Next Genius Scholarship: A US scholarship for Indian students
The Next Genius Scholarship Program for 2021-22 is an American scholarship for Indian nationals who wish to study undergraduate degree courses in the USA. This initiative is by a US charitable trust called Next Genius Foundation which provides funding for meritorious Indian students who have successfully passed the class XII final exams. This scholarship will cover a duration of four years during which a student may study any of his or her chosen subjects from any field, in 14 acclaimed US-based colleges. The Foundation offers this scholarship to around 100 students and invest USD 10 million. Here’s everything interested candidates need to know about this scholarship.
Eligibility criteria
- Candidates must be Indian citizens settled in India or abroad.
- Candidates who are OCI cardholders are also eligible for this scholarship.
- Candidates who are foreign nationals but stay in India can also apply for this scholarship.
- Candidates who must have passed class 12 (in their gap year) or are currently studying in class 12 may also apply.
Selection criteria
Candidates will be judged on the basis of:
- Critical thinking skills: Candidates who have outstanding creative and problem-solving abilities, both on academic and nonacademic fronts, will be preferred.
- Soft skills: Candidates who have excellent team spirit, leadership qualities, communication prowess and optimistic outlook will be given preference.
- Strong personal vision: Candidates must be willing to be an active member of Next Genius Foundation and do social service.
- Affordability: Candidates who can afford to pay part of the conveyance, living and education expenses for 4 years (up to INR 10 lakh)
Selection process
The selection process comprises of 4 stages.
- Stage 1: Candidates need to appear for an exam called ‘Online Critical Thinking Test.’ The highest scoring candidates will be selected for the next rounds.
- Stage 2: Candidates who are shortlisted will be given information about the colleges, courses offered and the details of the scholarship.
- Stage 3: Candidates after making their choices will need to fill up an application form, pay the application fee waiver and submit it.
- Stage 4: Selected candidates will need to appear for a personal interview with the Next Genius Foundation authorities and the admission officer of their respective colleges.
Benefits
75% or more of the tuition fees will be waivered by the Next Genius Foundation from the time the candidate reaches USA for studies. It will be offered for 4 years during which the candidate needs to complete his or her undergraduate degree. The rest of the amount will have to be spent by the candidates themselves.
Application details
Registration and the online stage 1 exam should be completed before 12th October 2021. The deadline for the college application submission is 1st January 2022. The interview sessions will be held in between 21st and 22nd January 2022. The deadline for the confirmation of the scholarship is 1st May 2022.