Education

The United States of America is undoubtedly one of the most envied destinies for higher education, with a system that almost ensures very good academic excellence and the best research opportunities. The cost of education is quite high in the U.S., and for that reason, it turns out to be a major trouble for international students. But fortunately, there are so many scholarships that ease the burden and make world-class education pretty feasible. In this blog, we are going to discuss some of the top U.S. scholarships for international students, some of which are specifically for Indian students, so that you can fulfil your dream of studying. 1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program One of the most reputed and long-standing scholarships dedicated to international students offered by the government of the USA is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. It offers graduate study in all disciplines other than medicine. It is especially popular with young professionals and artists who wish to carry out academic studies in the U.S. for a year or more. Ranging from a tuition fee to a living allowance, health insurance, and travel expenses, the Fulbright Program is indeed a golden opportunity for students aspiring to study in the USA. 2. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is a scholarship available to an international student from an American-sponsored college for research in non-degree academic study and professional development in the United States. The program is designed for fellows who are seasoned professionals and requires 10 months of academic study. The fellowship covers almost all important expenditures—tuition fees, allowances, insurance, and transport—to fully support the winners of this fellowship. 3. You are welcome here. Scholarship Scholarships are an independent initiative that invites ideas from international students around the world. This non-governmental scholarship clearly works for applicants who are now interested in submitting an essay or a video that will reflect other intercultural exchange activities. Two annual and renewable scholarships are provided under this program by participating U.S. universities and colleges. Not only does the scholarship reduce and minimise financial stress, but it also inspires students to cross into other people’s cultural spaces by enriching and making the study experience in the USA better. 4. IEFA Scholarship IEFA scholarships must rank among the top scholarships that are offered to students between 14 and 18 years of age. They target needy students who are preparing themselves for college education and make their study in the USA less burdened financially. They are, therefore, able to recognise academic excellence in the early quarter and hence support the given student throughout higher education. 5. AAUW International Fellow The AAUW International Fellowships are available for women outside the United States and help in the pursuit of full-time graduate or postgraduate studies. This fellowship is nongovernmental, and all graduate and postgraduate students are awarded it. Its fellowships have variable amounts according to level: $20,000 for a master’s or first professional degree and $25,000–$50,000 for graduate or postdoctoral study. All the things described above make the scholarship highly helpful for women students who are pursuing higher studies and research in the USA. 6. World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program The World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is specifically designed for all international students from developing countries wishing to take a master’s degree in any field related to development. This fellowship includes coverage for all tuition fees, round-trip airfare, comprehensive health insurance, and a monthly stipend. The scholarship desires to enrich the students with the right knowledge and skills in the field of development so that they can further contribute towards the growth and development of their country. Conclusion For many students all over the world, higher studies in the USA are a distant dream wherein the problem of finances comes anew. These scholarships will help the aspiring undergraduate, graduate student, or professional overcome a great part of the financial burden and set the way for success in the United States. These scholarships for international students to study in the USA, like the above-mentioned, make this costly dream come true.

The United Kingdom has always been the most favoured destination when it comes to higher education, with some of the most prestigious universities and cultural diversity. Life-changing experiences await students in the UK. Beyond excellent academics, without a doubt, the UK student visa application becomes a very important process in accomplishing this journey extraordinaire for international students, especially those from India. We will help you through five of the most frequently asked questions in the UK student visa application process. 1). What do UK educational institutions offer? The UK hosts a lot of the world’s most highly rated universities, like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Edinburgh. All these universities are notable not just for their academic excellence and historic campuses but also for their lively student communities. A course in the UK would let students have that competitive advantage associated with studying at some of the world’s most prestigious research institutions, being taught by renowned academics, and experiencing different cultures from around the world. It means much more than getting a degree; it is life-changing and will eventually lead you to global opportunities. 2. Which type of visa is best for a student? If you are a student, the most appropriate visa to study in the UK would be a student visa; it was formerly known as a Tier 4 visa. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for the time it takes you to complete your course. The UK government has also established the Graduate Route, a program through which students can remain and work in the UK for as long as two years post-study. This is extremely valuable work experience that will put you at an advantage in the global job market, allowing you to use knowledge gained from your qualifications in real-life situations. The application for a student visa in the United Kingdom is pretty straightforward. However, all the requirements should be met so that one can secure a visa. 3. Can students work while they are studying? Yes, it is possible for students to work part-time during their studies in the UK. As stated in the UK student visa requirements, a student may work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. In other words, you may earn some money towards your living expenses while earning practical working experience. It also enriches your academic journey in a multicultural environment with highly valued skills by any employer anywhere in the world. 4. What Else Can You Explore During Your Course? The UK is not a place where all you are going to do is go through books and be a nerd all the time; rather, it’s a country burdened with history, culture, and beauty. From the very busy streets of London to serene landscapes in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, there is something waiting to pique your curiosity. From iconic landmarks to world-class theatre and diverse culinary delights, you can enjoy a world of experiences within the UK alone. Such immersion will aid your experience in making it simply unforgettable. 5. What Language Skills Should Students Acquire? The UK is where the very method of teaching the English language was born; therefore, it is the ideal destination to fine-tune your linguistic skills. For most international students, more specifically those from India, the opportunity to study in the UK would mean studying at native levels of English. These enriched language skills will be of great value to you during your studies and beyond in a global career. The approach in the UK to communication and language skills is such that it ensures you leave with a dual advantage: first, academic qualifications; second, improved language skills. Conclusion Studying in the UK is more than applying for a student visa. You’re coming over to participate in one of the most vigorous cultural and educational environments that will shape your future. So, once you understand the UK’s student visa requirements and the unique opportunities it has in store, you can make the most of studying in the UK.

