I'm a disabled international student planning to apply to universities abroad. Are there specific scholarships or financial aids available for disabled international students? Any recommendations on how to approach these applications?
Yes, there are scholarships specifically available for disabled international students. Many US universities and colleges have office of disability services and financial aid department that provide resources for scholarships. Generic scholarships for disabled students do exist, but there are also more specific ones, such as those for particular disabilities, career interests or fields of study.
For a start, you could look at the following:
1. Google Lime Scholarship: Google, in partnership with Lime Connect, offers this scholarship for disabled students majoring in computer science or closely related fields.
2. Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians Scholarship: This is especially for visually impaired students looking to study in Canada.
3. 180 Medical: They offer seven scholarships every year to students with spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, transverse myelitis, neurogenic bladder, or ostomy (ileostomy, colostomy, or urostomy).
4. Innovative Minds Challenge - Kingston University, London: This is a full scholarship for disabled students interested in entrepreneurship and startup culture.
When applying for these scholarships, here are some tips to bear in mind:
1. Show Your Strengths: This will be your chance to show how you overcame challenges related your disability and used them as a means to strengthen your character.
2. Be Specific: When you are writing about your achievements, make sure you include specific examples of your resilience and determination.
3. Have Supporting Documents: Make sure you have any medical proof or documentation needed about your disability available and ready for presentation.
4. Get References: Letters of reference, either academic or personal, can highlight your determination, resourcefulness, and other qualities that were instrumental in your personal and academic journey.
5. Proofread: Scholarship applications, especially the essays, need to be clear, concise, and free of errors. Take the time to proof your writing and get a teacher or parent to help if you can.
Remember, funding is competitive. Ensure you apply for a wide range of opportunities to increase your chances. Good luck.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.