Unlocking GRE scholarships: Opportunities and application tips

GRE scholarships are a great way for students to gain financial assistance during their graduate school journey.

Not only do GRE scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying for and taking the GRE, but they can also open doors to other forms of aid or career opportunities.

In this article, we will explore the various GRE scholarships and financial aid options available to students, along with application tips to increase the chances of success.

Also read: Top 12 scholarships around the world to study abroad

Types of GRE scholarships

There are several types of scholarships available to help fund your GRE studies. The main types of GRE scholarships are:

1. General GRE Scholarships

Many organizations offer scholarships to students who have taken the GRE. These scholarships are often based on academic achievement or other criteria.

For example, the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society offers a Graduate Fellowship Program that awards up to 50 fellowships of $8,500 each to members who are beginning their first year of graduate or professional study. Another example is the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, which awards up to $90,000 over two years to immigrants and children of immigrants who are pursuing graduate studies in the United States.

Also read: How to apply for a scholarship to study abroad

2. Subject-Specific GRE Scholarships

Some scholarships are specifically for students planning to pursue graduate studies in a particular field, such as science, engineering, or business.

For example, the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program provides funding for students pursuing research-based Master's or Doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. Similarly, the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management offers merit-based fellowships to underrepresented minorities pursuing MBA degrees.

Also read: Which scholarship option should I choose for studying abroad?

3. Test Prep GRE Scholarships

Many companies that offer GRE test preparation courses or materials also provide scholarships to students preparing for the exam.

For example, Kaplan Test Prep offers a variety of scholarships, including the Kaplan GRE Scholarship, which awards $500 to help cover the cost of a Kaplan course. Similarly, Magoosh provides scholarships to help students pay for their GRE prep courses.

4. School-Specific GRE Scholarships

Some graduate programs offer scholarships specifically to students who are applying to their program and have taken the GRE. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, financial need, or other factors.

For example, the Stanford Graduate School of Business offers a variety of fellowships and scholarships to students pursuing an MBA, including the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship, which covers tuition and living expenses for African citizens admitted to the program.

Also read: Scholarships and funding for international students in the UK

5. Community-Specific GRE Scholarships

Some organizations offer scholarships specifically to students who are part of a particular community or demographic group.

For example, the American Association of University Women offers fellowships and grants to women pursuing graduate studies in various fields, including STEM, business, and law. Similarly, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers scholarships to high-achieving students from low-income families pursuing graduate studies.

Also Read: How to get 100% scholarship to study abroad?

6 popular GRE scholarships

There are many GRE scholarships available, but some are more popular and well-known than others. The 5 most popular GRE scholarships that students can apply for are:

1. Fulbright Scholarship

The Fulbright Scholarship is among the most prestigious awards to graduate students. It is a merit-based scholarship that provides funding for research, study, or teaching abroad. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, living expenses, and round-trip airfare. To be eligible, students must have completed a bachelor's degree, a strong academic record, and a compelling research or study proposal.

2. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program

This program is designed to support graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It provides a stipend of $34,000 per year and a $12,000 cost-of-education allowance for up to three years. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents and must have completed at most 12 months of full-time graduate study at the time of application.

3. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

This scholarship is open to immigrants and children of immigrants who are pursuing graduate studies in any field. The fellowship provides up to $90,000 over two years to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses. Eligible applicants must be under the age of 31, have graduated from a U.S. high school or received a GED, and must not have completed more than two years of graduate study at the time of application.

4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

This scholarship is available to students from any country who are pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge in the U.K. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, living expenses, airfare, and visa costs. Eligible applicants must have outstanding academic records, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of others.

5. Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards for graduate study. It provides funding for two to three years of study at the University of Oxford in the U.K., covering tuition, fees, and living expenses. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a strong academic record and demonstrate exceptional leadership and character.

6. The Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs

The Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs provide funding for graduate students committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level. The program provides funding for tuition, living expenses, and other costs associated with graduate study. To be eligible for the program, applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals and pursue a graduate degree in a field supported by the Ford Foundation.

Also read: IELTS Scholarship

Tips to increase the chances of success for GRE scholarships

GRE scholarships can be very competitive, so it's important to put in the effort to increase your chances of success. Here are some tips that can help you increase your chances of getting a GRE scholarship:

1. Start Early

It is important to start researching and applying for GRE scholarships as early as possible. Look for scholarships with deadlines several months ahead of the date you plan to study for the GRE. Having enough time to apply for multiple scholarships will increase your chances of success.

2. Research the right program

Look for scholarships that match your skills and interests. Identify the programs offering scholarships in your field of study, and research the requirements, eligibility criteria, and selection process for each program. Make a checklist of the requirements and ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information before you start the application process.

3. Highlight your strengths

In your application, make sure to highlight your strengths and achievements, including academic records, research experience, and work experience. This can help the selection committee to see that you are a strong candidate for the scholarship.

4. Focus on your personal statement

Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your scholarship application. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your passion for your field of study, research interests, and long-term career goals. Be sure to take the time to write a well-crafted personal statement that showcases your personality and achievements.

5. Request strong letters of recommendation

Get letters of recommendation from people who can speak about your academic ability and potential, such as your professors or research supervisors. Ask them in advance and give them enough time to write the letter.

6. Demonstrate financial need

Many scholarship programs prioritize applicants who have demonstrated financial need. Therefore, make sure to include any relevant information about your financial situation in your scholarship application.

7. Apply to multiple scholarship programs

It's best to apply to multiple scholarship programs to increase your chances of success. Read the requirements carefully and tailor your application to each program.

8. Be persistent

Applying for scholarships can be a long and challenging process, but keep going. Keep applying and don't be discouraged if you don't receive a scholarship on the first try. Persistence is key to success.

GRE scholarships can be a great way for students to finance their education and get the most out of their studies. By providing financial assistance to those who need it, GRE scholarships can open doors to students from all walks of life, allowing them to gain the education they need to pursue their dreams. With the right research and preparation, students can find the right scholarship to help them reach their educational goals.

Frequently asked questions

What are the different types of GRE scholarships?

The different types of GRE scholarships are general GRE scholarships, subject-specific GRE scholarships, test prep GRE scholarships, school-specific GRE scholarships, and community-specific GRE scholarships.

What are the popular GRE scholarships?

The popular GRE scholarships are Fulbright Scholarship, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Rhodes Scholarship, and The Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs.

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