The application is now open for the 2025 Commonwealth Masters Scholarship to the United Kingdom.Advertisement no. 01/2024: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, UK, invites applications from candidates for high-end scholarships awarded to Indian students for pursuing full-time Master’s degree courses commencing in September/October 2025. While the procedure for applying will start in September 2024, it certainly gives a much-needed headstart to the eligible candidates who want to get ready and prepare the documents for applying to the scholarship. Key Dates and Application Process:  The application for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship, 2025, shall be online.The application process involves submission through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s Online Application System and ends with the Ministry of Education’s Sakshat Portal. Commonwealth Scholarship Commission OAS: Opens: 10 September 2024Closes: 15 October 2024 Ministry of Education Sakshat Portal: Opens: 10 September 2024Closes: 31 October 2024 Prospective applicants are encouraged to go to the Ministry of Education’s website to receive details and directions for applying online.  Ministry of Education Sakshat Portal: The below eligibility is needed for the 2025 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship:  Citizenship and Residency: The candidate should be a citizen of India and a permanent resident. Academic eligibility: A first degree must have at least an upper second class by September 2025, which translates to a 2:1 honour in the Indian context; that is, 60% marks in graduation.  This is a criterion whereby the applicant must establish that one will be unable to finance their study in the United Kingdom without the scholarship.  Program Restriction: The scholarship is only available for one-year taught Master’s programs and does not include MBA. The selection of scholarship awardees is a prerogative of the CSC, outside the Ministry of Education. Why Apply for a Commonwealth Masters Scholarship? The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is one of the most competitive opportunities available to students who want to pursue further studies in the UK, with tuition and further maintenance fees being awarded to the majority of students. In that sense, it is a really good opportunity for those who perhaps cannot afford to study abroad. You can study in some of the most famous and renowned institutions in the UK, a great boost to the resume. Conclusion  If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to study a Master’s Degree in a United Kingdom-based institution, grab this opportunity. Make sure you apply timely, preparing the documents well in time, and taking note of all the requirements and deadlines for each step of the process. Maybe this is one of those ways by which the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2025 may just be the ticket one needs to belong to the best educational system in the a world that makes for a really enriching educational experience. For details and more applications, one should visit the Ministry of Education website.

The upcoming EducationUSA fairs in India offer a great opportunity to Indian students with higher education aspirations within the United States. These fairs take place in eight cities from August 16 to August 25 and are organised by the US higher education sector with the idea of providing a platform where students can communicate directly with representatives from more than 80 accredited US universities and colleges. This is an opportunity for you, whether your goal is undergraduate, postgraduate, or a doctorate, to explore the various educational options that exist in the United States. What to Expect at the EducationUSA Fairs EducationUSA fairs in India are much more than just descriptive; they practically animate all your academic dreams. The fairs will travel from August 16 to August 25, from Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai, and finally to New Delhi. Each of these events will be held in a specified hotel in the mentioned cities at specific times, keeping the busy schedules of aspiring students and their families in mind. These fairs are free to visit; however, prior registration is a must. This allows the organisers to have a structured event where the attendees would have good interaction with the representatives of the universities for the students to get necessary information about admissions, scholarships, and student life at US campuses. It includes information sessions on college application and visa processes, which give students an overview of the path to studying in the USA. Why attend the Education USA Fairs? The EducationUSA Fairs are so important. According to the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, “The EducationUSA fairs are a great way to explore the amazing educational opportunities available in the United States.” Whether your interests lie in science, technology, engineering, arts, or business, the United States offers an education to further your academic and professional goals. They get you in touch with representatives from a great variety of colleges and universities in the US, many of which may be offering scholarships or other forms of financial aid. You have first-hand exposure to what life is like on a US campus, exactly what kinds of support services are available to international students, and how to navigate what is often a very complex admissions process. Generally, the fairs will put everything under one roof by providing you with all the tools and knowledge you need to make responsible decisions in regard to studying in the USA. Highlight your calendar: EducationUSA Fairs Schedule August 16: Hyderabad August 17: Chennai August 18: Bangalore August 19: Kolkata August 21: Ahmedabad August 22: Pune August 24: Mumbai August 25: New Delhi All these events will be done in a hotel in a town. Pre-registered for this event so as not to miss the opportunity and make full use of this wonderful chance. Conclusion The EducationUSA fairs in India definitely do not dishearten any student who sincerely has a keen interest in higher studies in the United States. They offer that very rare opportunity to meet one-on-one with US university representatives, receive information regarding the application process, and find the right program from a large set of options available to international students. Are you ready to leap forward into your academic future? Be at one of these fairs between August 16 and August 25.

