Pursuing a graduate degree can be a significant investment in your future, but it can also come with financial burdens. To support graduate students, The University of Akron offers Graduate Assistantships, providing valuable financial assistance, hands-on experience, and professional development opportunities.

What are Graduate Assistantships?

Graduate Assistantships are competitive awards that offer financial support to graduate students in exchange for part-time work in teaching, research, or administrative roles. These assistantships provide students with:

• Financial support through tuition waivers and stipends
• Practical experience in their field
• Opportunities for professional growth and networking
• Enhanced resume and job prospects

Types of Graduate Assistantships

The University of Akron offers various types of Graduate Assistantships:

1. Teaching Assistantship (TA): Assist faculty with teaching, grading, and course management.
2. Research Assistantship (RA): Conduct research under faculty supervision.
3. Graduate Assistantship (GA): Support administrative offices or departments.
4. Administrative Assistantship (AA): Assist with departmental or university-wide initiatives.

Benefits of Graduate Assistantships

1. Tuition waiver: Up to 100% tuition waiver for some assistantships.
2. Stipend: Competitive salary to support living expenses.
3. Health insurance: Access to university-sponsored health insurance.
4. Professional development: Opportunities for networking, conference attendance, and workshop participation.
5. Enhanced resume: Gain relevant work experience and skills.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Graduate Assistantship, students must:

1. Be admitted to a graduate program at The University of Akron.
2. Maintain good academic standing (3.0 GPA).
3. Register for at least 9 credit hours (full-time status).
4. Be available for part-time work (20 hours/week).

Application Process

1. Review available assistantships on the University’s website.
2. Submit application materials (resume, cover letter, transcripts).
3. Faculty/Departmental review and selection.
4. Notification of award (typically by April for fall semester).

Tips and Recommendations

1. Apply early to increase chances.
2. Tailor application materials to specific assistantship.
3. Showcase relevant skills and experience.
4. Network with faculty and departmental staff.
5. Maintain strong academic performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the stipend amount?
   Varies by assistantship and department.
2. Can I hold multiple assistantships?
   Typically, no, but exceptions may apply.
3. How long does the assistantship last?
   Academic year (renewable for up to 2 years).

Conclusion

Graduate Assistantships at The University of Akron offer a valuable opportunity for graduate students to achieve academic and professional success. By understanding the benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process, students can unlock their potential and enhance their graduate experience.

Deadline:

Open for Aplications

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY HERE

Take the Next Step!

Apply now and embark on a rewarding graduate experience at The University of Akron!

As a seasoned reviewer, I’ve noticed a common mistake that can hurt your academic CV: using “ex-student” instead of Alumnus/Alumna.

Why “Ex-Student” Doesn’t Cut It

1. Sounds awkward and unprofessional
2. Gives the impression you’re unfamiliar with academic norms
3. Can make your application stand out for the wrong reasons

Use the Correct Terms

1. Alumnus (male singular)
2. Alumna (female singular)
3. Alumni (plural, male or mixed)
4. Alumnae (plural, female)

Why It Matters

1. Demonstrates attention to detail
2. Shows familiarity with academic conventions
3. Enhances professional image

Additional CV Tips

1. Keep it concise
2. Tailor your application
3. Proofread carefully
4. Use clear formatting

Conclusion

Update your CV with the correct terms and ensure a professional impression.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you made this mistake? Share your experiences!

Stay tuned for more CV tips!

What is a Graduate Research Assistantship?

A Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) is a means of funding for graduate school that waives your tuition fee and pays a stipend in exchange for your services as a Research Aid, Teaching Aid, School/Department support staff, etc.

Eligibility

Anyone can apply for a GRA/GTA position, regardless of:

• Country of origin
• Course of study
• CGPA
• Gender
• etc.

However, the route to follow differs depending on the strength of your CGPA. Graduates with HND, 2.2, 3rd Class may need to write and pass GRE, TOEFL, WES evaluation, etc.

Step 1: Identify Your Research Interest

• Your research interest is a sub-discipline of the course you studied for your first degree.
• Your research interest may even be in a different body of knowledge that is interrelated to the one you studied in your BS.
• Example: For your first degree, you studied Mechanical Engineering, but your research interest is Thermodynamics and Fluids, which is also a sub-discipline of Physics. Thus, in searching for a GRA, you may get funding in the department of Physics.

