Why scholarships are important to students | study abroad

In recent times, it’s undeniably true that a large chunk of high school leavers desire to attend a College in a bid to acquiring higher education.

However, not all of these aspiring brilliant minds can pursue this dream because of the high cost of acquiring a degree.

Scholarships, both local and international, are one of those opportunities that come our way to help us with education or at best, ease schooling burden on our pockets.

Before deciding to opt in for a tertiary education, it’s important to consider various surrounding factors. It is not only the tuition fee you have to worry about.

There is also a range of other needs including accommodation, books (academic materials), clothes, food, and meagre daily expenses.

Because of this, a large number of international students most of whom are EU nationals, Americans, Indians, Africans, and students rely on scholarships to finance their education.

However, it’s not only in class-room education that scholarship is awarded, one who deals well in theatre performances, artistic activities, and other areas of humanity are awarded full or partial scholarships.

What are scholarships?

Scholarships are simply grants, aids or money awarded to students to assist them in financing their educational pursuit. It is important to note that scholarships are not loans.

Unlike loans, scholarships are free money and come from sponsors who decided to donate a sum of money to assist students to foot their dues.

Reasons why you need a scholarship

Having understood what scholarships are, let’s quickly digest some of the reasons you need a scholarship or series of scholarships to finance your educational goals.

1. Rising cost of tertiary education

The most important reason why you need a scholarship is the rising cost of higher education, be it a university, polytechnic or a college of education. The tuition fees for higher education and cost of living is steadily increasing annually.

In other words, with each passing year, you will have to handle more expenses.

Therefore, it is vital to apply for as many scholarship programmes as possible to save these rising costs. Being unable to afford course materials can lead to psychological stress during your studies, hence reducing the effectiveness of your academic performance.

It can also put you at a risk of dropping out of school due to accumulating debts. Check out these 5 tips to save money at university.

2. You can study in your desired institution

Most times, you see students aiming to study in a university, polytechnic or a college of education that is very expensive. Especially because of its recognition, prestige, and awards it presents to its students.

So with a scholarship, you can easily achieve your goals. Learn more about studying abroad.

3. Get the degree you desire

Just as institutions vary in costs, some courses are also expensive and often beyond the budget of struggling students. But a scholarship can help them through the financial challenges and then bag the degree they desire.

Academic charges for several professional courses such as Medicine and Surgery abroad, Accounting, Pharmacy, Dentistry are higher than that of other programmes.

This is also the case in several institutions of higher learning in the country.

4. Gives added advantage 

Today, there is a crazy and intense competition across organizations; employers need the best, workable candidates who can stand out from the crowd.

A scholarship is an added advantage to your credentials, as well as your profile. It gives the impression that you have worked very hard and incredibly dedicated to your goals.

It even goes further to show you are an high academic achiever.

These are several criteria employers look out for in applicants before hiring them. Getting a scholarship will increase the odds of getting the employment you seek amidst a pool of other applicants.

Scholarships can also lead students to study abroad, as there are many scholarships available for students who wish to study abroad. There are fully funded scholarships available to study in the UK, just as there are in the USA, Canada and other countries.

It may also help a student qualify for internships in various organizations.

Are scholarships only for the poor?

There is this archaic belief among many that scholarships are only for students from poor homes. My answer is; “not necessarily”.

These aids and grants make it easier for students to achieve their dreams and ambitions.

Nowadays, there is a plethora of scholarship programmes available for all students which not only help in attainment of academic goals but also aid career development.

Organizations that offer scholarship

Here are some organizations that offer scholarships each year.

• Government of nations through any of their agencies.
• Universities and Colleges.
• The German Exchange Service.
• Common Wealth of Nations.
• Master card Foundation.
• Aga Khan Foundation.
• Companies/International Agencies.
• Scholarships given by philanthropists like Jim Ovia scholarship for Nigerian students and others sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation for American citizens.

Scholarship is a very important tool in the life of students who have the opportunity to get one. So don’t give up on your education.

Follow everything above and I wish you the best of luck in your search.

Are there other benefits of scholarship or another way you are profiting from them? Please let me know in the comments.

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Maxwell Tega

Maxwell is a Dietitian with passion for showing people hope. With nearly a decade experience helping people make key decisions on education and career, you can find him almost everywhere on this site. From answering admission and scholarship questions to creating tutorials and helping others live their best lives though nutrition. Connect with me on Twitter.