Merit-based scholarships: These are given to students who have shown exceptional skills in academics, sports, or other activities. Universities offer these scholarships to recognize and reward students who stand out in these areas.
Need-based scholarships: These consider a student’s financial background. To qualify, students should come from a financially weaker background and require financial help for their chosen program. While financial need is crucial, academic records also matter, and only students displaying a strong commitment to learning receive this scholarship.
Country-specific scholarships: Many governments, public bodies, or universities provide scholarships, bursaries, and funds to students from a specific country. For instance, organizations like the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) offer Fulbright-Nehru fellowships, Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship, etc., to support Indian students studying in the U.S.A.
College-specific scholarships: These are exclusive to particular colleges and are awarded to Indian students enrolled in any program at that specific college. These scholarships are highly competitive, and recipients are chosen based on their academic performance, overall profile, personal achievements, and more.
Student-specific scholarships: These scholarships target students with specific characteristics, such as gender, race, religion, medical history, etc. Criteria may vary by college and are designed to provide equal opportunities to minority group students who may face disadvantages at some level.