Step 2: Create an Academic CV

• An Academic CV is distinctively different from a work CV.
• Include the following:
      – Personal info
      – Education
      – Research Interest
      – Research Experience
      – Professional experience
      – Research publications
      – Skills
      – Professorial affiliation
      – Volunteer activities
      – Referees
• Note: The content may vary depending on the position available and the country.

Step 3: Obtain Your Academic Transcript

• While seeking out Professors that may have vacancies in their Research Laboratory and department, it is customary to submit your Academic Transcript alongside your inquiry mail.
• Your academic transcript may be the official or unofficial one. However, you need to have it handy.
• There are several ways to get this from your institution.

Step 4: Search for Professors

• Once you’ve gathered all the items in steps 1-3, the next step is searching for professors in your research interest.
• Places to search for professors include:
      – Twitter
      – LinkedIn
      – ResearchGate
      – Google Scholar
      – etc.
• To search for a Professor of Chemistry on Twitter:
      – Go to the search bar
      – Type ‘Professor of Chemistry’
      – Click on people
      – Peruse through the dropdown list
• The secret is looking out for Associate and Assistant Professors, as they are usually the ones with research grants and openings.
• Copy out their emails and search out their research publications for use in Step 5.

Step 5: Cold Mailing (Fishing for Vacancies)

• One strong route of finding a GRA/GTA position is by cold mailing.
• A cold mail is a form of ‘solicitation’ mail used to fish for openings in a Professor’s Dept or Lab.
• A good cold mail is one that is able to effectively convince the recipient that you are a high-flying candidate who can add value to their research work.

Academic studies often opens up opportunities for financial support through scholarships, fellowships and assistantships, but are these three forms of aid and their eligibility requirements really the same, or is there something we need to know??

Today, we go on a walk through all three because understanding the differences is a life saver for students in search of funding options for their academic pursuits.

1. FELLOWSHIPS

A fellowship is an award given to postgraduate students to continue their pursuit of an academic focus or interest. They are funded, short-term opportunities, that can last from a few weeks to a few years. They can be focused on professional, academic and/or personal development.

Fellowships are sponsored by a specific association, organization, institution, or government which sets the eligibility requirements. Fellows receive funding but are not considered employees of the organization providing the fellowship.

Fellowships are often designed to support various activities, including:

1. Research, either independent or as part of a larger project
2. Developing new community-based organizations
3. Training within a specific field
4. Opportunities to further explore a particular field of work
5. Graduate Study

Fellowships can provide opportunities for cultural immersion, expanding both professional and personal networks, experiential learning, and professional development – to name just a few. Even the process of applying is beneficial to students, helping them clarify goals and interests, articulate their values and plans for the future, improved presentation and interview skills, and much more.

Example:

A postgraduate student researching climate change might receive a fellowship to study the impact of rising sea levels on coastal communities.

2⃣ Scholarship

A scholarship is a form of financial aid awarded to students for further education. Generally, scholarships are awarded based on a set of criteria such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, and financial need, research experience or specific professional experience.

Scholarships also celebrate academic achievements and provide financial comfort to students. They are usually awarded by universities, private organizations, or government bodies. This is to support students’ education by covering tuition fees, books, and sometimes living expenses.

Though scholarship recipients are not required to repay scholarships, the awards may require that the recipient continue to meet certain requirements during their period of support, such as maintaining a minimum grade point average or engaging in a certain activity (e.g., playing on a school sports team for athletic scholarship holders)

3⃣ Graduate Assistantship

Graduate assistantships are academic merit-based awards that recognize outstanding achievement and provide financial support to students as they pursue their degrees. Both the university and the student benefit from the assistantship.

The student receives professional experience and financial support, while the university gains a student assistant dedicated to advancing its mission. The student provides financial support (salary) in exchange for specific work or responsibilities.

Example:

A graduate student working as a teaching assistant might assist a professor in grading assignments and conducting tutorials.

In Summary:

1. Fellowships are research-focused awards for Graduate Students.
2. Scholarships celebrate achievements and cover educational expenses. Depending on the awarding organization or University, they are open to Undergraduates and Graduate Students.
3. Assistantships involve specific tasks or responsibilities in exchange for financial support. Obviously, graduate assistantships are meant only for Graduate Students.

Romania is an European country that welcomes international students from all origins of life. With its diverse academic offerings, vibrant culture, and relatively affordable living costs, Romania remains an attractive destination for international students seeking an enriching educational experience.

