In most families, parents are the main source of funding for college costs. With the costs of college spiraling upwards, however, parents and students often need to find additional sources of money. Here are some ideas on how many families and college bound students can pick up some extra help.

The best sources of college money are grants and scholarships. These financial aids do not have to be paid back. The difference between the two is that a grant is money awarded on the basis of financial need; a scholarship is awarded based on many different criteria such as athletic abilities, honors programs, specific educational needs.

The next best source of funds is through federal grants. The Pell Grant Program is one of the most popular. These are government grants that are awarded each year. They are given to qualifying undergraduate students. You can pick up applications for these grants at high schools or colleges.

There are also many state grants and state scholarships available. State grants and scholarships are available to students who are legal residents of the state offering the grants and scholarships. It should be noted that many state programs require that the student attend a local college or university. There are some exceptions to this.

It will vary from school to school but college grants and scholarships are a great way to find college money. Normally, students have to demonstrate financial need and meet certain school requirements in order to be eligible but these programs can be very helpful even if only in helping pay for books or living expenses.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation is the largest private scholarship source in the US. These financial awards are given based on Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test scores that are taken by high school juniors. For more information on this awards program you should visit with your high school guidance counselor.

Many students participate in the Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC) hosted by many colleges. Those students who agree to serve in the military as commissioned officers after graduation can qualify for scholarships. High school guidance counselors have a list of ROTC schools that you can look at.

Stafford Loans can be an outstanding source of financing college. This is a government subsidized program and is available to qualifying students based on a needs analysis. Repayment of the loan does not kick in until six months after graduation.

The PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) program is a new program and it allows parents another good way to find money for college. Parents of undergraduate students are eligible to borrow regardless of their current income. It should be noted, however, that PLUS loans are used primarily to assist with the cost demands of very large tuition bills. You can learn more about PLUS loans by doing an online search.

These are only a few of the many sources of college money that is available. Your local library or college financial aid counselor can offer even more possibilities and it worth the effort to search them out.

About the Author

Peter Kenny is a writer for The Thrifty Scot, please visit us at Student Loan and Personal Loan Visit The Housing Mess: What Happened?

Most high school students heading to college know a few basic places to find college scholarships. That said, you can find student financial aid in places other than your guidance counselor's office. Finding money for college takes skill. There are plenty of obscure, unique college scholarships available for students if you're willing to spend some time looking, and these hard-to-find scholarships for students are often much less competitive. With these obscure scholarships, you can find enough money to pay for college, even if you choose to go to an expensive private school.

First, look to community organizations for college scholarships. Many groups, like the Girl Scout and Boy Scouts, your local VFW, the Kiwanis, and the Elk's Club all offer merit scholarships and other types of student financial aid. In addition, think outside of the box to find organizations that might help you. For example, does your church have a fund for adult education? They might be willing to give you a small scholarship â€" you just have to ask for it! Small scholarships may not put a huge dent into your tuition bills right away, but they'll add up. If you find ten to twenty small scholarships, you might be able to pay off a whole semester of college.

Finding money for college takes a creative thinker. Unique college scholarships won't often fall on your lap. Instead, look for them! Think about your field of study and start talking to people who may be able to help you think of ways to find scholarships for students. Are you planning to major in business? Talk to the business teachers at your school or local business people who are involved in professional organization. While they might not be able to offer your college scholarships, they might be able to show you little-known student financial aid opportunities. Who knows? With the right contacts, you may even be able to find a work study job or internship. Networking is also a good thing!

The Internet is king when it comes to finding money for college. Start by looking at websites that are made for high school students interested in college scholarships. These websites are a wealth of information regarding financial aid, but unfortunately, so many students log on to visit these sites that the chances of getting one of the popular scholarships they advertise is not that great. No, for unique college scholarships that you actually have a chance to win, you have to dig deeper.

Scholarships for students aren't always well advertised. Instead, search online for organizations that fit your current interests or proposed field of study. For example, if you're the star of your school's drama club, search online for national, state, and local organizations that support students interested in theatre and the arts. Once you land on the organization's home page, search that specific site for scholarship opportunities. Pages with that kind of information often won't show up when you search on Google, Yahoo!, MSN, or other search engines. You really have to hunt for these college scholarships.

Remember, student financial aid isn't going to just falling into your lap. Finding money for college takes time. Starting your senior year, begin to set aside an hour or two every week to search online and offline for scholarship opportunities. Set up great interviews if these are local awards, or ask those close to you to serve as references. The most unique college scholarships will be those easiest to win, so apply even if the amount is not high or if you think the scholarship is too obscure. The more you apply for college scholarships, the more chances you have to actually be awarded some of the prizes. Don't put all of your eggs in once basket!

