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What's a scholarship and how do I get one?

by Amit Wadhwa

SCHOLARSHIPS!

The best way to finance your studies

Lesson Summary

  • What Is a Scholarship?
  • There's a scholarship for YOU
  • What Do You Need to Do?
  • How Can You Go About Getting a Scholarship?
  • Some sample Scholarships

What IS a Scholarship?

A Scholarship is defined as a financial award for a student scholar for the purpose of furthering their education.

Education can be expensive. Very expensive. If you're rich, you shouldn't have a problem paying for college. If you want to work while studying, you should be ok. If you feel like borrowing money to pay for university, that's fine. But there's a better way.

Schools, institutes and companies want to give you money.

Yes, that's right. Scholarships attached to successful students can raise a school's reputation, create productive representatives of institutes, and help nurture future ideal employees for top companies. That's why scholarships exist, and they're out there for you to take advantage, so don't be shy - apply.

There's a Scholarship for YOU!

If you're thinking, "I'm not special, why would anybody give me money?", you're wrong. There's a scholarship out there just for you, you just have to find it. If you have good marks, if you volunteer, if you help out in your community, if you participate in extracurricular activities, even if you have a disability- you're eligible for something. Take a look at these stats from Scholarship Canada. Of the 7,363 individual scholarships listed in the 2004 ScholarshipsCanada.com Entrance Awards directory there are:

  • 17 that require some kind of agricultural involvement
  • 262 that require athletic involvement
  • 631 that require some sort of extracurricular activity
  • 615 that require some sort of leadership role
  • 1115 that require school or community service
  • 80 that require the student to have a general disability

So you see, anybody can get a scholarship. It's a relatively simple way of getting money

What Do You Need To Do?

To get a good scholarship, you should start early and focus even while you're in high school. Here are a few things that will look great on your application and can help you secure a good scholarship:

  • Study, and study hard. The better your grades are, and the higher your academic standing is, the better chances you have of getting a scholarship.
  • Get involved. Join a sports team, get a role in a school play, or become part of a choir. Anything that can show your skills- time management, communication, teamwork, creativity, etc. This will help you a lot when you apply, since showing off your skills is quite important.

  • Be a leader. Create your own school club, or gather friends and organize a volunteer session in an animal shelter. There are countless ways to show initiative and prove you can be a leader of tomorrow, which will look great on your application.

Whatever you do, make sure you don't spend your time sitting on your couch and watching TV.

Make your time count by doing meaningful activities that can help you improve your skills and demonstrate the fact that you can make a difference in the world if you get a scholarship and a solid education.

How Can You Go About Getting a Scholarship?

All you have to do is… apply!

These are the steps you should take to find and apply for scholarships:

  • Do your research. Use this LearnHub community and other websites to look for scholarships that interest you.
  • Analyze yourself. Figure out whether you fit in with academic-based scholarships, leadership ones, or maybe agriculture ones. Write down your strengths and what makes you special and find out which scholarship fits you best.
  • Work on your applications. Start early and watch the deadlines. Be sure to fill in the entire applications. Scholarship applications can require you to fill out information forms, questions about yourself, essays, portfolios, and more. There's a lot of work involved, but luckily there are also a lot of online resources to help you. You can find some great tips here.
  • Send your applications in and hope for the best. Good luck!

Some Sample Scholarships You Should Look At

The best scholarship we at LearnHub know of is… well, the LearnHub Dream Scholarship of course! You can get $2000 just by being a part of LearnHub, and it'll also help you get into great schools. Isn't that amazing?

Here are some examples of other well-known scholarships you might have heard of:

Check out the Scholarships Community for More Information!

Don't forget to check out our scholarship community for more information!

48 Comments
    Ezzra
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    EzzraWed, 22 May 2013 10:12:02 -0000

    Hie
    I'm a boy aged 20 frow Zimbabwe.
    I need help in finding a scholarship to continue with my studies.
    Please help i really need the scholarship.

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    blexing
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    blexingSat, 04 May 2013 09:41:45 -0000

    i am a sixteen years old gurl from nigeria,i need a scholarship in any university,inorder to enable me proceed my education,i am very good in dramatising and writting of novels,please i really really need to continue my education.good luck

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    mikethakkar
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    mikethakkarWed, 06 Feb 2013 20:19:00 -0000

    Hi,I m MIHIR,,i m from INDIA..i want to study in german institute.,SO can some 1 help me on which basis would i get admission in german colleges,,i wanna do my engineering,,!!!