SAT is the leading and premier university admission test across more than 65 countries globally. Any student aspiring to get into a well-reputed college is well aware that their chances of getting in through SAT scores are pretty high. The college readiness test covers three major areas: evidence-based reading and writing, math, and an optional essay. The part that usually causes the most difficulty for test takers is the math portion. Math Here, along with discussions about the SAT Math section, are some tips, strategies, and insights that tell students how to go about this all-important part of the test. With proper and effective guidance and preparation, one can not only fare excellently in the math section but also unfasten oneself into an overall enhanced SAT score, the gateway to admission into one’s dream institution.  Understanding the SAT Math Section The SAT Math test mainly measures problem-solving skills and applying mathematics to real-world problems. Below is a structure of the section, including the timing: Structure and timing:  No. of Questions: 58 total questions Time: 80 minutes (or about 1.4 minutes per question) Content: comprises much core high school math, with a focus on algebra, geometry, and data analysis.  SAT Math Question Types Format Description Percentage Multiple Choice (MC) Choose the best answer from four provided options. 75% Student-Produced Response (SPR) Provide your own answer by entering it in the specified field. There may be more than one correct solution. 25% SAT Math Content Breakdown Content Area Emphasis Topics Covered Algebra Mastery of expressions, solving equations, and data interpretation Linear equations (1 and 2 variables), Linear functions, Systems of equations, Linear inequalities, Analyzing relationships Problem Solving and Data Analysis Quantitative literacy and real-world data analysis Probability and conditional probability, Statistical claims and inference, Ratios, rates, percentages, Data distributions, Models and scatterplots Advanced Math Understanding complex mathematical concepts Equivalent expressions, Nonlinear functions and equations, Systems of nonlinear equations Geometry and Trigonometry Spatial reasoning and trigonometric applications Geometry basics (lines, angles, triangles), Spatial dimensions (area, volume), Trigonometric functions (right triangles), Circular shapes and properties (circles) Mastering the SAT Math Section: Tips and Strategies  Success on the SAT Math requires development not only in knowledge but also in strategy. Following are some important tips that would guide you for success: 1) Read the question properly: Take care as you are reading each of the questions—to understand it carefully and adequately—often rushing through leads to errors of reading. Know precisely what it is asking for or explaining before you dive into working. 2) Use Working Paper Powerfully: You’re also reducing the likelihood of making an error. And it keeps your thinking organised:Write the steps clearly enough that you can re-look at your work if you need to. 3) Start with the Easy Questions: The SAT Math section should consist of easy, medium, and hard-level questions. Do the easy ones first to get quick points and get confidence. Save the more difficult questions for later so you do not waste time on just one question. 4) Estimate when appropriate: There are some questions where you can estimate the answer quickly without going through each and every detail of the process.Estimation can help you to KNOWN answers and thus eliminating Not the correct answer. 5) Manage Your Time and Stay Calm If you find yourself stuck on a problem, move on and return to it later. This section requires good time management to complete it.Use the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices and make an educated guess if needed. Common Mistakes to Avoid Avoiding common pitfalls can make a significant difference in your SAT Math score. Misunderstanding the Question: Read the language of every question carefully. Try to pick up clues that get you on the correct path. Spending Too Long in One Place: It is crucial not to become a glutton on a regular question. So manage your time as efficiently as possible on all your questions. Missing Key Information: Read all parts of a question. Small details can sometimes play the most important role in determining an answer. Conclusion The SAT math section is a game of preparation, strategy, and practice. You would, therefore, be able to really boost your score by knowing the structure of the test properly, using effective steps, and using trusted resources. Remember, solving the math section is not just solving problems; rather, it is an attempt to demonstrate the skills of critical thinking by applying mathematical contents to a real situation. Continuous effort in proper preparation will put you in the right position for a high score, thus helping you reach your success in academic goals.