Student financial aid isn't just for high school seniors either. Finding money for college is just as important when you're actually in college, and unique college scholarships are your best bet for paying for the things you really need. During your spring semester, make sure you reapply for any renewable scholarships available, and then start to hunt for new ones. Scholarships for students become more readily available from the university at this point. Head to your school's financial aid office. They'll be able to tell you about any college scholarships available directly from the school.

In addition, talk to the head of your department about student financial aid. They're usually very good about finding money for college students, especially in the form of grants. College grants are usually set aside to be used for a specific educational purpose, and as an upperclassman, you may be able to help your department get grants for things you really want to do.

The bottom line? Finding scholarships for college - especially obscure, unique college scholarships - isn't easy. However, if you're committed to devoting time to your search, you will be successful.

About the Author

Kris Tang writes about student financial aid, including college scholarships, government and private grants, and federal loans for FinancialAidFinder.com. She brings unique insights from her own experiences in college and from conversations with financial aid administrators.

One of the most important things you can do for yourself during your lifetime is to go to college or university. Unfortunately, not everyone is so lucky to be able to pursue the career they want the most. Even if many students are brilliant they might not be able to attend college because of how much it costs.

1. Scholarships

A scholarship is an award of access to an institution or a financial aid award for an individual (a "scholar") for the purposes of furthering their education. A scholarship may be awarded based on range of criteria, which usually reflect the views or purposes of the donor or founder of the award.

Another meaning of "scholarship" is the pursuit of a research subject, usually in arts or humanities (as opposed to science). In both scholarly and scientific fields, the word "scholarship" is used to mean deep mastery of a research subject, often achieved through university studies.

Scholarships are a great way to finance your way through college or university. There are many institutions that are willing to help students finish their college. Actually, most college students get over a billion dollars from scholarship grants each year.

2. How To Get Money

Begin your search for college and university scholarships before you are even out of highschool. Some scholarships are given out only to highschool students! Why not go ahead and ask your guidance counselor and your schools financial aid officer about scholarships?

3. Keep Searching

Even after you get a scholarship, keep searching. Many scholarships get renewed every year and you may qualify for more than one scholarship. The majority of scholarship grants are dependent on the financial need and academic accomplishment of a student, so be sure to participate in lots of extracurricular activities.

4. Know All The Deadlines

Scholarships are often awarded on a specific date. For this reason, you should know all the requirements for the scholarship and be able to meet them well in advance of that date. A last minute application doesn't look as good as one submitted well in advance.

About the Author:

For more great scholarship related articles and resources check out http://superiorscholarships.info

Four one-year scholarships, each valued at $1500, are available from the UQ Business School and School of Tourism to be awarded to outstanding Australian and International students who are admitted to the Bachelor of Business (BBus) at the UQ Ipswich Campus in 2008.

Eligibility & Benefits
• Four one-year scholarships are available, each worth $1500

Basis of Award
• Criteria based on Year 12 Overall Position, or international equivalent. Interviews may be required;
• Personal statement regarding high school involvement and community involvement;
• Personal reference from Principal, Head of Year, or other teacher; and
• Previous study of business, business communication, commerce or computing, hospitality, sport, travel, tourism at school or college is not a requirement for enrolment in the Bachelor of Business, nor for application for the scholarships.

Application Procedures
• Download Application Form or visit the UQ Business School or the School of Tourism
• Closing date for applications 5pm on Friday, 28 March 2008
• For further enquiries contact Sheenagh Kelley or phone on 3381 1307

How to submit your application
• Fill in the application.
• Attach a copy of your OP score issued by QTAC (or equivalent UQ entry required documents).
• Attach your 500 word statement (count the words, edit properly and format as per instructions).
• Attach a copy of your reference.
• Submit your application and attachments in a 325 x 225 envelope to:
Ipswich Scholarships Coordinator
UQ Business School
11 Salisbury Road
Ipswich QLD 4305

For more information click here

Malaysian International Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies provides opportunities for students from countries with diplomatic relations and bilateral cooperation with Malaysia to pursue advanced academic study in Malaysia. The purpose of this scholarship is to promote bilateral arrangement with partner countries on government to government basis, and to encourage students from other countries to study in Malaysia with the view to facilitate future collaboration and exchange of scholars in enhancing educational cooperation between Malaysia and partner countries.

Malaysian International Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies are available for post-graduate studies at Masters and PhD level tenable at Malaysian Universities. The duration of the award is 36 months for PhD and between 12 to 24 months for Masters programme.


ELIGIBILITY
The scholarship is open equally to qualified candidate up to 40 years of age at the time of application. Candidates should at the time of application, obtain a degree or equivalent qualification with at least upper second class honours, (or CGPA 3.0) for Master’s programme; and hold a Master’s degree with good grades for PhD programme.

