A scholarship program provides financial support to a student in order to ease the burden of tuition fees and make higher education more accessible. They can be awarded based on various criteria, such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, or financial need. Scholarships vary in the amount they provide, ranging from covering tuition fees to offering full-ride scholarships, and can be sponsored by universities, schools, colleges, non-profit organisations, businesses, or specific professional groups.
Most students who receive scholarships know that they must adhere to strict rules and regulations, including keeping their grades up and maintaining a certain standard of conduct, and they can even lose the scholarship if they violate the terms and conditions. However, many don’t realise that scholarships come with other benefits too. For instance, they may allow you to connect with other scholars and mentors who can offer guidance and support during your time at university, as well as help you stand out to employers in the future.
In addition, they can also alleviate the stress of paying for school-related expenses, such as textbooks and housing, so you can focus more on your studies. They can even pay for essential equipment and technology, so you can study with the best tools at your disposal. The money you receive can be sent directly to your school, or you may get the cheque yourself, depending on the scholarship type. In most cases, the school’s financial aid office will apply it to your tuition fees first.