A scholarship is financial aid awarded to a student based on academic merit, need, or different achievements. In today’s world, education is expensive, and finding alternative ways to finance your tuition is encouraged. However, securing a scholarship is the most efficient way of paying for your education. You do not have to repay the funds awarded to you for your tuition. Applying for a scholarship can be a stressful process, but the benefits are all worth your time.
Here are a few reasons why a student should consider applying for a scholarship:
1) Scholarships relieve the student of the rising tuition cost
The cost of tuition is on the rise globally. In most schools, there is an annual percentage increase in school fees. These high costs can take a toll on the parent and student. Receiving a scholarship can reduce the burden completely or partially depending on whether you get part of your tuition paid or a full all-expenses-paid scholarship.
2) Scholarships give you access to quality education
Scholarship funds are not discriminatory. They give access to quality education to students from all walks of life. Scholarships for school students are beneficial because the students can select from a range of schools and colleges without thinking of the financial limits.
3) Scholarships allow the student to focus on education
Many students often find jobs or alternative ways to finance their education in terms of food, transport, books, accommodation, etc. Thinking of ways to finance their tuition can shift their concentration and hurt their education. Some students graduate late, and others may drop out to focus on working. Apart from catering for a student’s tuition fees, scholarships are intended to cater to all the tuition related needs like textbooks, accommodation, transport, etc. These give the student ample time to focus on their education without the financial burden.
4) Scholarships give the student a career advantage
A scholarship is a prestigious award that often shows you are a hard worker who has a lot to offer. It will be recorded on your academic transcript and can be added to your resume. Indicating that you got a scholarship will make you stand out at interviews, giving you an advantage. Some scholarships can also offer you paid work experience from your donor.
5) Scholarships can save you from debt
Often, many parents and students take out hefty loans to finance tuition in high-quality schools. These loans have led to an increase in student loan rates in the country. Hence, students worry about getting good job packages after graduating to repay their loans. They work hard and cannot pursue low-paying jobs, which makes it hard for them to secure a job immediately. Receiving a scholarship will enable you to avoid taking a loan as the funds cater to almost everything. A scholarship is a free money, which will enable you to pursue any career regardless of the package.
6) Scholarships encourage the student to be philanthropic.
Receiving a scholarship is an act of charity because you will not pay back the money. The recipients are taught to give back to the community when they get the opportunity. In receiving the scholarship, it is hoped that they will be charitable as well.
7) Scholarships can help a student to build a strong network.
The organisations that offer scholarships often have a large group of students from different walks of life. Receiving a scholarship will enable you to meet new people within the organisation or the school you attend, which can be beneficial for you in the future.
8) Organisations offer support
The organisations offer more than financial support by checking on your progress in school and personal life, giving you tips on how to spend the money wisely, and they offer work opportunities that boost your resume. Ultimately, the organisations work on changing your entire outlook on life and help you achieve success.
So, if you are sceptical about the process and you do not believe that scholarships can save your future, I hope this article has changed your perspective on the importance of applying for a scholarship. There are a lot of online resources that can guide you while you apply for this prestigious award.