A scholarship is a financial award given to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. Scholarship is the amount of money given by a school, college, university, or organization for the studies of an individual or group of people with great ability but little cash.

Some scholarships are awarded based on merit while some on financial assistance. Scholarships are an important part of the university experience. Whether you are looking for a college scholarships or high school scholarship hence, the intention for this application is to ease your financial burden, from tuitions, to books and living expenses.

There are different types of scholarships, two are more common than the others which are merit and need-based.  Others are based on who gave them, what skills they tend to support, or student they need to assist, there are more diverse ways we need to categorize them.

MERIT – BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

This is the most well-known kind of scholarship, given to students in recognition of their exceptional accomplishments in the arts, academics, or other related professions

Many students have potential to make a real difference in our society and thrive in particular fields in addition to their academic performance. Many universities provide scholarships based on scholarly, artistic, or athletic accomplishments in the appreciation of this talent.

Merit based scholarships, seek to honor student’s diligence and commitment while inspiring others to follow suit. They are able to draw in the most gifted and intelligent pupils, creating a competitive and productive learning atmosphere.

Merit based scholarship can be divided into four (4) categories;

1. Research Achievement Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who show excellent ability in research, that lead to new discoveries, inventions, ideas, or contributed to exceptional research.

Criteria for this scholarship

• Mentors and professional approval from the field.
• Participate in recognized research competitions.
• Proper documentations of every research carried out, from the thesis, hypothesis, methodologies and implications.

1. Athletic Achievement: This are for sports lovers, those who are skilled, who do exceptionally great in sports. Countries like US and Australia plays a significant role, hence they have sport academy to provide this type of scholarship.

Criteria for this scholarship

• Excellent and outstanding performance in a particular sports.
• Participate in national and international competitions.
• Positive recommendations from coaches and other sports authorities.

1. Academic Achievement: These scholarship is given to the best students, who did extremely well based on performance, which is superior to others academically. These scholarship is on popular demand, and has played an important role in granting the best student an opportunity of a life time.

Criteria for this scholarship

• Minimum scores based on the standard of the university, test like SAT, GRE,GMAT, ACT
• Achievement on a specific course, or a specific subject
• Ensure your Grade Point Average (GPA) scores are not below the specific limits required.

1. Artistic Achievement: These scholarship specifies students who excellently carried out their talents in arts, visual arts, music, dance, theatre and other artistic disciplines.

Criteria for this scholarship

• Mentors, professional and teachers recommendation into the industry.
• Participating in quality exhibitions and competitions.

NEED BASED SCHOLARSHIP

Need based scholarship focuses on individuals who are economically handicap, and are deserving of this scholarship. Students with low income but outstanding performance are privilege for a better education.

Criteria for this scholarship

In your motivation letter or application letter, pay great emphasizes on how this scholarship can improve your community through you. While demonstrating the low income, been financial disadvantaged to handle your academic responsibility.

UNDER-REPRESENTED GROUPS SCHOLARSHIP

Minority scholarships are designed to represent and support the underrepresented groups in higher education. Groups like African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, and other minority students. Minority scholarships aim to promote diversity and inclusion on college campus and provide financial support to the students. Organizations, Foundations, and corporations offer their support in advancing educational opportunity for the underrepresented.

GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP

These type of scholarships are given or awarded by the government of a country, to set of individuals who have proven themselves worthy via their academic performance. But are not financial capable to carry out the responsibilities attached to education. These scholarships are given base on the overall best in any discipline or subject. These scholarships are awarded through the scholarship committee, or scholarships awarded to ministries and are approved by the Chief Executive Officer.

RELIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIP

This kind of scholarship are for student who wish to study at a religious universities, or for those who want to study a particular religion. Some religious scholarship sometimes require the application be a member of a particular faith, and others are open to all students regardless of their religious belief.

So it’s important to research properly before applying, so as to know the essential requirements and conditions of the institution.

WOMEN SCHOLARSHIP

A number of scholarships are targeted specifically on women; these include scholarship for women who have experience domestic abuse or single parenting. In addition to helping to defray the cost of attending college, these scholarships can serve as a source of encouragement and support for women who have faced adversity in their lives.

Just like the minority scholarship, a lot of these women are sponsored by organizations and associations, who have the interest of these women, and who will like to see this women take their place in a world where men are dominated.

CREATIVE SCHOLARSHIP

Arts are largely part of the modern way of life in America, though they are not visible but there are lots of creative art scholarships available for the artistically inclined students. These scholarships are highly competitive, applying for students need to showcase their creativity to be considered. When applying for an art scholarship you need a portfolio of your work submitted alongside your application. And when applying for a music scholarship and others need to attach their performance on tape, or an audition in person will be carried out.

Most of these scholarships are sponsored by art colleges, while other are funded by public or private organizations.

COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP

Community scholarship are an excellent incentives for students who enjoy giving back to their communities. In the event that you are a student who has demonstrated prior community service and civic achievement, this type of scholarship can be ideal for you. Additionally, there are Federal Work Study programs that give students who perform community service a portion of their funds. Even though the grants from these scholarships may be lower, every little bit helps when it comes to financing education.