Not sudying in Romania denies you a range of benefits, including access to quality education, opportunities for employment during and after studies, a safe environment, and the potential for citizenship acquisition.

You will lose the following benefits while not studying in the country:

1. Passport Strength: Romania’s passport is moderately strong, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries worldwide.
2. Language: Romania’s official language is Romanian, which is part of the Romance language family. However, many universities offer programs taught in English, making it accessible for international students. Learning Romanian can also be advantageous for cultural immersion and communication within the country.
3. Work after Study: Romania offers favorable conditions for international students to work during their studies and after graduation. Students can work part-time during the academic year and full-time during holidays.

Additionally, graduates can apply for a temporary residence permit to seek employment opportunities in Romania after completing their studies.

4. School Facilities: Romanian universities offer modern facilities and quality education across various fields of study. Many universities have invested in state-of-the-art infrastructure, laboratories, libraries, and research centers, providing students with a conducive learning environment.
5. Security: Romania is generally considered a safe country for international students. The crime rate is relatively low compared to other European countries, and universities often have campus security measures in place to ensure the safety of students.
6. Citizenship Benefits: Students who have lived in Romania for a certain period, typically five years, and meet specific requirements, such as fluency in Romanian and a clean criminal record, may apply for Romanian citizenship.

So Why Must You Not Study in Romania??

No reason at all!

Welcome to Romania.

Applications for the 2024 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition for young writers in Commonwealth countries have commenced.

Successful winners and runner-ups stand a chance to win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events, at a special Awards Ceremony event at the Royal Palace, London.

Host: Royal Commonwealth Society 
Open To: Secondary School Finalists | Postgraduate Students (Masters & PhD)
Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
Benefits: Fully Funded Trip to London | Certification | Prizes
Deadline: May 15, 2024

Each year, young people are asked to write on a theme that explores the Commonwealth’s values and principles, fostering an empathetic and open-minded world view in the next generation of Commonwealth leaders.

Recent themes have focused on the environment, inclusion, the role of youth leadership, and gender equality.

Annually, winners are invited to travel to the United Kingdom for a week of educational and cultural activities, which culminates in a special Awards Ceremony, usually held at Buckingham Palace, that is hosted by the Society’s Vice-Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.

Past winners have gone on to become prominent leaders, including the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Mei Fong, and the renowned author, Elspeth Huxley.

Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition Requirements

To be considered for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, you must:

• Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country
• Be under 18 years of age
• Choose to answer one of the topics, and you are encouraged to interpret this in any way you wish.
• Think carefully about the form of writing you use to answer the topic. There are a variety of forms and styles to play with.
• Make sure to use your own voice and your own words. Judges are very good at spotting work that is not original.
• We understand that English is a diverse language and there are different and innovative ways of using it around the Commonwealth. We encourage diversity and creativity of language in submissions.
• Ensure you take into account grammar and punctuation whilst writing your piece. Do not submit an entry without proof-reading.
• Presentation is important: think about the visual appearance of the entry as well as the quality of the content.

Benefits of Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

• One Winner and Runner Up will be chosen from each category. Winners and Runners Up (accompanied by one adult/guardian) will be brought to London for a week of educational and cultural events, culminating in a special Awards Ceremony.
• A number of Gold Finalist, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards will be given in both the Senior and Junior categories, rewarding excellence in writing.
• All successful entries will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Guidelines for Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

SENIOR CATEGORY

(Born between 16 May 2005 and 15 May 2010 (14-18 years of age))

1. “It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”– Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. What small steps can you take to help tackle the climate crisis?  

2. Write a speech highlighting what you think is the most challenging issue facing the world today, and how Commonwealth values can be used to solve it.

3. At the heart of Samoan way of life is ‘aiga’, meaning ‘family’ values including selflessness, hospitality, co-operation, respect and dignity. What core values and ideas from your culture can be used to enhance co-operation and community in the Commonwealth? 

4. The Commonwealth’s London Declaration aimed to strive for peace, liberty and progress. Write a letter to your President or Prime Minister about how to achieve those aims.

JUNIOR CATEGORY

(Born on or after 16 May 2010 (under 14 years of age))

1. What new habit could you adopt to positively contribute towards a greener Commonwealth?  

• Write a dialogue between yourself and a grandparent about resilience and hope. What can you share with the older generation, and what can you learn from them? 

