There are a few free gifts in the higher education arena, and they come in the form of grants and scholarships. Who’s giving you this free money? Everyone! From the state government and your school to private companies and nonprofit organizations.

GRANTS: These generally are awarded based on your financial need, but sometimes on your academic performance or area of study whereas, 

SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded based on need, but most often are given in recognition of your achievements or special characteristics. For example, if you

• Are a good student or a star athlete.

• Rocked your JEE/NEET/CAT/GMAT etc.

Few are the scholarships mentioned below to help you reach your dream college for graduation, masters and post graduation.

1.) Scholarship for Girls

These are meant to encourage better education and career opportunities for females who are yet to match their male counterparts on different socio-economic parameters. Many government and private organizations in different fields like science and research, management, aviation, hospitality and defense have been offering women scholarships and grants towards encouraging the better half of the population to take academic opportunities.

Some of these programs include:-

• L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarships
• SANTOOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
• FAIR AND LOVELY CAREER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
• CBSE UDAAN

2.) Scholarship to study abroad

Many Indian students are unaware of how to get a scholarship in India to study abroad, and thus many deserving candidates miss out studying at some of the premier universities across the world.

To help students find external scholarships (i.e. not provided by the university) for studying abroad, we have listed a few in this article. So, whether you were digging for information on scholarship for engineering students or for scholarships for MBA in Europe or the USA.

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Amount – The scholarship amount varies and depends on the country, the course being pursued and its tuition fee. However, the scholarship mostly covers course fees, travel, and living expenses and insurance.

Requisites – The programs are open to students from any part of the world. The student should hold an undergraduate degree from a recognized institute. They can also have a recognized equivalent level of education.

Duration – 1-2 years

Other Details – EMJMDs are Masters level study programs at institutions across Europe and scholarships are awarded for these programs. Each program has a different deadline for scholarships and hence, interested students should keep a check on the official scholarship portal.

• Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship

Amount – A monthly stipend, J-1 Visa Support, round-trip economy class air travel, Accident and Sickness Program and modest settling in allowance.

Requisites – This scholarship is given to Indian scholars who are registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution and have an affiliation with a U.S Host institution during the grant period. The expected Ph.D. thesis submission date should not be earlier than three months after the Fulbright Nehru grant end date. The online application form requires an applicant to upload a copy of an article or paper published or presented. Extracts from the Master’s/M. Phil Thesis can also be uploaded.

Duration – 6-9 months

Other Details – The application deadline is July of the previous year. For example, for the scholarship 2018, the last date was in July 2017

• Great Wall Program

Amount – This is a full scholarship and hence covers tuition fees, accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance, and a stipend.

Requisites – Students applying to this scholarship must be less than 45 years of age and must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree or their equivalent.

Duration – 1 year

Other Details – This scholarship is aimed at students from developing countries, who want to study or conduct research in China. It was established by the Chinese Ministry of Education for UNESCO to sponsor students and scholars

• Inlaks Scholarship

Amount – The maximum amount of scholarship awarded is US$100,000.

Requisites – Students applying for the scholarship should be an Indian citizen and have a good first degree from a recognized Indian University. They should also be less than 30 years of age and must have got admission to a reputed institution.

Other Details – This scholarship is for students applying to North American or European Universities. It is only for students applying to courses such as Architecture, Applied Arts and Conservation, Business Administration, Communications (Film, Television, Journalism), Design and Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Theatre and Dance, Special Education and Law, Music and Composition. The deadline for applying for this scholarship is April.

• National Overseas Scholarship Scheme by the Indian Government

Amount – This Government of India scholarship for higher studies abroad covers the tuition fees as well as other educational expenses such as contingency allowance, maintenance, travel expenses, and others.

Requisites – The scholarship is awarded to applicants who meet the following criteria:

Belong to Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers and Traditional Artisans.

Scored 55% marks in under graduation (for those applying to Masters) or 55% in Post-Graduation (for those applying for Ph.D.).

Be below 35 years of age.

Have a combined family income that is less than Rs. 6, 00,000.

Not have more than one sibling who got the same scholarship.

Other Details – This Government scholarship is meant for students applying to Masters and Ph. D in the following fields: Engineering and Management; Pure Sciences and Applied Sciences; Agricultural Sciences and Medicine; International Commerce, Accounting and Finance; Humanities and Social Science

 BOTTOM LINE: Make sure you are aware of all of your options when it comes to paying for school. There are countless ways to make money stretch, so get creative.