The Liberal Arts Institution - Ashoka University has nearly doubled its scholarships to Rs 21 crore for the incoming undergraduate class of 2015. In August, more than two-thirds of the undergraduate students of the university will receive scholarships ranging from 10 per cent to 112 per cent of the total tuition fee.
According to the university's scholarship model, deserving students will be granted admission to the undergraduate programme on the basis of merit, irrespective of the individual’s ability to pay the fees.
For its first undergraduate batch last year, the university had offered Rs 10.8 crore worth of scholarships to deserving students. Thus, 68 per cent of the current undergraduate batch has received some form of scholarship.
“We are keen to attract the best talent in the country and would like to groom them into future leaders by giving them a world-class liberal education, here in India," said Vineet Gupta, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Founder, Ashoka University. "We offer admission on merit but give scholarships on need.”
Ashoka looks at a student’s family income, the number of earning members, the number of dependents, their assets, and the liabilities of the family, while evaluating a student’s need for aid. Special circumstances are also given consideration. The entirety of their finances is taken into account while computing the percentage of scholarship that a student will get.
Last year, 13.5 per cent of the undergraduate batch were awarded full scholarships. Half of these were ‘exceptional scholarships (112 per cent)’ which even cover students’ daily food costs, books, stationery and accommodation.
“For us the tuition fee is a range, not an absolute number. Many families may think they have a lesser chance to get a scholarship or that they may not qualify, but this is not the case and we will surprise you. In our first year, 88 out of 133 students were on scholarship and many of them come from middle class and upper middle class families,” added Gupta.
Ashoka's admissions process for the coming batch has already began. Students can apply by June 15 using the online application portal on the website.