Financial need is one of the most important criteria for many need-based scholarships aimed at African students looking to study abroad.
With tuition fees and living costs being high in countries like the US, Australia, UK, Canada etc., demonstrating that you require financial assistance is key to getting those coveted scholarships that can make the difference in being able to afford an international education.
In this comprehensive guide, we provide tips, strategies and insight on how African students can put forward a strong case for financial need when applying for scholarships.
What is Financial Need?
Financial need refers to the gap between the total cost of attendance at a university and the amount a student and their family can contribute. The cost of attendance includes books, tuition fees, room and board, supplies, transportation, personal expenses and more.
Universities and scholarship providers will assess the student’s family income and assets to determine the expected family contribution. The difference between the total cost and expected family contribution is the student’s demonstrated financial need.
For African students, especially those from low-income families, the expected family contribution is often very low. This increases their eligibility for need-based aid. By properly demonstrating this need, students have a higher chance of getting those scholarships.
Why Financial Need Matters for Scholarships
Many scholarships, especially those from universities and large foundations, are based specifically on financial need. They are trying to help disadvantaged students who may not otherwise be able to afford studying abroad.
The financial aid application forms require students to provide detailed financial information. This helps them analyze need and determine scholarship amounts. Top need-based scholarships like the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship rigorously assess applicant need before selection.
Even scholarships that consider factors like academics and leadership may still view financial need favorably. It shows perseverance and motivation to succeed against the odds. Making a compelling case for your need can get you ahead of other applicants.
How Scholarship Providers Assess Financial Need
Scholarship providers use the following documents and information to verify financial need:
1. Income Documents
This includes:
- Tax returns to confirm salary/income level of parents
- Pay stubs and bank statements to determine monthly income
- Documentation on family assets like property
2. University Financial Aid Forms
Forms like the CSS Profile collect:
- Family income, expenses and savings
- Value of home, vehicles and investments
- Debts, assets and taxes paid
3. Budgets and Expenses
Itemized budgets help assess what students can realistically afford. Expenses considered include:
- Tuition & fees for the academic program
- Accommodation & living costs
- Textbooks, supplies & equipment
- Transportation & commuting
- Health insurance premiums
- Personal expenses
4. Sibling Education Costs
If siblings are also enrolled in education, those costs affect affordability.
5. Interviews and Essays
Financial need essays and interviews allow applicants to describe their family circumstances, challenges, and how scholarships will enable them to achieve their goals.
Tips for Demonstrating Financial Need
Follow these top tips when applying for need-based scholarships:
Highlight Low Family Income: Emphasize your family’s low annual income relative to the cost of studying abroad. For example, note if your family’s total income is less than the annual tuition fees alone. This demonstrates that self-funding is impossible.
Get Supporting Documents: Have financial records like income statements and tax returns ready. Ask employers to provide documentation about parent income. Submitting verifiable evidence builds a stronger case.
Detail Family Expenses: Describe major costs and expenses your family has to meet – e.g. housing, healthcare, elder care, debts, daily needs. This gives context on affordability challenges.
Explain Limited Assets: Note if your family has few assets like property, vehicles, savings etc. Explain that they cannot liquidate assets or draw on savings to fund your education.
List Personal or Family Hardships: If personal issues like loss of employment, accidents or health problems have affected income security, highlight this. Can help justify greater need.
Calculate the Expected Family Contribution: Use online EFC calculators to estimate your family’s expected contribution. Then compare this to the total cost of attendance to demonstrate gap.
Discuss Other Education Costs: If siblings are also in school/college, explain these costs make it very difficult to afford another international education.
Share Possible Budget Constraints: Create a budget showing estimated costs you may face and places you may need to cut back to afford education abroad.
Write a Strong Financial Need Essay: The essay gives a chance to fully explain your financial circumstances and need for aid. Create a persuasive essay that leaves no doubt.
Common Questions on Demonstrating Need
Here are some common questions students have about demonstrating financial need:
How do I estimate my family’s expected contribution?
Use online EFC calculators that consider your family income, assets, size and other factors. Results provide an estimate of the amount you are expected to contribute. Compare this to the total cost of attendance. The difference is your demonstrated financial need.
What if I don’t have tax documentation for family income?
Provide alternate proof like employment verification letters, pay stubs, bank statements, or letter explaining why tax records are unavailable. The scholarship committee may still be able to assess income without tax returns in some cases.
Should I convert family income to USD?
Some forms may require entering income and asset details in USD. Try to convert figures approximately using online currency converters to get close estimates. Exact conversion rate on the day of filling the form can be different but won’t significantly impact assessment.
What if my family can cover a portion of costs but not all?
Make note if your family has some capacity to contribute partially. Scholarship amounts are adjusted to complement the expected family contribution. Being transparent gives you the optimal scholarship amount without overestimating need.
Do I need family assets if I have a low income?
Even with a low family income, some assets like property or vehicles could be seen as available resources. Try to minimize and explain assets. For example, note if cars are old and can’t be sold, or if home is mortgaged so has limited resale value.
How do I request parents’ financial data confidentially?
Most forms allow financial details to be submitted separately by parents to maintain privacy. Or parents can share data directly with the institution through secure online portals maintaining confidentiality. Speak to your parents openly about the need for sharing this data.
Key Takeaways
- Carefully assess costs, family income and assets when applying for need-based scholarships. Create a detailed budget and estimate the gap.
- Submit verifiable income documents and complete all financial aid forms comprehensively.
- Explain family circumstances, expenses and challenges transparently to build trust.
- Use tools like EFC calculators to estimate your family’s expected contribution and demonstrate the remaining need.
- Write persuasive financial need essays that convey your unique situation and strengthen your case.
Demonstrating financial need with concrete numbers, proof and compelling descriptions can make your scholarship application much more powerful. With some diligence and planning, African students can greatly improve their chances of securing those critical scholarships that make an international education possible.