Last reviewed: 20 August 2026
Eligibility should be checked before essays. The fastest way to waste application time is to discover a hard exclusion after the documents are already prepared.
Academic level and degree timing
Confirm the required prior qualification, whether final-year students can apply, and whether the degree must be completed before application, selection or enrolment.
Nationality and residency
Some programmes use citizenship, others residence, domicile or refugee status. Multi-country awards can also have different quotas or nominating authorities.
Work and research experience
Check whether experience is mandatory, how it is calculated, and which activities count. Some programmes accept part-time or voluntary work while others require professional employment.
Language and admission requirements
A scholarship can have its own language rule while the university has another. The funding application and degree admission should be checked separately.
Previous funding or study restrictions
Look for rules on previous scholarships, previous study in the host country, current employees, relatives, dual nationals or applicants already enrolled in the target programme.
Only then assess competitiveness
Once the hard rules are satisfied, move to leadership, academic merit, research fit, impact or other selection criteria. Eligibility is the gate; competitiveness is the ranking.