Are there countries where I can work for two years and then get a scholarship in UK/Australia for a Master's/PhD?
Yes, prior work experience is required, not optional, for several scholarships. Chevening needs at least 2 years or 2800 hours of work experience after your degree for a fully funded UK masters, and Australia Awards mandate 2 years of relevant full time work experience for a masters or PhD.
If your plan is to work for two years and then chase a fully funded masters or PhD, you are actually following the exact requirement built into several prestigious scholarships. Your work experience will strengthen your application rather than hold you back.
Scholarships Requiring Prior Work Experience
| Scholarship | Work Experience Requirement |
|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship (UK) | At least 2 years or 2800 hours of work experience after your undergraduate degree |
| Commonwealth Scholarships (UK) | Professional experience strengthens your application for masters or PhD tracks |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | At least 2 years of full time work experience relevant to your field of study |
What Each Scholarship Covers
Chevening fully funds a one year UK masters, covering full tuition, living allowances and flights, while Australia Awards cover full tuition, return air travel, an establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses and overseas student health cover for a masters or PhD in Australia.
My Advice
Check your citizenship eligibility first, since both Chevening and Australia Awards are country specific, and use your two years of work to also prepare for IELTS or TOEFL and research university courses, since you will need admission offers alongside your scholarship application.
Which Australian scholarships can you actually get?
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