Finding funding for your PhD or Masters is like planning an adventure. We’ll equip you with the map and tools you need to discover those hidden treasures!

Global Starting Points (General Funding Databases):

• FindAPhD: (www.findaphd.com) Your trusty compass for PhD opportunities worldwide, often highlighting funding alongside the project details.
• Scholarships4dev: (www.scholarships4dev.com) A valuable resource, especially if you’re from or aiming to study in a developing country. Covers various study levels.
• Euraxess: (euraxess.ec.europa.eu) Your gateway to research opportunities in Europe, including funding (think Marie Curie) for PhDs and Postdocs.
• ProFellow: (www.profellow.com) A comprehensive collection of fellowships and funding for graduate studies (PhDs and sometimes Masters) across diverse fields and countries. (Some features are subscription-based.)
• Funding for US Study (for International Students): IIE Funding for US Study (www.iie.org/en/Programs/Fulbright-Foreign-Student-Program) If the US is your destination, IIE is your guide to the Fulbright program and other US-specific funding.

Country-Specific Gems (Examples):

• Germany: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) (www.daad.de) A major player in supporting international students in Germany. They offer a wide range of scholarships and funding programs. Essential for anyone considering Germany!
• UK: Check the websites of individual universities and research councils (e.g., UK Research and Innovation – UKRI) for funding opportunities. The Chevening Scholarships are also a prominent option.
• France: Campus France (www.campusfrance.org) is your go-to resource for information on studying in France and finding funding.
• Netherlands: Nuffic (www.nuffic.nl) is the Dutch organization for internationalization in education. They manage various scholarship programs.
• Australia: Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships are a prominent Australian government initiative. Also, explore university websites directly.
• Canada: Check the websites of individual Canadian universities and also look into the Canadian government’s scholarship programs for international students.

Key Strategies (Beyond the Databases):

1. University Websites (Your Best Friend): Once you’ve identified your target universities and departments, their websites are your treasure maps. They’ll have dedicated sections for funding, scholarships, and assistantships.
2. Departmental Connections (Insider Tips): Don’t hesitate to contact the department or research group you’re interested in directly. They often have knowledge of funding opportunities that aren’t widely advertised.
3. Government Funding (National Support): Explore the websites of government agencies in your country and the country where you want to study. Many governments offer scholarships to support international students or their own citizens studying abroad.
4. Professional Organizations (Field-Specific Funding): Professional organizations in your field often offer funding for research or graduate studies.
5. Research Councils (Funding the Big Questions): Research councils (like the National Science Foundation in the US or UK Research and Innovation in the UK) often fund research projects, and these projects may include funding for PhD students or Postdocs.
6. Networking (Building Connections): Attend conferences and workshops. It’s a great way to meet potential supervisors and learn about funding opportunities through word of mouth.
7. Keywords (Unlocking Opportunities): Experiment with different combinations of keywords related to your field, the type of funding, and the country you’re targeting.

Masters-Specific Advice:

• Masterstudies.com: (www.masterstudies.com) A good starting point for Masters programs, often including funding information.
• Your Undergrad University (Alumni Network): Your undergraduate institution might have scholarships for alumni pursuing further study.

Essential Reminders:

• Deadlines (Don’t Miss the Boat): Funding deadlines are crucial. Start your search early and create a timeline.
• Eligibility (Are You a Good Fit?): Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each funding opportunity.
• Application Materials (Shine Bright): Craft compelling application materials, including a strong personal statement and excellent letters of recommendation.