3. You are taking part in a beach clean-up and discover that you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond?

4. You’re on a school exchange in a Commonwealth country different to your own. How do you make friends with people your age? (Consider similarities and differences in culture that may unite you).

How To Apply for Commonwealth Essay Competition

Interested and qualified young writers should follow the procedures below to apply for the Commonwealth Essay Competition.

• Click on the button below to commence application and submit write-ups.
• Select the category to which you belong (Junior or Senior)
• Click on START to submit your entry

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

Deadline:

May 15, 2024

A Statement of purpose is a rich but concise essay where the applicant clearly justifies their motivations for their choice of research, program, and school with strong reasons for why he/she should be considered for the admission / funding or scholarship.

It is required as part of the application process and serves as an opportunity for you to showcase your qualifications, demonstrate your commitment to the applied field of study, and explains why you are a suitable candidate for the program.

A SOP helps convince the institution on how you can give the institution the best of you. It’s about what you are willing to give and how your effort will transform your career and your field of study. This statement must be very clear, true and upfront.

The SOP should provide a clear and concise narrative that highlights your academic achievements, research experience, relevant skills, and career aspirations. It should also address how the graduate program aligns with your academic and professional goals.

Essential Components of an SOP

Here are some key elements of a statement of purpose:

• Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and providing a brief overview of your academic background, including your undergraduate degree, major, and any relevant coursework or research projects.
• Research experience: Describe any research projects, internships, or work experiences that have shaped your interest in the field and helped you develop relevant skills. Highlight specific achievements or contributions you have made.
• Academic achievements: Discuss any notable academic achievements, such as awards, scholarships, or high grades in relevant coursework. Emphasize how these achievements demonstrate your dedication and aptitude for the field.
• Motivation and goals: Clearly articulate your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in the concerned program and how it aligns with your academic and career goals. Discuss your passion for the subject matter and your long-term aspirations.
• Fit with the program: Explain why you believe the particular graduate program is a good fit for you. Discuss specific courses, faculty members, or research opportunities that align with your interests and explain how you intend to contribute to the program.
• Relevant skills and qualifications:
• Highlight any specific skills or qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, such as technical skills, research methodologies, or relevant work experience. Provide examples to demonstrate your competence.
• Future plans: Outline your intended research interests, potential thesis or dissertation topics, and how you plan to apply your graduate education in your future career. Show that you have a clear vision of how the program will help you achieve your goals.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate your enthusiasm for the program. Avoid clichés and end on a strong and memorable note.

In writing a good SOP especially for Erasmus scholarship, you must know the core values and goals of the programme. For example, if they intend to raise passionate leaders, you must be able to connect all your achievements and short/long term plans to that goal.

Remember to tailor your statement of purpose to each specific program you are applying for highlighting how your background and goals align with the program’s strengths and resources. It’s essential to showcase your unique experiences and perspectives, as well as your passion for the field of study.

The statement of purpose should convince the admissions committee that your achievements show promise for your success in graduate study.

Conclusion

A statement of purpose is an essential part of your application for a graduate program. While your academic transcripts and letters of reference reveal your academic credentials, and your extracurriculars and graduate school resume show your professional capabilities, your statement of purpose gives you the chance to present yourself as a candidate in a more well-rounded and compelling way.

This is your opportunity to make yourself stand out as an applicant! Your preparation for writing and completing the statement of purpose is not unlike your preparations with graduate school interview questions— you need to leave yourself an ample amount of time to ace it.

Of course, each school is different, and you need to make sure you have checked the specific requirements of your chosen institutions before you begin writing your statement. But no matter which school you’re applying to one thing is certain: a strong statement of purpose is crucial to your success!

Dear Graduate School Hopeful,

If pursuing a Graduate degree abroad is your plans for 2024, below are the elementary documents you need to have in place:

Timeline: January to April

1. Passport
2. Academic Transcript
3. BS/MS certificate
4. English Proficiency letter or TOEFL or IELTS
5. Academic CV
6. WES evaluation (if your CGPA is low)
7. Secure and familiarize yourself with your potential recommenders

Timeline: May to July

Here are the things you need to learn how to write:

• Statement of Purpose
• Cold mails
• Personal statement
• Diversity statement
• Cover letter/letter of motivation
• How to send out purposeful cold mails

Timeline: January to August

Skills/Endeavors that you should be involved with that gives your application strength:

1. Volunteering
2. Community Service
3. Leadership/Human capacity building
4. Programming/Machine Learning
5. Research writing and publications

Those who got fully funded offers last year had one things in common; they were purposeful about their quest. If you wish to join the winners band, you need to start now, start early and get your documents set.

