Partners36 Scholarships

What is Partners36?

Partners36 is a global network of highereducation institutions that share a common commitment to providing affordable, highquality education for students worldwide. By pooling resources, expertise, and bestpractice teaching methods, the Partners36 consortium enables member universities to keep tuition fees low while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

The Partners36 Scholarship is the flagship financialaid program created by the consortium. It is designed to remove economic barriers for highpotential learners, especially those from underrepresented or lowincome backgrounds. Since its launch in 2018, the scholarship has supported thousands of students across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Eligibility Criteria

While specific requirements may vary slightly between partner institutions, the core eligibility rules are consistent across the network:

• Academic Merit: A minimum GPA of 2.5 (or equivalent) in the most recent completed study level.
• Financial Need: Demonstrated household income below the national median, verified by a simple income declaration form.
• Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must be permanent residents or citizens of a country where a Partners36 institution operates.
• Program of Study: The scholarship is open to undergraduate degrees, selected diplomas, and certain postgraduate programmes offered by partner universities.
• English Proficiency: For nonEnglishspeaking applicants, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) is required.

Students can apply for multiple Partner institutions simultaneously, but each application must be submitted directly to the chosen university.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Partners36 Scholarship is a comprehensive package that may include:

• Tuition Waiver: Up to 100% of tuition fees for the first two years of study.
• Living Stipend: A monthly allowance to cover accommodation, meals, and basic transport.
• Learning Materials: Free access to ebooks, software licences, and laboratory kits.
• Mentorship Programme: Each scholar is paired with a senior student or faculty mentor.
• Career Services: Priority access to internships, job fairs, and graduate recruitment events.

How to Apply

Applying for a Partners36 Scholarship follows a straightforward, threestep process:

1. Choose a Partner Institution

Visit the Partners36 university directory to explore accredited campuses, available programmes, and locationspecific details.

2. Prepare Your Documents

The required documents typically include:

• Completed online scholarship application form.
• Official academic transcripts.
• Proof of income (e.g., tax return, payslip, or a notarised declaration).
• Copy of passport or national ID.
• English language test results (if applicable).
• A personal statement (max 500 words) explaining your motivation, career goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
• Two reference letters one academic and one from a community leader or employer.

3. Submit & Await Decision

All documents are uploaded through the universitys portal. Most institutions complete the review within 46 weeks. Successful candidates receive an official award letter, detailing the scholarships terms and the next steps for enrolment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for more than one Partners36 scholarship?

Yes. You may submit separate applications to different partner universities. However, you can only accept one award at a time.

Will the scholarship be renewed for later years of study?

Renewal is contingent on maintaining the minimum GPA (usually 2.5) and continued demonstration of financial need. Most scholars receive renewal offers after an academic review at the end of each year.

Do I have to study on campus?

Most Partners36 programmes are campusbased, but several institutions now offer blended or fully online delivery. Scholarships are applicable to both modes, provided the chosen programme is listed as eligible.

What if I change my major after starting the program?

Changing majors is permitted, but you must inform the scholarship office. A significant change may require a reevaluation of eligibility, especially if the new programme has different tuition fees.

Is there a service obligation after graduation?

No mandatory workservice clause exists. However, many scholars choose to give back by volunteering in community projects or mentoring future applicants, reflecting the spirit of the Partners36 network.