Scholarships: Understanding the Significance and Unlocking Opportunities

Scholarship as mentioned in the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations is a human capital development strategy. It is essential for equitable and sufficient education for all. United Nations has emphasized the prominence of scholarships to expand globally, especially to developing countries, island nations, Sub-Saharan countries, and others. It also focuses to ensure improved enrolment for higher education from all sections of the society.

Education is the birthright of every individual, and financial roadblocks should not deter anyone from achieving education and fulfilling their dreams. Hence, scholarship is a very noble thing for the bright future of India and the World.

In the following sections, we will explore the concept of scholarship, its types and its significance in depth. Read on to learn more.

Universities play a crucial role in providing scholarships and provide a platform for meritorious students to fulfil their dreams bypassing financial constraints. As an institute of excellence and torch-bearer of equitable education, Manipal University, Jaipur, offers a range of merit-based scholarships for UG and PG students.

The Concept of Scholarship

A scholarship is a type of financial support given to meritorious students for higher education. Universities, Trusts, Different Associations, and Corporates offer financial aid based on certain criteria like academic merit, athletic skills, economic condition, diversity and inclusive education, etc.

Scholarship conditions generally reflect the goals, values, and culture of donor organisations and top universities of India. Recipients do not repay scholarships and the arrangement comes with conditions like maintaining a minimum grade point average, playing for the school sports team, maintaining athletic presence, etc.

Also, scholarships differ in the range of generosity. Some organisations give partial tuition fees or discounted admission fees while some donors support with full-ride options (tuition, hostel, admissions, etc).

Types of Scholarships

1) Merit-based Scholarship

One of the most popular merit-based scholarships is given by Manipal University, Jaipur. These top educational institutions consider students’ academic, athletic, artistic and extra-curricular skills to decide whether the applicant is suitable for a scholarship or not. Institutions generally pay this type of scholarship directly, rather than given to the student.

2) Minority Scholarships

As the title suggests, this type of scholarship is for minorities. It could be based on religion, caste, class, race, etc. For example, The Gates Millennium Scholars Program provides scholarships for African-American, American Indian, Latino, and Asian-Pacific Islander American students to study in the best programs at the best colleges/universities.

3) Career Specific

Some universities and associations also offer career-specific scholarships with the condition and intend to work for specific high-need areas.

4) University Specific

Universities offer scholarships as their in-house program to support meritorious students financially. Generally, top universities of India consider highly qualified applicants for such financial aid. Manipal University, Jaipur, has very professional, supportive and extensive scholarship programs. We will explore it in a while.

5) Sports Scholarships

Students with exceptional records in sports can apply for sports scholarships and learn at their dream universities.

6) Corporate Sponsorships

Corporations also offer sponsorships mostly as branding to promote their services and products. They tie up with universities for brand scholarships and announce their scholarship program through events with a press presence.

7) Scholarships through Contest

Universities and Corporates organise creative events and offer scholarships for winners. These are also known as mini-project-based scholarships. Students interested in financial aid for higher studies participate and compete with their creative unique ideas.

Do you know scholarships and grants are different? Grant is purely financial aid whereas scholarship comes with criteria that you need to fulfil for the financial support.

Why Do We Need Scholarships?

1) Ensure Equitable Education

We need scholarships for equitable education for all. It allows economically weak students to dream big and achieve them through their skills.

2) Reduces Loan Burden

Higher education at top universities of India often comes with lakhs of admission fees. To pay the fees, students and parents often take loans. They have to pay interest amount and need to pay back once your program concludes. The best thing about a scholarship is that you earn it for exceptional academic track record, athletic performance or winning some creative competition.

Students don’t need to pay EMIs and therefore reduce loan burden.

3) Helps to Enrol at the Dream University

Top universities of India and across the World lure the best talent through merit-based scholarships. In other words, you get an opportunity to learn at the leading institutions purely based on your talent without worrying about admission fees, tuition charges, etc.

4) Instil a Sense of Achievement

Winning a scholarship is a significant achievement. You compete with other applicants, go through tests, and interviews to finally bag the scholarship offer. It is definitely something to be proud of and reward for your smart work, determination, focus and passion.

5) Improves People’s Skills in a Diverse Environment

Students with scholarships at universities come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. They come from different geographies and study on one campus. People hang out together, play, organise events, and much more. This vibrant campus culture ensures sufficient communication skills, highly useful throughout life from the workplace to home.

6) Opens Excellent Job Opportunities

Students with great academic performance study at top universities of India and get exceptional placement support. Therefore, merit-based scholarship is directly related to excellent job avenues. You can explore Manipal University, Jaipur, for merit-based scholarships, premier education, and an excellent track record of placements at MUJ to enjoy a successful career without bumps.

Let’s go through briefly about scholarships available at Manipal University, Jaipur.

Scholarships in Manipal University, Jaipur, for Undergraduate Students

Scholarships in Manipal University, Jaipur, for Post Graduate Students

Scholarship in Manipal University, Jaipur, for PhD Students

Scholarship in Manipal University, Jaipur, for UG and PG Students Both

Scholarships help to democratise education against economic diversity. Understand the significance of scholarships and leverage them to attain your life’s goals with ample monetary support. Explore scholarships at MUJ and apply now.

Reference List

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0738059319302354

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/sustainable-development-goals

https://jaipur.manipal.edu/muj/admission/indian-students/scholarships.html

Synopsis

Scholarships are means to achieve equitable education against financial constraints. The blog explores the significance of scholarship, types, and opportunities for students. You can also explore a range of scholarships at Manipal University, Jaipur, for UG, PG and PhD courses.