Colleges in the U.S. have recently been faced with the difficult reality that program cuts are quite open, thus dismantling students’ dreams and academic plans. Given the rising operational costs, dwindling enrollment, and sunset of federal COVID relief funds, institutions of higher education across the country have been compelled to make hard choices if they are to remain afloat. From large universities down to smaller colleges, it’s a pattern: programs slashed, majors cut, and students on their own to readjust plans in light of an education system in rapid flux. The Hard Reality Behind College Program Cuts One of the most striking examples could be the story of Christina Westman, a student at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Westman had planned to work as a music therapist with patients with Parkinson’s disease and stroke. But the university scotched her plans when it announced it was axing its entire music department, along with 42 degree programs and 50 minors, altogether. For Westman and so many others like her, these cuts have implications that extend much further than a hassle or two, reaching deep into uncertainty and nervousness when it comes to finding new academic paths. The latest decisions are not singularly in the case of St. Cloud State University. Campuses and colleges nationwide are racing against time to alleviate similar challenges. The slide in college enrollment that began during the pandemic has squeezed budgets. Some had hoped that, with vaccines rolling out and health conditions improving, enrollment figures would recover to pre-COVID levels. Reality has not provided much grounds for optimism. A shrinking pool of high school graduates—because of lower birth rates during the Great Recession—has been offset by fewer students choosing to pursue higher education right after graduation. Coupled with rising costs and reduced federal support, these factors have forced colleges to face their new financial reality. The Impact on Students and Faculty The cuts are not only about cost-cutting measures or reducing workforce but they also hinder students whose time, money, and efforts are already invested in the pursuit of their fields of studies. With the cutting of programs, this leaves students in a lurch, either having to transfer to another institution or sometimes even change majors. If students are in highly specialized or smaller programs, the opportunities to continue elsewhere may be sharply limited, and the disruption can be wrenching. It is not just the students who feel the impact; faculty members as well are hard hit, since many have spent teaching and mentoring careers with these very students majoring in the programs now being eliminated. For instance, at St. Cloud State University, music professor Terry Vermillion lamented the loss of the music department. He retired this spring after 34 years, saying that the pandemic had already taken a toll on music programs around the country. Virtual classes and Zoom rehearsals proved to be very inadequate for teaching music effectively. Just as these programs were getting off the ground, the decision to axe them has dealt another blow, putting both students and faculty in an uncertain position. Part of a Larger Higher Education Trend Program cuts at St. Cloud State University are part of a larger trend hitting colleges and universities across the United States. Large and small—institutions, public and private alike—have had to be hard-nosed about deciding which programs live and which die. Others have taken the more drastic action of shutting their doors entirely. Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama, Fontbonne University in Missouri, and Wells College in New York are some examples. Experts say this is only the first wave. Even colleges that aren’t immediately cutting degree programs are scouring course offerings for programs that might be duplicative or under-enrolled. The humanities have been particularly hard hit, as fewer students major in these fields than 15 years ago. With the pool of potential college students continuing to shrink and financial pressures bearing down, colleges and universities are being made to review strategies for sustainability. Some may innovate around a new way forward, while most will perhaps continue to struggle along until further cuts and eventual closure. The Future of Higher Education Program cuts in this new wave pose some quintessential questions to the future of American higher education. How will students who love these no-longer-available fields of studies be treated? How are colleges and universities to reconcile the pursuit of financial sustainability with the mission to provide broad and inclusive education? What has this trend boded for the long-term health of higher education? For students like Christina Westman, the future remains uncertain. Scrambling to get into another university and a new place to live, she’s finally starting at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. Her story serves to remind that as much as cuts to programs might be fiscally necessary, they also strike deep into students’ lives and ambitions across the country. Moreover, at such testing times, the institutions of higher learning should remember their role—imparting knowledge to humankind. Decisions taken now are going to decide the fate of education for generations to come; therefore, it becomes very important for the colleges and universities to find ways to support their students without jeopardizing their own financial viability. Conclusion The wave of program cuts washing across U.S. colleges is more than a budgetary adjustment; it constitutes part of a seismic change reshaping the very nature of higher education. Students and faculty find themselves in the crossfire as institutions deal with plummeting enrollment, soaring costs, and the end of federal relief funds that helped prop up operations through the pandemic. The future of higher education is based on the balancing act between financial sustainability and students’ academic and personal development. In a similar way that colleges continue to engage in hard choices, there comes the need to ensure that they address the well-being of their students and try as much as possible to meet their aspirations, as they have trusted them.