Types of Scholarships

Overseas Education has become a preference for students who want to pursue careers that have a wider scope and better employment opportunities abroad. In the ever changing and advancing world, studying abroad has become a preferred and recommended means of education. When students Study Abroad, they acquire new skills and simultaneously are encouraged to explore opportunities, learn new languages, get immersed in new cultures, develop a sense of independence which collectively exposes every student to the world. Though challenging sometimes, Education Abroad is a window of opportunity leading towards a promising career. To help students make the most of their experience abroad, scholarships and financial aid is offered by universities and organizations to reduce the financial burden on the students.

A Scholarship is an award of financial aid which is presented to a student to further their education. Scholarships are awarded based on various criteria, which usually reflect the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award, and are dependent on factors like academic performance, admission test performance and extracurricular activities, to name a few.

The different categories of scholarships offered are:

1. Merit Based Scholarships

Merit Based Scholarships are granted to students on the basis of a student’s academic or athletic achievement, artistic ability, participation in other extra- curricular activities, etc. A merit scholarship is an award that students receive based on their academic performance either in school or college. Merit-based scholarships are not only limited to a student's grades, but also consider factors such as leadership roles, test scores, extracurricular activities and community involvement in some cases. Universities present these scholarships frequently to students.

2. Student Specific Scholarships

Student Specific Scholarships are available to applicants based on a certain criteria of gender, race, religion, ethnicity or medical history. Minority scholarships are most common awards in this category. There are a wide range of scholarships available for minorities and specific sections of society that are specially introduced to help reduce the financial strain on students to study at universities. The financial aid is awarded by the university’s funds or charitable trusts or can be sponsored by individuals and organizations as well.

3. Need Based Scholarships

Need based Scholarships are grants offered to help a student meet his/her college expenses. Eligibility is based solely on the assets and income of the prospective student and his or her family and in some cases, test scores. Need-based scholarships and grants are money covers for students with a financial need. Most college students receive some form of financial aid. Determining need is a simple math equation, the cost of attendance minus the Expected Family Contribution results in the Student Need.

4. Program / Career Based Scholarships

Program / Career specific scholarships are offered by individual programs or by the colleges and universities. These scholarships are granted on the basis of a student’s academic profile and personal achievement. These are scholarships a college or university awards to students who plan to pursue a specific field of study. Often, the most generous awards are given to students who pursue careers in high-need areas, especially if the student intends to work in a high-need community.

- Teaching Assistant Scholarship

A teaching assistant is an individual who assists a professor with instructional responsibilities. With tutoring, holding office hours, invigilating tests or exams and overall assistance. A graduate assistantship allows graduate students to work for their respective college or university and get some form of a stipend along with bonus of free tuition. These assistantships are competitive by nature and vary from university to university.

- Research Fellowship Scholarship

A research fellowship is a researcher employed by a university, for the purpose of assisting in academic research and have a fixed salary. Research fellows typically work for academic staff and faculty members at universities, conducting their research independently or with another faculty member. Research fellows often already hold degrees or have completed field work equivalent to one or are still working toward such distinction. Some research fellows teach as well, while some keep their focus strictly on their research.

- Resident Assistant Scholarship

A resident assistant is a trained peer leader who supervises those living in a residence hall or group housing facility. The Resident Assistant (RA) facilitates the social, academic, and personal adjustment of students to the residence hall and University. The RA develops a sense of community among residents as members of a floor, residents of a hall, and active participants in the residence life system. RAs earn free room and boarding with a lower cost of attendance for the year.

- Destination/ College Specific Scholarship

Destination/ College Specific Scholarships are awarded to students by the country / institute they plan on pursuing a program in. These are scholarships awarded by a country to students planning to pursue a study abroad program in that particular country. They are awarded to study in that country instead of elsewhere. College-specific scholarships are offered by the college itself to highly qualified individuals. They are based on both academic merit and personal achievements.

5. University Scholarships

University Scholarships are grants, tuition waivers etc awarded by the institution on grounds of institutions preferences. Many students apply for this type of scholarship because the chances of receiving the scholarships are potentially higher than the rest. University Scholarships are very competitive. Scholarship grants in universities are offered by different individuals for a specific purpose or course and even by the government in the form of financial aid.

6. Indian Scholarships

Indian Scholarships are made available on the grounds of enabling Indian students to work towards achieving their full potential. Many students are extremely talented but due financial backlog, cannot pursue their higher education. There are a fair amount of scholarships offered to individuals who perform exceptionally well in academics or have represented India in extra curricular activities. There are various Organizations who offer scholarships to students as well.

7. International Scholarships

International scholarships are for international students which offer, not just cover the tuition fees, but also the living expenses/stipend, travel expenses and more. They are awarded by countries to international students coming into the host country. Factors that influence international scholarships include, quality statements of purpose, experience in extracurricular activities etc. These can be in the form of financial aid or additional care or other fringe benefits that are applicable to a student.

Student Testimonials

It was a great experience visiting Edwise. Especially my counselor who gave me meaningful, purposeful and the best possible advice which made it possible for me to achieve my dreams.

Name - Anshul Nagpal

Country – New Zealand

University – Southern Institute of Technology

It was awesome from the very first day. I was accompanied by an inspiring attitude and helpful behavior. They helped me with my application, documentation and everything, with scholarship and ultimately, visa.

Name – Moinak Singha

Country – Ireland

University – University College Dublin

Edwise helped me at every step. From the selection of a university, SOP, LOR upto the visa. Because of the team, I am getting a scholarship from TAMUK. Thanks a lot Edwise.

Name – Mangesh Yogendra Gupte

Country – USA

University – Texas A&M University Kingsville

Edwise Overseas Education Consultant

We at Edwise streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective of the 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 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 725 universities in 16 countries, hence giving us a unique insight into the finest educational establishments worldwide.

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