you can handle a demanding workload. That doesn't mean you have to get perfect grades in every subject. Panels consider the overall pattern: improvement over time, strength in subjects relevant to your chosen field, and effort behind the numbers. If one year was difficult, be prepared to explain what you learned from it.
2. A portfolio that shows your potential
For creative programs, your portfolio frequently speaks louder than any certificate. It demonstrates your thinking style, problem-solving abilities, and personal development. A strong portfolio doesn't have to be large. It must be honest, carefully chosen, and clearly your own. Panelists want to see how ideas develop, so include both finished pieces and process work, such as sketches, drafts, and experiments. Choose work that is relevant to the program you are applying for. A future interior designer may include spatial sketches and models, whereas a future fashion designer may exhibit illustrations, fabric studies, or garments. Before applying to Fashion Design, Interior Design, Visual Communication Design, or Digital Media Design, review the program page to ensure your portfolio aligns with the program's values.
3. A clear sense of direction
Scholarship panels do not only select talented students. They choose students who will take advantage of the opportunity. One of the most persuasive qualities you can bring is a clear understanding of why you want to study a specific field and where you hope it will lead. Achievement research supports this claim. Psychologist Angela Duckworth and her colleagues discovered that persistence and sustained passion for long-term goals predicted success in a variety of demanding settings, sometimes more strongly than talent alone (Duckworth et al., 2007). A personal statement demonstrating commitment, curiosity, and a realistic plan reassures a panel that their investment will be well spent.
4. The right program for you
A scholarship is awarded to a student on a specific program, so selecting the right one is critical. When your interests, strengths, and goals align with what a program offers, your application becomes far more convincing, and you are far more likely to thrive once you start.
Compare programs carefully, considering what they teach, how students are evaluated, and what graduates go on to do. The Programs page offers a diverse range of options, including fashion, design, business, technology, AI, and psychology.
5. Experience beyond the classroom
Panelists want to know who you are beyond your exam results. Competitions, exhibitions, volunteering, part-time work, leadership positions, personal projects, and even a small online business demonstrate initiative and maturity. According to research on student learning, collaborative projects, internships, and community-based work are "high-impact practices" that deepen learning and engagement (Kuh, 2008). Showing that you already seek out experiences like these implies that you will take full advantage of the opportunities that a university provides. Describe what you did, contributed, and learned.
6. Readiness for an international environment
An international education entails studying alongside people from various cultures, usually in English. Panelists want to know that you will be able to fully participate from the first day. English proficiency has been linked to academic performance among international students, with stronger language skills resulting in better grades (Martirosyan et al., 2015).
If English is not your first language, prepare thoroughly, keep any test results handy, and demonstrate your readiness through your writing and conversation with the panel. It is also important to consider the global outlook.
Students are increasingly studying across borders, and the OECD reports continued growth in international student mobility among its member countries (OECD, 2025). Raffles Jakarta is part of a network of 13 colleges across eight countries, as described on the Our Worldwide Campuses page, providing students with international learning opportunities from the start.
7. Strong recommendations
A thoughtful letter from a teacher, mentor, or employer can provide valuable insight into your application. A meta-analysis of letters of recommendation discovered that they contain useful predictive information, particularly when they describe specific qualities such as motivation and perseverance rather than providing general praise (Kuncel et al., 2014).
Choose someone who knows you well and can provide specific examples of your work and personality. Ask early, explain which program you're applying for, and provide a portfolio or statement so they can write in detail.
8. Preparation for the evaluation or interview
Many scholarships require an interview, portfolio review, or practical evaluation. This is your opportunity to show the panel the person behind the paperwork. Prepare by practicing how you will describe your work, goals, and reasons for choosing the program. Prepare to discuss a project that you are proud of as well as one that taught you a difficult lesson.
Confidence grows with preparation: psychologist Albert Bandura demonstrated that direct experience of success fosters the strongest belief in our own ability (Bandura, 1977), so every rehearsal is important. Students at Raffles Jakarta are taught and mentored by International Creative Practitioners, who have prior experience in the industries they teach. Being evaluated by people like this is an invaluable learning experience in and of itself.
