#scholarship #graduate #internationalstudent #financialaid #tuition #university #admission #scholarshipissue
π Congratulations on receiving a full-ride scholarship to attend a graduate school in the US! That is such an amazing accomplishment, and I can only imagine how excited you must have been to start this new chapter in your academic journey. However, it is disheartening to hear that the school is now trying to reduce your scholarship amount, especially after you have made significant life decisions based on the initial terms provided. In this article, we will explore steps you can take to address this issue and potentially ensure that the university honors the original terms of your scholarship.
## Understanding the Situation
As an international student, navigating the world of scholarships and financial aid in a new country can be overwhelming. It is crucial to understand the details surrounding your scholarship offer and the terms laid out by the university. In your case, the initial scholarship amount of $80k was confirmed to cover tuition and expenses for your study over two years.
## Communicating with the University
1. **Review Your Documentation**: Go back to the original acceptance letter and any communication regarding the scholarship offer. Make sure to gather all relevant information to support your case.
2. **Schedule a Meeting**: Reach out to the financial aid office or the relevant department at the university to discuss the situation in person or via email. It is essential to maintain a professional and respectful tone during all interactions.
3. **Seek Clarification**: Ask the university to provide a detailed explanation of the reasons behind the sudden reduction in your scholarship amount. Inquire about any recourse available to address this issue.
## Presenting Your Case
1. **Highlight the Initial Offer**: Remind the university of the original scholarship terms provided in your acceptance letter. Emphasize the commitment you made based on this information, such as quitting your job and paying the tuition deposit.
2. **Demonstrate Financial Impact**: Clearly articulate how the reduced scholarship amount of $50k will impact your ability to fund your education in the US. Provide evidence of any financial constraints you may face in securing the additional $30k.
3. **Request Resolution**: Politely request that the university reconsider their decision and honor the original terms of your scholarship offer. Propose potential solutions, such as extending the scholarship period or exploring alternative funding options.
## Seeking External Support
If you encounter challenges in resolving the issue directly with the university, consider reaching out to external resources for assistance. This may include:
– **International Student Services**: Seek guidance from the international student office at the university for support in navigating scholarship disputes.
– **Legal Aid Services**: Consult with a legal advisor specializing in education law to explore your rights and potential legal remedies in this situation.
– **Community Organizations**: Connect with advocacy groups or organizations that assist international students with scholarship and financial aid matters.
## Moving Forward
Regardless of the outcome, it is essential to remain proactive and advocate for your rights as a scholarship recipient. Keep detailed records of all communications and document any agreements reached with the university.
Remember, you have worked hard to secure this scholarship, and you deserve to receive the benefits promised to you. Stay resilient, seek assistance when needed, and continue pursuing your academic goals with determination.
Congratulations once again on your scholarship award, and best of luck in resolving this issue with the university. Your perseverance and dedication will undoubtedly lead you to success in your academic pursuits.
Are you sure that the 80k didnβt include tuition? And the 50k is your stipend?
Also, the average cost for a doctoral degree in the US is $134,000. And if you didnβt have to work, you could probably get it done in three years.
So around $45,000 a year.
I know in Nevada you can also work as a grad student. Minimum $1850 per month working 20 hours a week.
Something isnβt adding up?
Does your grad school have a union? They would be very interested to hear about this and would be able to provide you with legal support.
Not much you can do legally speaking. You can try to reiterate to the school that you cannot afford the cost of tuition but they are not legally obligated to pay you if there is no contract yet.
Also, $80k? Is that how much grad school usually costs?
This is a legit school, right? Not one of those for-profit colleges?
You say you’re an international student, where are you located now and where is the school located?
You certainly have aΒ promissory estoppel claim based on your telling of events, considering they made and confirmed a scholarship offer, and you relied on that promise to your detriment in a way that let to quantifiable monetary damages. But lawsuits aren’t fast, and if you’re in another country they may not even be possible at all.
Contact the university and ask to speak to the dean of student services. Explain the situation professionally and that they either need to a)honor the original contract or b) you will be seeing damages for lost wages and breach of contract. You may be able to get a lawyer to help you draft a letter for around $100 to scare them away little. I had a similar situation and it was resolved.
You generally canβt.