Financial Aid for Study and Research Programs

Financial Aid

Financial aid or scholarships aim to encourage students, scholars, scientists, artists, photographers and others to pursue a degree level education, participate in conferences and trainings, as well as conduct research. Usually this is the first question to occur, when thinking of continuing education: where to look for funding and how to get it? While trying to answer these two questions, it is important to remember that receiving financial aid it not impossible. This is a competition to win and the biggest investment in your future.

Financial aid for international students may cover the round-trip ticket, medical insurance, accommodation and the tuition, which is usually higher for international students. Financial aid and loans can be full or partial, which means that the applicant may need to contact different institutions simultaneously. Financial aid is not only meant to cover tuition or related costs. It can also be personal: certain institutions offer financial aid to cover costs associated with professional activities or studies, to buy books, computers, etc.

Usually all Universities worldwide have certain scholarships to be granted as a financial aid to those students who prove to have such academic skills or needs to receive the aid. Each University website has a separate division, where all financial aid opportunities for local and international students, scholars and lecturers are presented.

Usually financial aid application is filled in parallel with application to certain department and degree. The requirements set by academic and other institutions for receiving a financial aid are usually the same: it is necessary to file a statement, which will demonstrate your achievements, motivation and personal capacities, as well as justify your financial need. It is extremely important to show the admissions committee who you really are, what are your aspirations and long-term plans. When writing your statement focus on your leadership capacities, think over cases, when the situation was dramatically changed due to your leadership and initiative.  It is also very useful to demonstrate the work you have done for your community or your achievements in sport, refer to your hobbies or simply concentrate on every detail that makes you stand out.

Look at receiving financial aid as an achievement. Later, when you apply for a job, the list of scholarships you were granted will, definitely, take your CV to a higher level.

Tips on how to get financial aid listed below will, hopefully, make your life easier.

Tips to get financial aid

The following tips might seem to basic, but they are essential in planning time and submitting documents for financial aid.

Think of criteria to narrow down your financial aid search. It is worthy to start your search from college or University websites, and then turn to other sources, e.g. governmental funding agencies, charities or professional associations.

Time management is an essential skill when applying for financial aid or studies abroad. Plan your time well, when applying for financial aid and do it as early as possible.

Make sure you have read the financial aid application very carefully and answered questions completely and directly. The same concerns the statement or essay, which should not be long, but should clearly demonstrate why your candidacy is obviously standing out.

Re-read your application or statement or ask others to read and provide feedback.

Update and clear your profiles in social media, because admission committee members will most probably check your profiles or your blog to make an overall opinion on your personality and preferences.

Financial aid possibilities on ARMACAD.info

ARMACAD will make your financial aid search complete by providing a comprehensive list of funding opportunities not only for degree level studies, but also for various workshops, conferences, academic research, etc. Check our advanced financial aid search option and go through our scholarship database and find your one.