Day: April 17, 2017

Education is a need to survive in today’s world. However, some people end up not getting access to education to further their career goals because of financial reasons. Their parents or guardians may not be in a position to fund their education.

Here are some of the best sources of funding for students

Government funding

This can be your home or host country governments. One can check with the Ministry of Education to confirm the available options. However, it is important to note that if one is an international student their options of government funding will be limited to some extent. For this reason, one should ensure that they exhaust their home government opportunities before considering host government. On a global perspective, government funding includes scholarships, education grants and student loans among others.

Universities or higher education institutions funding

Most of the universities offer some financial aid to their students especially the international ones. One can confirm this funding information online. One should ensure they apply on as many websites as possible especially the ones whose criteria for selection they fit to maximize their funding options.

Scholarships

These are one of the prestigious forms of financial aid for the students. They are not to be repaid, and most cover full tuition costs. Some cover partial tuition fees and living costs. It is important to note that these scholarships are mostly based on academic merit or sports abilities. They are also mainly for the students coming from certain backgrounds and have certain skills or interests. One just needs to find out which scholarship fits them as they apply to it.

Teaching and researching assistantships

These are mainly for those doing postgraduate studies which in turn exchange this with time they will spend teaching or doing research for the institution. The institution may provide the needed funding, or the Department of one’s supervisor may do so. It may also be funded by external parties who have interests in that field one will be required to research on. For those who use this means may be paid a salary or their tuition fees may be waivered.

Charities, trusts, special interest groups and learned societies

These groups often donate part of the budgets to fund mostly graduate studies. Some will fund the students working within their areas of interest. However, some also look at the students having financial challenges but have academic excellence. Mostly this type of funding is done once a year. When one is applying for this type of funding they should include the following in their applications; how your interests will be aligned to the needs of these groups, the challenges faced along your journey to excellence among others.

Employer contributions

This mainly applies for those who are employed and are pursuing their postgraduate studies. One can talk to their employer and request them to sponsor their education. Most of the companies support staff development and have a budget set aside to cater for this. The employer will be motivated if whatever you are going to study will be in line with the further development of the company.

There are other forms include the student development loans and national research council scholarships which also help in funding the student’s education. If you come from a poor background, you have many chances to get educated.…