At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), pursuing an education demands not only financial resources but also intellectual performance. Acknowledging the potential financial obstacles faced by students, external scholarships are offered to reduce the cost of an MIT degree. We examine seven notable external scholarships that can offer financial assistance to students at different phases of their academic journeys in this thorough analysis. These scholarships, which span a variety of fields, are intended to assist people who have demonstrated remarkable academic success, the ability to take on leadership roles, and a dedication to community service. Every scholarship has different advantages, such as mentorship, networking possibilities, and financial support. To assist prospective MIT students in navigating the array of outside funding sources, let’s take a closer look at these scholarships.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship:
Scholarships for graduate students, particularly those seeking postgraduate degrees at universities like MIT, are available from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. The purpose of the award is to assist deserving students who are struggling financially. It pays for books, living expenses, tuition, and other necessary fees. Typically, the eligibility requirements include potential for leadership, financial necessity, and superior academic performance.
- Amount: The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship provides up to $50,000 per year to cover tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees.
- Perks: In addition to financial support, recipients gain access to personalized advising, networking opportunities, and a community of scholars.
- Eligibility:
- Exceptional academic achievement.
- Demonstrated financial need.
- Leadership and service involvement.
Paul and Daisy Soros New American Fellowships:
The Soros Fellowships for New Americans are intended for graduate students studying in the United States who are immigrants or the offspring of immigrants. Students at MIT might benefit from this fellowship. The scholarship covers living and educational costs. Creativity, leadership potential, and a track record of public service are common selection factors.
- Amount: The Soros Fellowship provides a stipend of $25,000 plus half of tuition costs, up to a maximum of $20,000 per year.
- Perks: Recipients benefit from opportunities for professional development, networking, and mentorship.
- Eligibility:
- New American status (immigrant or child of immigrants).
- Academic achievement, creativity, and leadership.
Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship:
Students seeking a Ph.D. in engineering, mathematics, or the applied physical and biological sciences are supported by the Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship. Together with complete tuition reimbursement, the fellowship offers a living allowance. Academic achievement, leadership ability, and the potential to make contributions to the area are the criteria used to choose recipients.
- Amount: The Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship covers full tuition and provides a stipend of $34,000 per academic year.
- Perks: Fellows join a network of high-achieving individuals and receive mentorship and opportunities for career development.
- Eligibility:
- Pursuing a Ph.D. in physical sciences, biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering.
- Academic excellence, leadership, and potential for impact in the field.
Fellowship Programs of the Ford Foundation:
Pre-doctoral, dissertation and post-doctoral fellowships are among the several fellowship programs that the Ford Foundation offers. These initiatives encourage academics who are dedicated to tackling social justice issues and seek to diversify the faculty at American colleges. While there are different requirements for eligibility, candidates usually show a dedication to inclusion, equity, and diversity.
- Amount: Fellowship amounts vary depending on the specific program. For instance, the pre-doctoral fellowship provides an annual stipend of $27,000.
- Perks: Fellows gain access to a community of scholars, conferences, and opportunities for professional development.
- Eligibility:
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Pursuing research aligned with the goals of the Ford Foundation.
Google Scholarship in Honor of Anita Borg:
The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship is intended only for female students seeking degrees in technology, computer science, or related STEM fields. This scholarship is not MIT-specific, however, it can help MIT students enrolled in related programs. Scholarship recipients receive financial aid, and the program’s goal is to inspire female excellence in technology and computing.
- Amount: The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship varies by region but generally includes a monetary award and an invitation to the annual Google Scholars’ Retreat.
- Perks: Recipients gain visibility, networking opportunities, and mentorship from Google experts.
- Eligibility:
- Identifying as a woman.
- Enrolled in or accepted into a graduate program in computer science, technology, or a related field.
Graduate Fellowship in Science and Engineering for the National Defense (NDSEG):
Graduate students studying science and engineering are supported by the Department of Defense through the NDSEG Fellowship. Students at MIT who are interested in these disciplines of study could find this fellowship beneficial. It offers both a stipend and tuition reimbursement. Candidates are assessed according to their research potential and academic record.
- Amount: NDSEG Fellowship covers full tuition and provides a stipend of $38,400 for per year.
- Perks: Fellows have access to a network of defense researchers, government opportunities, and mentorship.
- Eligibility:
- U.S. citizenship.
- Pursuing a Ph.D. in science or engineering.
- Demonstrated ability and interest in a defense-related career.
Program for MIT Sloan MBA Fellows:
For students seeking an MBA, the MIT Sloan MBA Fellows Program is noteworthy even though it isn’t an external fellowship in the conventional sense. This special program combines a paid leadership development fellowship with a full-time, one-year MBA. Along with working on actual business difficulties, participants get a sizable stipend.
- Amount: The MIT Sloan MBA Fellows Program covers tuition and provides a stipend for living expenses during the MBA program. The exact amount is unrevealed
- Perks: Fellows engage in hands-on projects, gain leadership experience, and receive mentoring.
- Eligibility:
- Applicants must be admitted to the MIT Sloan MBA program.
- Typically, applicants have at least five years of work experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these external scholarships offer not only financial assistance but also opportunities for mentorship, networking, and community engagement, contributing to a more accessible and enriching MIT education. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore each scholarship’s specific eligibility criteria and benefits on the official websites to tailor their applications effectively.