FAQ

Straightforward answers about scholarships, fully funded awards, deadlines, and how Scholarship Tally works. For step-by-step use of the site, see How it works.

Does Scholarship Tally apply for scholarships on my behalf?

No. We publish guides and discovery content. You research, prepare documents, and submit on official university or funder portals. We never charge a fee to “process” or “submit” your application. See About and Contact.

What does “fully funded” mean?

It usually means tuition (or a full tuition waiver) plus a living stipend, and often other costs such as travel or insurance—but coverage varies by programme. “Fully funded” is not a legal standard. Always read what the official award lists. Our comparison is on Fully funded vs partial.

Are all scholarships on Scholarship Tally fully funded?

No. We cover both fully funded scholarships and partial awards (tuition-only, fee discounts, or limited stipends). Labels on our guides are meant to be honest so you can budget realistically.

Do I need to pay an application fee to Scholarship Tally?

No. Using the site is free. Some universities charge their own admissions fees; that is separate and paid only through official channels. Anyone asking you to pay Scholarship Tally for a scholarship application is not us.

Why are deadlines shown in UTC?

UTC removes ambiguity across time zones. A deadline that says “31 January” without a time zone can mean different moments in Lagos, Nairobi, London, or Beijing. We explain conversion and pitfalls on Deadlines and UTC.

If I miss the UTC deadline by a few minutes, can I still apply?

Usually no. Most portals lock automatically. Do not rely on local midnight matching UTC midnight. Submit early.

I’m from Africa / outside Europe or North America—can I apply?

Many study abroad scholarships specifically welcome or prioritise international students, including applicants from African countries. Eligibility is programme-specific: citizenship lists, passport requirements, and return-home clauses differ. Check each guide and the official page; do not assume one country’s rules apply to another.

Do I always need IELTS or TOEFL?

Not always. Some programmes accept alternatives (Duolingo, PTE, prior degree taught in English, or waivers). Requirements change by school and award. Treat English tests as a planning item, not a universal rule—confirm on the official admissions page.

Can undergraduates apply for the same awards as master’s students?

Often no. Funding is usually tied to study level. Undergraduate, master’s, PhD, fellowship, and diploma routes differ in eligibility and typical funding patterns. See Choosing a study level.

How often do you update listings?

We revise guides when official information changes and when new cycles open. Scholarship pages can update without notice, so always verify dates and rules on the funder’s site in the year you apply.

How do I know a scholarship is legitimate?

Prefer university, government, and well-known foundation programmes with clear official domains. Be wary of guarantees, upfront “processing” fees, or agents who withhold the official portal link. Read Universities and funders for how we list awards and how you can evaluate them.

Where can I study? Do you cover only the UK?

No. We cover multiple destinations. Start at the destinations hub for region-specific notes (UK, US, Canada, Germany, China, Japan, and more).