Scholarships for Disabled Students Abroad | How To Apply

Scholarships for Disabled Students – Access to scholarship opportunities significantly aids the learning process for students by reducing the financial burden of education. This, in turn, encourages more students to pursue their studies.

The United Nations’ fourth sustainable development goal advocates for quality education for all, a vision that must include students living with disabilities.

These students, whom I prefer to call “Disabled persons,” navigate life in ways that are different but no less valuable than the norm. They have adapted to society and the environment in unique ways, demonstrating remarkable resilience and resourcefulness. Society must recognize their humanity and provide them with the same opportunities as everyone else.

Scholarships for Disabled Students

The UNESCO World Education Forum in 2015 highlighted the importance of developing education policies that focus on marginalized groups, including Disabled students.

Quality education is a fundamental right for every individual, not a privilege reserved for a few. Despite this, many Disabled persons are forced to dream small due to their circumstances. They face numerous challenges that limit their potential and discourage them from aspiring to greater heights.

Challenges Faced by Disabled Students

1. Inadequate Structure: Many educational systems, especially in developing countries, lack the infrastructure to accommodate Disabled students. This issue extends beyond education to other areas of public life, where facilities are often not wheelchair-friendly. Such structural inadequacies severely impact the quality of education these students receive.
2. Inadequate Facilities: Learning facilities tailored to the needs of Disabled students are often scarce, particularly in developing nations. The lack of appropriate healthcare systems further exacerbates their plight, forcing them to adapt to their limitations rather than overcoming them.
3. Inadequate Funding: The high cost of living and limited financial resources of families often prevent Disabled students from accessing the necessities they need for their education and well-being. This financial strain is a significant barrier to their educational opportunities.
4. Inadequate Orientation: Society needs a shift in perspective regarding Disabled individuals. Teachers, students, caregivers, and parents should be educated on how to interact with these students without focusing on their conditions. Emotional maturity and sensitivity are crucial in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

Addressing these challenges is essential for ensuring that every student, regardless of their abilities, has access to quality education and the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.

Types of Disabilities

Understanding the various types of disabilities helps us better appreciate the specific needs of Disabled students and how we can support them effectively. According to Johns Hopkins University, the following are some common types of disabilities:

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1. Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD involves chronic disturbances in brain areas that regulate attention and impulse control, affecting cognitive tasks, motor functions, and social interactions. It is treatable but not curable and affects a significant portion of the population.
2. Blindness/Low Vision: Visual disabilities range from total blindness to low vision. Blind students rely on Braille or other nonvisual media for learning, while those with low vision use a combination of vision and other senses.
3. Brain Injuries: Brain injuries, often resulting from accidents, poisoning, infections, or lack of oxygen, are a rapidly growing category of disabilities, especially among young adults.
4. Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Students with hearing impairments require different communication methods depending on the degree of hearing loss and age of onset.
5. Learning Disabilities: These neurologically based disabilities affect areas like listening, reading, speaking, writing, reasoning, and other intellectual processes.
6. Medical Disabilities: These encompass conditions affecting one or more body systems, such as respiratory, immunologic, or circulatory systems.
7. Physical Disabilities: Resulting from accidents, congenital conditions, or progressive neuromuscular diseases, physical disabilities vary widely in their impact.
8. Psychiatric Disabilities: These include a range of behavioral and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, and compromised reality assessment.
9. Speech and Language Disabilities: These issues, arising from hearing loss, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, or physical conditions, include problems with stuttering, stammering, and articulation.

Scholarship Opportunities for Disabled Students

Various scholarships are available to support Disabled students in their educational pursuits. Here are some notable examples:

1. Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) College Scholarship Program

This merit-based scholarship is open to deaf or hard-of-hearing students, including international undergraduates and graduate students.

2. Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship

This scholarship supports students pursuing undergraduate degrees in the US, particularly those interested in STEM, law, business, or related fields.

3. Google Europe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

Open to students enrolled or planning to enroll in European universities, this scholarship covers bachelor’s, master’s, and postdoctoral degrees in STEM and related fields.

4. Google Lime Scholarship Program

Available to Disabled students from any country studying computer science or related technical fields in the US or Canada.

5. Oxford-Wadham Graduate Scholarship for Disabled Students

This fully funded scholarship is for EU and international students with outstanding academic performance, pursuing a master’s degree at Wadham College, University of Oxford.

6. Snowden Trust Grants

Sponsored by the Snowden Trust, this UK-based charity award is for students with physical or sensory disabilities from any country who wish to study in the UK.

7. University College London (UCL) Fees and Funding for Students with Disabilities

This financial support is for Disabled international students from outside the UK.

8. Disability Grants Higher Education Grants for the Disabled

This list includes various funding opportunities for students wishing to study in the UK.

9. QS Undergraduate Scholarship

Open to undergraduate students seeking to study at universities featured in the QS rankings.

10. University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) Scholarships Disability Bursary

This scholarship is for Disabled international students pursuing graduate or postgraduate degrees at UWTSD.

Applying for STEM Scholarships: Important Tips

When applying for scholarships, especially in the STEM field, there are specific requirements and best practices to keep in mind:

1. Identify Your Discipline: Clearly define the specific discipline you want to major in before applying. Many scholarships are discipline-specific, and applying for the wrong one can appear unprofessional.
2. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary information accurately.
3. Mind the Deadline: Submit your application before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
4. Proofread: Have someone proofread your application to ensure accuracy and clarity.
5. Seek Advice: Reach out to previous applicants for tips and advice on the application process.

Conclusion

Scholarship opportunities can be a transformative force in the lives of Disabled students, opening doors to quality education and enabling them to pursue their dreams. Society must recognize and support their unique needs, ensuring they receive the same opportunities as everyone else. By addressing the structural, facility, funding, and orientation challenges they face, we can create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for all.

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