Application Process

Application Timeline

For new applicants

  • Application begin date: September 1 of each calendar year
  • Application end date: December 15 of each calendar year

For returning applicants

  • Fall semester/quarter: December 15–31
  • Spring semester/quarter: July 15–31

The application form and all required documents must be submitted to FGSITC on or before the deadline.

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How to Apply

1. Complete the Scholarship Application Form, ensure all sections of the form are accurately filled out. For returning applicants, see the Renewal Requirements page.

2. Write an Essay (minimum of 500 words) include the following details:

    • The college you plan to attend or are currently attending.
    • Your background and academic achievements.
    • Your educational and career goals.

Note: Include a cover page with a current photo, your legal name, phone number, and email address.

3. For Graduating High School Seniors:

    • Submit your final high school transcript.
    • Provide official proof of college registration for the upcoming semester/quarter as a full-time student (minimum of 12 units).

4. For Current Undergraduate College Students:

    • Submit an enrollment verification of your full-time status.
    • Provide an official transcript of all previous semesters/quarters.
    • Include official proof of registration for the upcoming semester/quarter as a full-time student.

5. Submit Your Application and Documents:

Online Option:

Email Option:

    • Email all materials (as PDFs) to scholarship@fgsitc.org before the deadline. 
    • Email Subject Line: “Buddhism Friendship Scholarship Application”

Note: All documents must be received by the application deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

6. Confirmation

    • You will receive an email confirmation once your application is received.
    • Only completed applications with all required documents will be processed.

If you have any questions, please contact us. You can also find more information in our Frequently Asked Questions & Glossary of Terms.

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Interview Process

After the FGSITC Scholarship Committee reviews all applications and required documents, qualified applicants will be notified via email to schedule an in-person interview. Please note that being invited for an interview does not guarantee selection for the scholarship program.

How to Prepare for the Interview

To succeed in your in-person interview, consider the following key areas:

    • Interest in Buddhism: Be ready to discuss your curiosity and interest in learning more about Buddhism. Think about how it relates to your personal values, education, or future goals.
    • Willingness to Translate, Rewrite, and Edit: Prepare to demonstrate your openness to tasks involving translating, rewriting, or editing. Consider sharing past experiences or expressing your enthusiasm to develop these skills.
    • Creativity in Graphic Design: If you have any experience or interest in graphic design, be prepared to showcase examples of your work or discuss how your creativity could contribute to related projects.

Being prepared to talk about these areas will help you convey your strengths and alignment with this program’s objectives.

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Evaluation Process

  1. Review: Applicants will be reviewed by the FGSITC Scholarship Committee based on the submitted documents, interview, and overall eligibility.
  2. Reapplication: Students who fail to meet all criteria will become ineligible for the scholarship in the subsequent semester. However, they may reapply once they meet the eligibility requirements again.
  3. Final Decision: There is no appeal process for non-selections. The decisions made by the scholarship committee are final.

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Disbursement of Funds

Eligible recipients will be awarded two thousand dollars ($2,000) per year for up to four years, distributed in two disbursements—one for the Fall semester/quarter and one for the Spring semester/quarter.

  • The scholarship check will be sent directly to the recipient’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Office at their institution of attendance.
  • Recipients are responsible for coordinating with their respective institutions regarding the disbursement of funds and ensuring that the funds do not affect their overall financial aid eligibility.

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Required Application Documents

Scholarship Application Sample Package (PDF)

  • Completed Application Form
  • Essay
  • Transcript
  • Acceptable verification letter or proof of registration
Submit Your Application Online