Receive multiple scholarships at once: how to compare and choose the most beneficial offer

🔄 Last updated: October 8, 2026

Receiving multiple scholarships at the same time is a worthy reward for the entire preparation process, but also poses a difficult problem: which invitation to choose? The scholarship with the largest number is not necessarily the most beneficial choice. This article helps you convert the actual value of each invitation, compare on the same scale, and respond to the fields on time and in the right way.

Convert the actual value of each scholarship

Each school presents the scholarship in a different way: some places list a percentage of tuition, some places list a fixed amount per year, some places include teaching assistantships and living expenses. To make a fair comparison, let's boil it all down to one number: the amount you have to spend on your own for the entire course.

1. Enter the total tuition for the entire course (not just the first year) and mandatory fees.
2. Estimated living costs by city: housing, food, transportation, health insurance. Use data published by the school or immigration agency.
3. Add up one-time costs: airfare, visa, house deposit, initial shopping.
4. Minus the entire sponsorship amount: tuition exemption, stipend, allowance.
5. Convert everything to VND at the same exchange rate to avoid confusion.

If you are unclear about the difference between free tuition and living expenses, read the article Living and tuition free scholarships before.

Create a comparison table when receiving multiple scholarships at the same time

Below is a sample table frame you can use. Illustrative data is only to describe the calculation method, not the actual tuition level of any school.

A very common trap: scholarships of "great value" but only applicable for the first year. For a 3–4 year program, the net value may be much lower than for a smaller, annually renewable scholarship.

Factors beyond money to consider

Program quality and relevance

Do the majors, faculty, labs, and internships align with your goals? A cheaper but misdirected program could cost you more in the long run. Refer to the article Choose a study abroad school based on rankings, majors and costs.

Maintenance conditions and risks

Scholarships that require a high GPA, or require heavy teaching assistant hours, all have risks. Please read the terms and conditions carefully and refer to the article keep the scholarship throughout the course.

Visa policy and employment after graduation

The right to work part-time while studying and post-graduation work visas vary between countries, directly affecting financial capacity and career. See Post-graduation work visa for different countries.

Travel expenses and distance home

Round-trip airfare between Vietnam and Europe and North America is far different from Asian destinations. If you plan to return home every Tet or summer, add this cost to the comparison table.

Term responses, negotiations and polite refusals

Understand the response deadline

• US undergraduate level: many schools apply a general response date of May 1 (National Candidates Reply Date), except for binding programs such as Early Decision.
• US postgraduate: according to "Resolution 4/15" of the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), schools sign a commitment to consider candidates with financial support until April 15. This resolution was updated by CGS in 2026 and is still applied by many schools.
• UK undergraduate degree through UCAS: you can only choose one main school (firm) and one backup school (insurance), other offers must be refused. The response deadline depends on when you receive the final decision.
• Government scholarships: often have separate confirmation deadlines, which are shorter and more sentient. If you miss it, you may lose your spot.

Negotiate scholarships

Some schools, especially in the US, accept reconsideration of your aid package if you have a better offer from a comparable school. Write a polite email, include a competitive offer, and state that this school is your preferred choice. Not all schools agree, and you should not exaggerate or fabricate information.

Refuse politely

Once you have decided, decline the remaining invitations early so that the scholarship can be transferred to another candidate. A short email thanking the committee is enough – a good relationship comes in handy if you later return for further study.

Frequently asked questions

Can I receive two scholarships at the same time?

Depending on regulations. Many government scholarships do not allow concurrent admission full scholarship other. Small scholarships from outside funds are sometimes cumulative, but you need to declare them to the school.

Should I choose a higher ranked school even though the scholarship is lower?

If the cost difference is within the family's means and the school opens up clearer career opportunities, it may be worth considering. Quantify the cost difference instead of just feeling it.

Once I have accepted a school, can I change it?

Technically possible, but the deposit may be lost, and with binding programs (like Early Decision) it's not recommended. Always consider carefully before confirming.

Conclusion

When receiving multiple scholarships at the same time, compare the "full course self-financing", maintenance conditions and post-graduation opportunities instead of just looking at the nominal number. After finalizing your choice, the next step is to prepare your visa and air tickets – read more Experience in booking airline tickets to study abroad to plan early.

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