The candidates must demonstrate outstanding verbal, reading and writing proficiency in the English language through one of the following:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or

• Test administered by the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS).

If deemed necessary, applicants may also be required to attend an interview and/or take an entrance test or English Test conducted by the Ministry of Higher Education or the Board of Admissions of the particular university.

Applicants must be in good health, both physically and mentally.

APPLICATION TO THE UNIVERSITY
University’s application for admission is solely the candidate’s responsibility. Proof of admission is not a pre-requisite to the award. Selection committee for Malaysian International Scholarship will only consider qualified applicants with outstanding academic achievement and professional performance. Interested applicants are advised to apply before the beginning of the academic year which falls on the month of July for most of Malaysian university. The scholarship awarded does not guarantee a placement in the university. Admission to any program is by way of applications to the university. Applications must abide to the requirement and procedure for admission set by the university.

VALUE OF AWARDS
Each scholarship consists of:

• a return air tickets from recipient’s capital city to Malaysia;

• an approved tuition fees by the respective university;

• a maintenance allowance at the rate of RM1,000.00 per month;

• a yearly grant for books and internal travel;

• thesis allowance, installation and termination grant.

No marriage/family allowance for accompanying spouse or children.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES
For further enquiries, prospective applicants can either request or write directly to the nearest Malaysian Diplomatic Mission or the following address:

Scholarship Division
Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia
Level 4, Block 1 PjH Tower
Precint 2
Federal Goverment Administration Centre
62100, PUTRAJAYA
MALAYSIA
website : http://www.mohe.gov.my
email : norkamilahz[ at ]mohe.gov.my

Please visit Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme’s website, http://mtcp.epu.jpm.my for the details.

Application Form : http://www.mohe.gov.my/images/MIS.pdf

Medical Report http://www.mohe.gov.my/images/medical.pdf

Visit the official website for further information

AUN-GIST Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea offers 2008 AUN-GIST (Gwangju Institute of Technology, Korea) Scholarship on Science and Technology. This scholarships are available to ASEAN students to study masteral (4 slots) and doctoral (6 slots) degrees in science and technology in Gwangju, Korea. The AUN-GIST scholarship covers tuition fee, airfare, accommodation and living allowance.

Areas of Study:

• Information and Mechatronics

• Material Science and Engineering

• Environmental Science and Engineering

• Life Science

• Photon Science and Technology

Eligibility:

• Citizen of an ASEAN member country

• Posses a Bachelor’s degree (for M.S. Applicants) and M.S. degree (for Ph.D. applicants)

• Good academic record

• Have a minimum score of 550 (213 CBT) in TOEFL or 6.5 in IELTS, or 750 in TOEIC or 680 in TEPS.

• Have good medical record

Application Documens to be Submitted:

• Application form

• Two sealed letters of recommendation; one of which must be from the Dean of the Department he has attended

• Official diploma in English

• Original undergraduate/graduate transcript of record certified by the University Registrar

• Official TOEFL or IELTS score report taken not more than two years

• Resume or curriculum vitae

• MA thesis (for those applying for Ph.D.)

• Two photographs (4×5 cm)

207 Administration Bldg.
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
1 Oryong-dong Buk - gu
Gwangju
Republic of Korea
http://www.gist.ac.kr/

Telephone: +82-62-970-2061 ~ 2063
Fax: +82-62-970-2069
E-mail: ciss@gist.ac.kr

Deadline: March 15, 2008. Thank you for your attention

The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program carry a 12-month stipend for each student of $20,000 and an annual cost-of-education allowance of up to $12,000 and up to $20,000 support for a four to six week research collaboration at a NOAA facility. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarships provides support for outstanding scholarship and encourages independent graduate-level research in oceanography, marine biology, or maritime archeology, particularly by women and members of minority groups. Doctoral students for up to four years, and masters students may be supported for up to two years.

Those eligible to apply The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program are United States citizens currently pursuing or intending to pursue a masters or doctoral level degree in oceanography, maritime archeology (including the curation, preservation, and display of maritime artifacts) or marine biology, (including all science, engineering, and resource management of ocean and coastal areas). Recipients of The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program awards may be employed at the time of the award if it is a requirement of their degree program or directly related to their research effort. Other forms of employment will not be allowed and scholars will be required to submit a letter certifying that they meet this requirement. Eligibility must be maintained for each succeeding year of support and annual reporting requirements, to be specified at a later date, will apply. The 2008/2009 application process begins on December 1, 2007.

All applications must be received by February 8, 2008 no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

For more information:
http://fosterscholars.noaa.gov/aboutscholarship.html