Before starting with the discussion of scholarship opportunities, one should understand the importance of American Law schools. Specifically those who want to establish their career in India after the completion of education. The Bar Council of Indian recognizes graduation (JD) from few American Law Schools, to practice law in India. The main names in the list are as follow:
- Cornell Law School
- Georgetown University
- South Western University
- University of Michigan
- University of Texas
- Marshall School of Law at Williams and Mary
- Syracuse University
Acknowledging the American legal education system is recognized as one of the best legal education systems of the world for the international students to study. But also the financial aspect hinders many students to step forward to take admission into an American university. While the world of scholarships might seem to be as overwhelming as the ocean and since many popular opportunities like ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship are only available to US citizens, there are yet hundreds of options aimed at international students. It is important for you to appreciate this setting as you seek to fashion out the most befitting funding model towards your legal education in the United States. To name few scholarships those are specific for Law schools:
- Frederick Douglass Transfer Scholarship
- Puerto Rican Federation Scholarship
- Public Interest Law Scholarship
- Mexican American Alumni Association Law School Scholarship
- Women’s International Law Society Scholarship
- Columbia University School of Law Transfer Scholarship
- Earl Warren Scholarship
- New York City Bar Association Patrice L.M. Laws Scholarship
All the top-ranked American law schools provide for a healthy scholarship program for foreigners. These institutions understand the importance of the international perspective to their classrooms and go out of their way to support international students. There are academic and leadership scholarships that go to students with excellent academic performance and an inclination to lead, fully-funded need-based programs that analyze your financial situation to make legal education affordable. Many schools also have diversity scholarships that encourage different cultural views, and regional scholarships that seek to enroll students from certain countries or regions.
Private Organizations Sponsored Programs
As a rule, these scholarships are for those students who need financial support in order to continue their education. The funding of international legal education is mainly funded through the private sector. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program can be considered one of the most remarkable ones, as it provides winners with extensive grants which cover normally all costs, including tuition fees. The International Bar Association has specific scholarships for future international lawyers and many regional law societies have particular funding to offer. As with most private scholarships, these awards may actually entail career-building connections and training that go beyond monetary rewards.
Government-Sponsored Programs
The sponsorship of education abroad is another way through which many countries build their future legal advisors. Scholarships from government ministry may provide education to those students who will work for government ministry after their return back to their respective countries. Students get an opportunity through educational exchange programs. These government funded opportunities mostly provide end-to-end financial support for your business but you may have to serve the government or work in specific sectors once you’re done with your studies.
Interested applicants should read the following article to learn about the basic do’s for a successful application:
Start Early
Another tip on the matter is that you should start your scholarship search process much earlier than you think it will be needed. A lead time of 12- 18 months lets you have ample time to research opportunities, develop strong applications and complete early deadlines for the best programs. This timeline also allows for a cushion to be created in case someone needs to rush to obtain necessary paperwork, sit for necessary tests or work on building rapport with potential recommenders.
Build a Strong Profile
Your scholastic achievements are your starting point and include your CGPA and your test scores. In addition to course work, leadership experiences demonstrate your capacity for service to the profession. Legal internships or past work experience is a proof that you really want to be in the field. The TOEFL test scores and experience of using English in practice helps to convince that you are ready for legal studies in English.
Scholarships Financial Planning
Additional Funding Sources
It is possible that in order to achieve a comprehensive funding strategy a number of aid instruments are used. The part-time jobs available in visa constraints can be a source of extra income which also creates exposure to the students. Both research and teaching assistantships help you to obtain funding and improve your academic outcomes. Professional cooperative grants and fellowships can help to complete the financing. Some students may have to take private loans with international cosigners in order to fill out the last gaps of funding.
Cost Management Strategies
Financial management is not just limited to obtaining of scholarships as stated above. More so, it is essential to create a detailed living budget in order to avoid any unexpected expenses. It shields you from exorbitant healthcare costs when you comprehend the type of coverage you have and that which you lack. Some examples of cost cutting include: living in a cheap area, sharing the house or apartment with other people. Transportation as well as other academic needs is a crucial aspect that would help shape a figure of how cash –strapped your journey to academic success will be.
Ready to begin your journey?
Call us today to find out more about how we can help you choose your way to studying law in United States. Reach out to our knowledgeable consultants because we deal with funding for international students pursuing law degrees. We are able to assist you in finding good suitable opportunities, writing powerful applications and outlining a good financial plan.
Updated December 2024: Scholarship information and conditions can be rather different. The reader should note that the information may change, and consult the institutions for the most current information.
– The Author is Mr. Ajay Thiara , Founder & Managing Director of 360 College Review