September 2014
We all want the newest, shiniest, and fastest thing that is available. It's a need of the senses to have something unique. If our senses never perceive anything new, we as people will never develop, but instead stagnate. The best way to avoid this stagnation is to change our environment through fresh experiences.
As a life changing and incredibly meaningful experience, I personally suggest travelling abroad for higher education as the best possible way for an individual, professional and character growth.
Scholarships, grants, bursaries, fellowships, financial awards, loans. there are many financial support options for international students who wish to study abroad in any country.
Scholarships, financial aid and fee waivers are awarded to international students on the basis of merit and need. Candidates with strong academic records, good scores in standardized exams and extracurricular achievements will be eligible for scholarship, awards and financial assistance.
Any hesitation about studying abroad is typically related to the cost. However, what most students don't know is that they can actually apply their current on-campus financial aid package to their study abroad trip in addition to scholarships. In fact, for some students, particularly those who pay out-of-state-tuition, studying abroad can sometimes be cheaper than a traditional on-campus semester.
Over 300 students received part/ full scholarships through Edwise for courses commencing in 2014. Scholarships ranging from 5% - 100% of the total tuition fees amounting to over Rs. 5 crore have been awarded to deserving Edwise students.
A study abroad scholarship is a monetary award for students to use it towards the expenses of their program such as travel, course credits, books and lodging. Students must apply for scholarships and some can be very competitive while others are underutilized. There are several types of study abroad scholarships to apply for.
There are a number of scholarship schemes run by governments, charities and other organizations. Depending on nationality, you may be eligible for a loan or financial support from the government.
Tips to remember:
- The earlier you start searching and applying for scholarships the more opportunities you'll have to win free money for college.
- A good rule of thumb is to start applying for scholarships no later than six months before you need the funding
. If you find students who have got Scholarship, you could simply ask them for their help.
- A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, it's worth applying for, because it'll help reduce the cost of your education.
- Submit a well-composed essay that makes a definite impression.
- Scholarships require extra work, such as a 250-word essay, have significantly lower responses than a simple scholarship process.
- People who answer all of the optional questions will match twice as many awards as students who answer only required questions.
- Scholarship competitions can be cutthroat, and that you will most likely get more rejections than wins. Don't get discouraged, there are many opportunities out there and casting a wide net can be in your favor.
- The more scholarships you apply to for which you are qualified, the greater your chances for winning one.
- You'd be amazed at how many scholarship foundations just love students who can demonstrate good leadership skills. You should include any leadership experience you have had, while applying.
5 Items to Include in Your Scholarship Portfolio
1. Resume:
Many scholarship providers will expect you to include a listing of your employment and volunteer positions, as well as extracurricular activities, awards and honors, and any leadership positions. All of these details can be easily combined into a résumé, which can often save you considerable time when filling out scholarship applications. At least once every six months, you should review and update your résumé.
2. Transcripts:
If you plan to apply for merit-based scholarship programs, a recent transcript or report card is a must. In some cases, providers will require an official document, but many will also accept copies. It’s not a bad idea to order two or three official copies at the beginning of each year or semester, as well as keeping several unofficial copies on hand.
3. Financial Reports:
Need-based scholarship programs often require students to submit proof of financial need. This may include a copy of your most recent tax form (or your parents'). If a recent medical emergency or serious illness has caused financial hardship, you may also wish to include medical bills and other documentation to help provide proof of financial need.
4. Identification:
Most scholarship providers will require proof of citizenship or age to verify eligibility. You should keep copies of your birth certificate, passport, and driver's license handy at all times. In addition, a professional photograph, preferably a headshot, should also be kept in the scholarship portfolio.
5. Personal Statement:
A common element used in college and scholarship applications, the personal statement is one item that should definitely be included in a scholarship portfolio. Scholarship providers often use the personal statement to gain insight into an applicant's beliefs and core values, so it's important to take the time to draft a well-written piece that does not resemble a regurgitated version of your résumé or transcripts.
Remember to review your scholarship portfolios every semester to ensure you have everything you need for your upcoming scholarship applications. It's also a good idea to save both paper and electronic versions of your documentation, just in case something is accidentally lost or destroyed. A well-organized scholarship portfolio is often the key to scholarship success!
There are varieties of scholarships available for international students:
Some of the Indian scholarships offered to students are
- The Narotam Sekhsaria scholarship for higher studies
Type: Loan Scholarship
Subject: Open to students through out the country and across the feilds of Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Law, Architecture and Management.
Value: An interest-free loan scholarship . The amount of the scholarship, up to a maximum of Rs.20 lakhs to students desiring to pursue post graduate studies at prestigious institutions in India and abroad as per the assessment of the Foundation
- American alumni association
Type: Grant merit based
Subject: All Major degree programmes at USA universities only
Value: Rs 50,000
- Aga Khan Education Services
Type: Loan or Grant Scholarship
Subject: All Open for all Major degree programmes
Value: Varies as per the programme
- Sir Ratan Tata Scholarships Programme
Type: Scholarship
Subject: Post graduate studies in UK
Value: Variable (as per program)
The following students were offered Scholarships by their respective Universities as mentioned in brackets, namely:
- Nikhil Gurav (University of Nottingham - UK),
- Subin Menon (Niagara College - Canada),
- Vivinselva Madhava (LaTrobe University – Australia),
- Tanuja Lele (Southern Institute of Technology – New Zealand),
- Pooja Shah (James Cook University- Singapore) and
- Tapan Sharma (Hult International Business School – USA.)
Today's world is becoming more interconnected by the minute. With advancements in technology and interest in foreign affairs, it is becoming increasingly necessary for students to be able to interact with other cultures. The best way to show that you are capable and willing to interact with other cultures is to go abroad.
We at Edwise streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective of their destination, institution, course or any level of study. Our team of experienced professionals will provide you individual attention and exceptional guidance throughout your process of application. We provide assistance related to course selections, admission, visa, bank-loan and scholarships. We also host university delegates from New Zealand Universities, Colleges in Canada,Universities in USA, colleges in Singapore etc for direct student interaction and all these services are provided free of cost. We have established since 1991 and have been maintaining strong networks with over 525 universities in 14 countries, hence giving us a unique insight into the finest educational establishments worldwide.