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    LeahDeborah
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    LeahDeborahSat, 22 Dec 2012 19:39:49 -0000

    I'm fourteen, and I'm English. I know it's a little young to be worrying about things like this, but I want to become an author, but as a second plan a primary school teacher (kingergarden!) I want to get a scholarship in either US or Canada, but I am only average! My targets are only C's and B's! (English) I do however go to two drama clubs, I write stories online and do some volenteer work! When I leave school and go to college (English agai, hight school) on a creative writing course, and I want to go to an university (college) on a creative writing course also. Do you think I will be able to pass for a scholarship?

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    hams
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    hamsWed, 26 Sep 2012 18:35:45 -0000

    iam ethiopian student so ineed a scholarship of abroad

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    Alem
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    AlemFri, 21 Sep 2012 15:58:13 -0000

    Hi, this is Alem from India, am going to apply for the associate degree in fashion marketing at parsons, the new school for design.Can you suggest me some good scholarships that caters to parsons/fashion studies.and which provides full scholarships.Thanks.

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    elena999494
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    elena999494Sun, 09 Sep 2012 18:33:09 -0000

    hi my name is Elena am from Syria i wish to know the option i have that can help me to get into american university with scholarships ???

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    keisha
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    keishaFri, 17 Aug 2012 00:24:59 -0000

    i am 13 years old girl and i am from Barbados.when i get older i would like to get a scholarship to go a college in use.I am work very hard toward my dream.i hope god let my dream come true.WISH ME LUCK

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    Ntokozo
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    NtokozoWed, 15 Aug 2012 02:32:10 -0000

    I would like to know how can i study and get a scholarship in america?Am from swaziland and currently doing my 1st year BA Cognitive science.

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    Ntokozo
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    NtokozoWed, 15 Aug 2012 02:17:44 -0000

    Hey am from swaziland and currently doing my first year at the university in south africa doing BA Cognitive science,so i would like to know how can i study and get a scholarship in america?

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    ejalonibu lekan
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    ejalonibu lekanFri, 13 Jul 2012 15:03:51 -0000

    Hi,am ejalonibu lekan muideen,graduate B.sc in agronomy,Need elightment in scholarship for my master in soil survey/degradation.

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    ilakya_sudha
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    ilakya_sudhaTue, 13 Mar 2012 05:38:52 -0000

    Im doing my first year in bio-technology.So wat do you think i have to do to get a nice scholarship by the end of my third year???

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    md rashed
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    md rashedTue, 10 Jan 2012 05:34:24 -0000

    I am a student of EEE in continue. and my CGPA - 3.20. am i get any scholarship? please tell me.

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    apu the great
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    apu the greatMon, 12 Nov 2012 17:49:29 -0000

    ha,tui putki mara khaite raji thakle tore ami scolarship dimu…

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    abhi_ea
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    Abhiraj singh dhankarThu, 04 Aug 2011 09:08:56 -0000

    hey hi there… Wud be really grateful if u'll help me in any way.. I did very very bad at my recent exams… I was ill for the whole of three weeks.. So i had screwed my exams.. Is there any way i can appear for any schlrship exam n get one ??
    I'm sure i can work very hard to get it !
    Plz reply soon !
    N ya.. I wanna pursue UG COURSE !

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    Montaha laila
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    Montaha laila Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:41:04 -0000

    hi.. I'm from Bangladesh and would like to know how to get a full time scholarship for my graduation as well as master studies. the SAT and GRE scores help to get full scholarship? I want to study in USA or UK wherever I can get a full scholarship and my area of interest is accounting nd finance. Please suggest what I should follow to ensure a full scholarship. I'm in Bachelor in accounting (final year )right now.
    Many thanks

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    pharma phd
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    pharma phdTue, 07 Dec 2010 07:10:56 -0000

    hi.. im doing PG in pharmacy. and i want to do PhD from canada so please can u inform me that which exam should i give and for getting scholoarship also..

