Myth one
It is impossible for an ordinary person "from the street" to receive a foreign scholarship.
That is not so. Financial assistance to foreign students is provided by almost all countries where the education of foreigners is systematized. Funds for this are allocated by states, public organizations, and private foundations. There are hundreds of such sponsors. For example, a scholarship for studying in the USA can be obtained from the "Open Society" Institute (Soros Foundation), at the organization ACTR-ACCELS, under the William Fulbright Program, which annually provides foreigners with about five thousand scholarships. Thousands of students have already received an education in Germany by using scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), as well as the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and other organizations.
Anyone can apply to sponsors. However, this does not mean that you will be given a scholarship for nothing. To get it at the most prestigious universities in the world, you need to be exceptionally bright. At the same time, there are colleges where the requirements are not so high. In addition to academic performance, other aspects are valued - for example, sports achievements, artistic talents. You must also have in your baggage a successfully passed international exam in the language of the country where you are going to study.
Myth two
There are many foreign scholarships; somewhere or other you are sure to "slip through."
That is not so. You need to realize that not only do you choose a university and an organization from which you request a scholarship, but they also choose you. Therefore, first of all, you need to understand what objectives this or that scholarship fund sets for itself, and make sure that you meet those objectives. You will have to fight for the scholarship, and there is nothing wrong with that. You must learn to present your strengths with dignity. Of course, you will have to master the "technology" of obtaining a scholarship.
It should be borne in mind that the chances of receiving scholarships depend both on the specific educational institution and on the study program. Thus, cases of allocating financial aid for bachelor's programs are extremely rare, but future master's degree students are financed quite generously. Almost all countries willingly pay for internships for scientific research conducted by foreign graduate students.
Myth three
The scholarship will be handed to you monthly, and you will be able to spend it on whatever you want.
That is not so. In most cases, a scholarship is just a discount (usually up to 50%) on tuition fees, and foundations transfer money to universities via bank transfer. Depending on the nature of the scholarship (Scholarship, Fellowship, Teaching Assistantship, Research Assistantship, and others), you may be required to assist a professor as an assistant, take part in the research activities of the university, have academic performance not lower than that specified in the conditions, etc. However, in countries where higher education is free (for example, in Germany), the amount of scholarships often covers living expenses, and sometimes even the stay of the scholarship holder's family members in the country is paid for.
Thus, if you set a clear goal, put maximum effort and show persistence, it is quite realistic to get a scholarship for a good education abroad. Difficulties should not be underestimated, but also should not be overestimated. As they said in the old days, it is not the gods who fire the pots.