9. Applying early, with a plan
Many scholarships are limited and distributed in rounds. Students who apply early have more time to prepare, more opportunities to ask questions, and a higher chance of being considered. Good intentions aren't enough. Research shows that people are far more likely to act on a goal when they know exactly when, where, and how they will do it (Gollwitzer, 1999), and a review of many studies confirmed that these specific plans have a medium to large effect on goal achievement (Gollwitzer & Sheeran, 2006).
Put deadlines on your calendar, set dates for each document, and schedule your consultation.
10. Asking for help and guidance
Finally, do not attempt to do everything alone. A large randomized experiment discovered that families who received personal assistance with a financial aid application were significantly more likely to apply and enroll, whereas families who received only information showed no improvement (Bettinger et al., 2012). Another study found that simple reminders and access to an adviser increased the number of students who successfully began their studies (Castleman & Page, 2015). A conversation with an admissions adviser can help you figure out which scholarships are right for you, what you need to submit, and how to present yourself best.
Turning a scholarship for an international university into reality
When you add all ten steps together, a pattern emerges. A successful application combines demonstrated ability, a clear direction, genuine preparation, and the courage to ask. Only a few of these steps require money. They require time, attention, and proper guidance. Scholarships are sometimes viewed by families as an afterthought after admission. In reality, the most effective approach is to involve them in the conversation from the start.
The sooner you know what a panel is looking for, the more time you have to prepare your record, portfolio, and story. Applying for a scholarship to an international university is much less intimidating when you know exactly what is expected and who to contact.
The best preparation is a real evaluation.
Reading about scholarships is beneficial. Being evaluated by experts who understand them is far preferable. Research on how students choose where to study demonstrates the importance of visiting a location and meeting its residents in person. According to the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, the percentage of new students who rated a campus visit as very important in their decision increased from 37.6 percent in 2003 to 47.3 percent in 2017, with students attending their first choice institution being the most likely to say so (Stolzenberg et al., 2019). According to admissions research, the campus visit is one of the most influential aspects of the overall decision (Secore, 2018a), and field reviews show that clear, accurate information is one of the most powerful factors in assisting students in making good decisions (Bergerson, 2009; Perna, 2006). A face-to-face evaluation brings everything together. You learn where you stand, what you need to work on, and which opportunities are right for you while touring the campus and meeting the team who will teach you.
Exclusive scholarship at the November Open House
Raffles Jakarta will hold the Raffles Jakarta Open House on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its campus on Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 20, Central Jakarta. This Open House offers visitors an exclusive scholarship opportunity and free evaluation from international experts. Bring your portfolio, questions, and ambitions to receive personalized feedback from the academic team on your potential and scholarship opportunities. During the day you can also:
Tour the campus: explore the studios and creative spaces where students learn and work.
Join hands-on workshops: experience the practical, studio-based teaching style for yourself.
See live portfolio showcases: discover what current students are creating.
Meet the International Academic Team: ask the lecturers what studying with them is really like.
Get one-to-one admissions advice: receive clear answers on programs, scholarships, and international transfer pathways, ideally with your family beside you.
Places are limited, so register for the Open House early to secure your evaluation.
Intake January 2027 is now open.
A scholarship begins with a single step: showing up prepared. Applications are now open for the January 2027 intake at Raffles Jakarta, across programs in fashion, design, business, technology and AI, and psychology.
Your talent deserves support. Come and find out what is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need perfect grades to get a scholarship? No. Panels evaluate your overall performance, portfolio, goals, and character. Consistent effort and clear potential are just as important as high grades.
What should I include in a scholarship portfolio? Choose a focused selection of your best work, including process pieces like sketches and drafts, and make sure the work is relevant to the program you're applying for.
When should I start preparing a scholarship application? As early as possible. Starting early allows you to gather documents, improve your portfolio, request recommendations, and prepare for your evaluation.
Is there a scholarship opportunity at the Raffles Jakarta Open House? Yes. The Open House on Saturday, November 28, 2026, offers an exclusive scholarship opportunity as well as a free evaluation from international experts.
What time is the November Open House? The Raffles Jakarta campus, located at Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 20, Central Jakarta, will host an Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
When can I start my studies at Raffles Jakarta? There are four intakes per year: January, April, July, and October. Applications for the January 2027 intake are currently open.
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References
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