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    jdipika
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    Dipika JainMon, 24 Jan 2011 09:13:58 -0000

    Hello,

    Please note, there in no tests specifically to avail scholarship from the universities. There are different ways to avail the scholarships or funds for PhD programs. They come in different ways such as doctoral scholarships, fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, loans, personal savings and support from an employer and employment earnings among others.

    Also, a PhD or a doctoral degree program in Canada, is a high level master's degree program that usually requires four to seven years of study on full time basis. The PhD degree is offered to students from the higher educational Institutions of Canada after a disciplined research work and submission of thesis based on the research work.

    As an applicant you need to meet with the eligibility and admission requirements that are pretty similar to that of a Masters. However, paper work, resume`, projects must be included if considering a Phd program.

    You must also remember that depending on the program and the university, a doctoral aspirant might have to meet a performance requirements, produce a literary composition, research, write and defend a dissertation, report on research findings, publish research results or demonstrate proficiency in a second language in order to graduate to get the title of 'Doctor'.

    Good luck!

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    moooni
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    moooniThu, 29 Jul 2010 16:49:49 -0000

    hi am lakshminarayan and my engineering % is 61 can i get a scholarship in any of the college in usa and tell me how much should i score in gre and how much % scholarship i can get at the max

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    jdipika
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    Dipika JainSat, 31 Jul 2010 05:35:54 -0000

    Hello,

    In countries like USA, UK, Canada etc scholarships are not easy to come. However, in general scholarships are offered purely based on the academic performance of the applicant after being enrolled in the university. However, if you have been an out standing candidate back home, you may be offered with financial assistance in terms of tuition waiver, scholarship etc. before you reach the university. Currently the specified percentage unfortunately will not help to avail scholarship.

    The best GRE score will be the score attained when attempted with hard work, dedication and ample of practice lessons. You may access the following link for more guidance and lessons on GRE :

    GRE 2010

    You could consider scholarship offered by other body/institutes. There are many organizations which are offering scholarships for international students. The good news is that even Learn hub has also announced its own scholarship. Please read the terms & conditions of the Scholarship carefully. If you fulfill the requirements you’ll definitely get the Scholarship.

    You may access the following link for terms & conditions on the same.

    Scholarship-Learnhub

    Good luck!

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    jdipika
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    Dipika JainMon, 19 Jul 2010 05:34:43 -0000

    Hello,

    Though strong extra curricular do enhance the application, while considering for an MBA, your work experience is a mandatory criteria in most of the recognized universities irrespective of the location/country.

    Regarding scholarships, if you are considering options abroad like US, Canada, it is important to understand that most universities do not offer financial assistance to international students for a program like MBA. The few who manage tuition waivers and assistantships usually get it after they reach the university and usually after a semester.
    I would recommend judging your profile against the specified general requirements.

    Good luck!

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    tangreen
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    tangreenMon, 05 Jul 2010 13:10:14 -0000

    well,i have just completed my graduation in bba from ip university delhi india.i m looking forward to do mba from abroad,i have been into national level swimming n hav won prizes in various singing competitions at school & college level too,can i be eligible for a scholarship????/please help!

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    SumantoBanerjee
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    SumantoBanerjeeTue, 22 Jun 2010 06:31:14 -0000

    In case I don't get a 100% scholarship, can I apply for a federal loan.
    I am confused about it because I am not an American resident.

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    rubinasingh
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    Rubina SinghWed, 21 Apr 2010 13:19:02 -0000

    Hi,

    Thanks for writing to us. We are linked with universities of U.K., U.S.A., Canada & Korea. Learn hub has also announced its own scholarship. Please read the terms & conditions of the Scholarship carefully. If you fulfill the requirements you’ll definitely get the Scholarship. For terms & conditions, please Click Here

    For choosing the schools please check with our unique tool of School Finder

    These days even colleges have announced their own Scholarships and various Student loans so please check with the selected University about it.

    You can also seek help of our expert counselors by writing to them at amit.wadhwa@learnhub.com or you can call us at: +91-9818566611.

    For applying to Universities please Click Here

    Good Luck!

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    shanmuga282424
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    Sun, 18 Apr 2010 07:50:02 -0000

    i want to MS Structural engineering pls tell good universities and how to get loan

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    v_p_l
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    patel vipulWed, 20 Jan 2010 10:42:01 -0000

    hey i m final year mechanical engg student n i m looking for further study from usa. so guide me the best university in usa for design field and how can i apply for scholarship?