Happy New Year, Scholars.

The University of Stirling Scholarship offers Undergraduate students from all over the world £2,000 per year to study in Scotland.

The University of Stirling is an international university with pioneering spirit and a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research, passionate about creating impact in everything.

Host: University of Stirling
Open To: Undergraduate Students
Eligible Countries: All Countries
Beny: £2,000 per year
Deadline: Not Specified

University of Stirling Scholarship offers eligible students £2,000 per year (£8,000 over four years) towards the payment of annual fees. The scholarship is partially funded and intended for international students pursuing undergraduate studies. These scholarships offer a £2,000 annual fee reduction, totaling £8,000 over the four-year duration of the program.

Eligibility Requirements for University of Stirling Scholarship:

To be considered for the University of Stirling Scholarship:

• You must have received a conditional or unconditional offer of admission for an eligible undergraduate course at the University of Stirling starting in January 2024, September 2024 or January 2025.
• You must be classed as an International student for tuition fee purposes.
• Students who successfully progress from any qualifying pathway programme delivered at INTO Stirling onto a University of Stirling undergraduate course are also eligible.
• You must be a full-time international student.
• This scholarship cannot be combined with any other University of Stirling scholarship.

Benefits of 2024 University of Stirling Scholarship

The 2024 University of Stirling Scholarship offers eligible students £2,000 per year (£8,000 over four years) towards the payment of annual fees.

How to Apply for University of Stirling Scholarship

Interested and qualified applicants for the University of Stirling Scholarship should use the link below to complete the application processes.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

Deadline:

Not Specified

The Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for undergraduate students for their full study period.

The recipients, however must maintain good grades, participate in community service and meet WMI deadlines for submitting an official copy of school/course grades, completing the semester report.

Host: Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI)
Open To: Undergraduate Students
Eligible Countries: All Developing Countries
Benefits: Full Scholarship | Monthy Stipends
Deadline: March 1, 2024

The Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship is funded by the Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI), a public charitable foundation based in Bristol, Vermont, USA, which has been approved under the United States Internal Revenue Service.

WMI Scholars are selected through an in-depth multi-step review process. The selected WMI Scholars will be emailed on August 1.

Their names will also be published on our website homepage and the WMI Facebook page. Those who are not selected will also be notified after August 1.

Eligibility requirement for the Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship:

To be considered for the wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship, you must:

• Have successfully completed a secondary education, with good to excellent grades
• Is 35 or under on March 1, 2024
• Will be studying in his or her country or another country in the developing world*
• Is pursuing his or her first bachelor’s degree or diploma
• Will be enrolled in a program of study that will benefit the community and/or contribute to the continued growth and advancement of his or her home country
• Plans to live and work in his or her own country after graduation
• Has demonstrated his or her commitment to giving back and has volunteered prior to applying
• May have some other funds available for his or her education, but will not be able to go to pursue his or her tertiary degree without financial assistance

Benefit of the Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship

Covers tuition fee, school fees and related expenses

Required Documents for the Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship

To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents

1. Clear personal photo
2. Essay (topic is stated on application form)
3. 2023 application form
4. Personal essay statement
5. Two recommendation letters
6. Official transcript of grades from secondary school
7. Official grading key to interpret secondary school grades
8. Official transcript of grades from tertiary studies (if applicable)
9. Official grading key to interpret tertiary grades
10. Official results from your national exam
11. Official grading key to interpret scores on your national exam

How to apply for the Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship

There are two ways to apply for the Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship

Its is either online, or by mailing in a completed application packet to the office.

For applying online: You are to apply by visiting the application portal where you will be asked to create a free account (username and password), fill out information and upload documents.

It is strongly suggested that you apply online as it will provide you with the opportunity to save your work and return multiple times. You will also guarantee that your application, once submitted online, will be received and reviewed.

Questions can be directed to info@wellsmountaininitiative.org.

Mail-in: You will need to print the 2023 application form (available December 1, 2022) and it is your responsibility to clearly complete it and attach all required supporting documents before sending it.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

Deadline:

March 1, 2024