scholarship

Has your piggy bank stopped rattling? Is your wallet looking empty? Cheer up – there’s still money out there and what’s more, it could be yours. There are hundreds of scholarships up for grabs at the QS Top Universities Fair. Some of the world’s top universities are offering to pay up to 100% of course and tuition fees – making the study abroad option much more affordable.

Italy’s Università Bocconi is offering 250 scholarships for undergraduate students and another 200 scholarships for postgraduate students based on merit and financial need.

Australian Universities are offering more than 50 scholarships for those wishing to study for their undergraduate degree downunder and at least another 50 for those interested in postgraduate study. The scholarships vary in value ranging from AUD$5,000 to full tuition fee waivers plus stipends.

Meanwhile, students wishing to study slightly closer to home could apply for one of more than 100 scholarships that the University College Dublin is offering for those interested in either sport, Irish language or choral scholars at an undergraduate level, or computer science, engineering, theology, arts and Celtic studies, business and law, or human sciences – a total of more than €1.1million.

Other UK universities are also offering scholarships. Cardiff University has a number of undergraduate scholarships available worth £3,000 each. Meanwhile, Aston University Birmingham awarded more than £300,000 worth of scholarships in 2008/09 to students across all years of study.

A spokesperson from the University of New South Wales in Australia said the wide range of scholarships and awards that they were offering were an opportunity to support current and new students ranging from annual stipends, living allowances, tuition fee costs, travel scholarships and supplements.

Jason Newman, Top Universities Fair event manager said students should make the most of the generous amount of scholarships on offer from universities. “Each year, thousands of dollars worth of scholarships go unclaimed. Putting together a scholarship application can be time consuming but it’s all worth it in the end if you’re able to secure funding for your university studies.”

Scholarships are available in the fields of social and behavioural sciences, arts and humanities, engineering science, information technology, architecture, environmental science, biotechnology, marine science and multi media.

At the time of researching your student loan consolidation information options you need to investigate PLUS student loans, with the rising cost of education over the previous few decades, reliance on traditional Stafford loans has in many instances failed to cover most student expenses, the PLUS (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) loan plan was designed to close that gap.

Though the rate is higher than other loans the cap on borrowing is much more flexible and the loans are not need-based.

For the FFEL (Federal Family Education Loan) plan, in which private lenders fund the loan the rate is 8.5%, through the Direct loan program the U.S. Dept of Education funds the loan directly 7.9%, the difference of 0.6% is often very large over the lifetime of the average loan, in the initial year alone on a 10 year loan of $25,000.00 it amounts to virtually $2,050.00 as apposed to $1,920.00 that equals $130.00 in interest, for an exact calculation you ought to experiment with some sample strategies using a loan calculator such as the ones available on-line.

With PLUS loans parents are able to borrow up to the total amount of education minus any other financial aid money the student is awarded, though PLUS funds are not cheap they may make the difference when picking out which school to attend or whether to attend at all, however since PLUS loans aren’t need-based they do include a credit check, in this situation the student’s credit (with one exception discussed below) is not looked into, it’s the parents credit history which matters since they are the signers of the promissory note, they alone are responsible for the repayment of the loan.

In those rare instances where the credit history of the parent(s) makes them ineligible, a co-signer may participate in the loan, a relative or other party may agree to guarantee repayment and take on the legal responsibility as a co-borrower, with the recent problems in the sub-prime borrowing arena these cases are now reduce from the levels of the past, this hints that in borderline cases the requirement for a co-signer is more likely.

Apart from the changes in interest rates, another recent alteration to the plan is to now allow professional and graduate students to qualify for PLUS loans, similar interest rates and eligibility criteria apply, like other students they must be enrolled in an eligible institution and program no less than half-time, unlike most Stafford loan schemes, repayment of a PLUS loan begins immediately, generally within 60 days after the loan funds are disbursed, interest begins accumulating from the time the initially disbursement is made, both the main loan and interest are paid in regular monthly installments whilst the student is in school, re-payments are made to the private lender in the situation of FFEL (Federal Family Education Loan) loans and to a U.S. Dept of Education servicing center in the circumstance of Direct loans.