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    ann_stanley
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    Ann Noel StanleyThu, 14 Jan 2010 08:50:23 -0000

    hello. I'm Ann Stanley(India). i have done B sc in biotechnology. i would like to do MBA in human resources abroad. i would like to know more about the scolarship programme. could you please help?

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    deepa mittal
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    Deepa MittalFri, 05 Feb 2010 04:59:27 -0000

    Please visit this link to learn more about Scholarships.

    You can also work part-time to meet your living expenses. To get more information on working part-time, click here.

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    ritu18
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    Rituparna MallickFri, 08 Jan 2010 13:40:19 -0000

    hi.. I'm from India and would like to know how to get a full time scholarship for my graduation as well as master studies. the SAT and GRE scores help to get full scholarship? I want to study in USA or UK wherever I can get a full scholarship and my area of interest is english and media studies. Please suggest what I should follow to ensure a full scholarship. I'm in high school right now.
    Many thanks

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    pramita_88
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    pramita royTue, 15 Dec 2009 11:03:17 -0000

    hey my question is how to start for gre exams and ear a scholarship for my post graduation as i cannot completely finance my own studies and may i also know the duration of the course?

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    amit_wadhwa
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    Amit WadhwaWed, 30 Dec 2009 10:07:38 -0000

    Hi Pramita, To know about GRE exam and its preparation you should refer to our community of GRE, you can Click here to see the community. Universities worldwide offer scholarships to its students but they have their own criteria to decide. Have you applied to any University so far? Your GRE and TOEFL score is very important for Scholarship so work hard.

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    taak_67
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    Zahra EbadFri, 18 Sep 2009 16:11:12 -0000

    hi,I'm from Iran.I'll graduate in mechanical engineering this year and I wanna continue my study in industrial design and get a Master. I'm looking for a university in USA in which I can get an application in this field and also get fund or scholarship. I can say that my marks are good. Can u suggest me some universities that I may get applied to?

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    radhika_nirula
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    Radhika NirulaSat, 19 Sep 2009 06:05:01 -0000

    Hi taak_67,

    Greetings from Learnhub!

    As you are interested to study abroad you can visit the following link for more information. You can also choose the country specific information here. Click here

    To find a course and university of your choice you can Click here

    You can fill the online form for selected university and course as well.

    As you are interested to study abroad and to support your education you are looking for scholarship. Learnhub provides a scholarship of US $ 2000. This Learnhub Dream scholarship is awarded to Learnhub members. To know about this scholarship kindly Click here

    Apart from Learnhub Dream Scholarship, there are various scholarships available for students. These Scholarships are awarded by Universities, Government and Non Government organizations.
    For more information on Scholarship Click here

    Regards

    Counselor

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    shiwani_tibrewal
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    shiwani tibrewalMon, 29 Jun 2009 18:22:02 -0000

    hi i am shiwani.I have completed my graduation in june2009 n for masters i want to go to US for FILM DIRECTION.plz suggest me for the scholarship availabe n procedure.

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    chandra_avinash
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    Avinash ChandraWed, 08 Jul 2009 11:51:20 -0000

    hi shiwani,

    if you can give me a list of colleges that you are applying to, i can then help you find the scholarships that will be available

    usually, colleges have a number of scholarships that they give to students

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    arsaman
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    arsamanThu, 18 Jun 2009 08:54:10 -0000
    hi i m am aman , i did my BE from polymer engg. in 2008 . i m interested in doing ms in applied mathematics . Suggest me the options i have. where i can apply for scholarship?

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    chandra_avinash
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    Avinash ChandraFri, 19 Jun 2009 11:34:50 -0000

    Hi!

    You can search for courses in Mathematics on LearnHub's Directory. You can filter programs by location (US/UK/Canada) and also by courses and program level (Bachelors/Masters) etc.

    To apply for the scholarships - just visit the Scholarships Page

    All the best!

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    Sureshbala
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    SureshMon, 25 May 2009 14:25:32 -0000

    Dear gannayak,

    Yes you can definitely get admission for spring 2010 if you finish your GRE by July.

    All the best

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