10 Different Types of Scholarships and Their Benefits

Scholarships offer the student recipient both much-needed financial assistance and a level of prestige. However, people think scholarships are only available to students with the best GPAs or athletic records. Scholarships are available for all kinds of students. Knowing what kinds of scholarships are available and where to look for them is the key. In this article, we look at 10 different types of scholarships and their benefits.

#1. Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are one of many well-known merit scholarships that are given to students who have a strong record of academic success. Students with the highest GPAs, the most remarkable list of extracurricular activities, and a history of community service are given these awards.

Furthermore, academic scholarships frequently come with generous financial awards and elevate the recipient’s status. After college, they can be helpful as a springboard into the professional world and a method to enhance an already impressive resume.

#2. Average Academic Performance Scholarships

The ordinary, hard-working high school student still has access to scholarship possibilities. The Average Student Scholarships certainly take into account a student’s academic record, but they also examine:

• a student’s involvement in the community, 
• leadership skills, and
• the quality of their test scores and contest essays. 

Furthermore, scholarships for average academic performance also consider a student’s participation in extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and the arts.

Therefore, avoid thinking that you won’t be able to get a scholarship to help you pay for college just because your high school GPA is below 4.0.

#3. Athletic Scholarships

One of the most well-known and fiercely competitive merit awards available is the athletic scholarship. Students vying for athletic scholarships must exhibit both a high degree of skill in their chosen sport and a strong academic record. Scholarships are available for almost all sports, including: 

• volleyball, 
• golf, 
• tennis, 
• football, 
• swimming, and 
• gymnastics. 

Note that a merit scholarship in their sport can help the right student-athlete gain admission to the college of their choice.

Furthermore, for athletic scholarships, candidates must get recommendations from their coach or another member of the school administration. Additionally, college recruiters are constantly looking for the best athletes to bring to their campus.

#4. Scholarships for Minorities

These scholarships can have general or specific restrictions with regard to ethnicity; 

• some may be available to all minority students.
• while others are for a specific ethnic group in mind. 

Note that these scholarships are funded by a number of organizations, including the federal government, colleges, and businesses.

Additionally, there are a lot of minority-focused scholarships that are supported by organizations and individuals and intended to diversify particular professions. Students with specialized interests in fields like engineering, medicine, or mathematics may be the target audience for these awards. Minority scholarships may be the key to a well-deserved college education for students who are members of a group that is considered to be a minority in the U.S. population.

#5. Scholarships for Women

Scholarships for women are available in the same way as scholarships for members of racial or ethnic minorities are. These scholarships for women have been established in an effort to increase chances for female students nationwide. These scholarships can open doors to careers in business, research, and politics, in addition to providing financial aid for education.

Furthermore, many scholarships for women are funded by businesses and organizations that want to see more women in sectors that were once dominated by men. As a result, many of these scholarships will be dependent on a particular academic program. When looking for scholarships to assist with college costs, female students should be particular about their areas of interest.

#6. Creative Scholarships

There are many creative scholarship opportunities available for artistically inclined students. These scholarships are highly competitive, and applying students must present samples of their work in order to be considered. Note that art scholarships require a portfolio, while music scholarships and other performance-based art forms require an audition by the applicant.

Furthermore, some of these scholarships are funded by both public and private endowments, while others are sponsored by the art institutions themselves. Whatever your artistic interests, there is probably a scholarship that fits.

#7. Unusual Scholarships

Scholarships that are unusual might range from frivolous to merely surprising. They could be supported by private citizens, companies, or regional or international groupings. The prize for the finest prom dress made from duct tape is one of the scholarship programs’ more eccentric offerings. Scholarships for children of Italian immigrants, sponsored by the National Italian-American Foundation, are at the other end of the range. These scholarships may be eccentric, extraordinary, or downright ridiculous, but they offer much-needed funding while preparing for a college career.

#8. Community Service Scholarships

Scholarships for community service are an excellent incentive for students who enjoy giving back to their neighborhoods. A scholarship in this line would be ideal for you if you are a student with a record of civic engagement and achievements. Federal work-study programs are another option that gives students who volunteer their time a portion of their funds. Even though the awards from these scholarships may be less, every dollar matters while trying to raise funds for education.

#9. Commonwealth Scholarship

International students seeking admission to UK universities for their Masters and PhDs may apply for a Commonwealth scholarship. This is given to deserving students from Commonwealth partner nations by the British Council. Additionally, the applicants must have a strong command of the English language and a grade point average of at least 70%. Students studying engineering, agriculture, social sciences and humanities, pure sciences, and applied sciences are eligible to apply.

#10. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (USA, Africa, and Japan)

All applicants from developing nations who have work experience and are requesting admission to a master’s program in a discipline connected to development are eligible for this scholarship. They were made available to students attending institutions in the USA, Africa, Japan, Europe, and Oceania. To be eligible for the scholarship, you must have at least three years of development experience and a bachelor’s degree.

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MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require a cosigner or collateral before an application. Reach out to us today, and let’s help you get started. 

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