Be certain to calculate carefully all the costs linked with obtaining a PLUS loan and look on it as a loan of last resort as even a home equity loan, for example may easily be less expensive since the interest is tax-deductible, it is essential to keep this information at hand when looking at any student loan consolidation information.

Our article on Top 12 Weird Unknown Scholarships got an excellent reception among students and our regular visitors of the blog. Considering the interest shown by our readers and constant request of sequel I have finally thought of a presentation on more of weird unknown scholarships for you. Hope you would like the effort the way you appreciated the prelude:
1. The School Band and Orchestra Magazine Scholarship

This scholarship is offered to students who have written the best of essays. One of the recent essays which won the award was on the topic “How a Music Education Has made me a Better Student.” Are you good at music? If yes then do give a try!
2. Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

Are you a vegetarian? Do you believe in promoting vegetarianism? Well, then this scholarship is for you. You get paid by way of scholarships for your beliefs. A scholarship amount of about $10,000 is awarded to a student who has promoted vegetarianism either in their school or community.
3. David Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship

It is a scholarship awarded on the basis of outstanding creativity to students by Ball State University. The Telecommunication students are required to submit a variety presentation about their project. This scholarship does not require the students to hold a minimum GPA for participation. An award of $10,000 is granted to students sponsored by the university’s famous alumnus.
4. The Discover Card Tribute Award

It is one of the easy scholarships to be awarded. All you need to have is a GPA of 2.75, showcasing a leadership attitude within your community at the time of facing a serious challenge. The scholarship program offers close to 10 awards of $25,000 and 300 $2,500 awards every year. What are you waiting for?
5. Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) Award

This award is offered to those who excel in leadership, community services, academics and sports and also sport a milk mustache. Milk does a lot of good both for your body and wallet isn’t it?
6. National Make It Yourself with Wool Competition

It is all about your favorite fabric ‘Wool’. If you have a flare for fashion and are good at designing woolen garments (100% or 60% blend) then it is high time that you participate in this competition.
7. The Tylenol Scholarship

Well, Tylenol not just relieves your headache but also your financial crisis in paying for your college education. Believe it or not, it is true. The Tylenol has distributed scholarships worth $250,000 to students across the nation.
8. The FBI Common Knowledge Challenge

Are you a person who loves collecting details about FBI? Well, then this challenge is for you. The FBI common knowledge challenge is about awarding a token gift of $250 to two high school students who will the quiz competition about FBI. I am sure you can make that.
9. The Calgon Take Me Away to College Contest

Open only for female applicants, this contest is open for students who need to answer two essay questions. Calgon, a body and bath products company offers $8,000 to students via this contest.
10. The Potato Industry Scholarship

If you are one who likes potatoes? Or even if you don’t, you can still apply for the Potato Industry Scholarship Program. An award of $2,000 is granted to two senior graduate students who are in the field of study related to potatoes.
11. The Fountainhead - The Ayn Rand Institute Contest

A scholarship reward of $10,000 is given to students who win the essay writing contest on The Fountainhead novel written by Ayn Rand. I wish I had such contest during my school days.
12. The American Welding Society Scholarships

This scholarship helps students who are interested in the craft of welding. This scholarship offers you the assistance needed to take up studies in welding, thermal spraying, brazing and soldering.
13. The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Award

This scholarship is open to high school students, also to students who do not have a membership with elks. The scholarship amount varies between $1,000 to $15,000 offered to 500 students over a period of 4 years.
14. The Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contest

Scholarship offered to student authors in the field of science fiction. This scholarship is a blessing for Sci-Fi fans.
15. The American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT) Scholarship

A scholarship amount of $10,000 is offered to high school students interested in the confectionary technology.