A scholarship is a monetary award given to a student for academic achievement and promise. Some, however, consider financial needs as well. Scholarships are not required to be repaid. You can apply for three types of scholarships: university scholarships, department-sponsored scholarships, and external (non-UNT) scholarships. Obtaining a full free scholarship in the United States is a difficult process, but it is possible if you have outstanding academic achievements, exceptional talents, and financial needs.

Applying for scholarships in the USA typically involves the following steps:

• Scholarship research: Begin by looking into scholarships that are available to you. You can find scholarships that match your skills, interests, and qualifications by using online search engines such as Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex.
• Checking eligibility: Once you’ve found scholarships that interest you, carefully review their eligibility requirements. Some scholarships may be restricted to specific regions, disciplines, or demographic groups.
• Preparing your application materials: Scholarship applications typically require the submission of an application form, transcripts, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials. Gather all required documents and begin preparing them as soon as possible to ensure that you meet the application deadline.
• Scholarship applications: Submit your applications to the scholarships for which you are eligible and interested. Make sure to carefully read the application instructions and submit your materials by the deadline.
• Following up: After submitting your scholarship applications, you may need to contact the scholarship providers to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application.
• Acceptance of an award: If you are chosen for a scholarship, you will typically be notified via email or mail. Additional steps may be required, such as accepting the scholarship offer, providing additional documentation, or attending an interview.
• Renewal: Some scholarships are renewable for multiple years; however, in order to continue receiving the scholarship, you must maintain your eligibility and meet the renewal requirements.

In addition to these steps, you can think about ways to improve your academic performance, participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer, and network with scholarship providers and alumni to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.

What GPA is required for scholarships USA?

The GPA required for scholarships in the United States varies depending on the scholarship programme, but most scholarships require a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Some scholarships, however, may have higher GPA requirements, such as 3.0, 3.5, or even 4.0. Scholarships may take into account factors other than GPA, such as test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Certain majors, academic programmes, or demographic groups may also have specific GPA requirements for scholarships. It’s critical to research the specific scholarship programmes you’re interested in to find out what GPA requirements and other eligibility criteria they have.

What is the easiest scholarship to get?

Scholarship programmes vary in terms of eligibility requirements, application processes, and competitiveness, so there is no single “easiest” scholarship to obtain. Some scholarship programmes, on the other hand, may have less competition and more relaxed eligibility requirements, potentially making them easier to obtain. Here are a couple of examples:

• Some scholarships are only available to students from a specific geographic region, such as a city, county, or state. Local scholarships may attract fewer applicants than national scholarships, making them more accessible.
• Niche scholarships are intended for students with specific interests, talents, or backgrounds. There are scholarships for left-handed students, tall students, gamers, and a variety of other niche categories.
• Merit-based scholarships are given out based on academic or other achievements, such as athletic or artistic abilities. Merit-based scholarships may be available if you have a strong academic record or exceptional talents.
• Scholarships based on financial need: Some scholarships are awarded based on financial need. You may be eligible for need-based scholarships if you demonstrate financial need.
• Essay contests: Some scholarship programmes require applicants to write essays on a particular topic. You may have an advantage in essay-based scholarship contests if you are a strong writer.

While there may be less competition for these types of scholarships, it is important to note that they still require effort and attention to detail in the application process. To increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, review the eligibility requirements carefully, submit all required materials on time, and put your best foot forward in your application.

Which US university gives 100% scholarships?

Some universities in the United States provide full-ride scholarships that cover tuition, room and board, and other expenses. However, these scholarships are extremely competitive, and only a small number of students are typically awarded them each year. The following universities provide full-ride scholarships:

• Duke University: The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program at Duke covers full tuition, fees, room and board, as well as summer enrichment opportunities and leadership development.
• Emory University: Emory University offers the Emory Scholars Program, which includes full tuition, fees, room and board, as well as a stipend for study abroad, research, or internship opportunities.
• Notre Dame Scholars Program: The Notre Dame Scholars Program covers full tuition, fees, room and board, as well as an additional $26,000 for enrichment opportunities such as research, internships, or study abroad.
• Vanderbilt University: The Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship, which covers full tuition, fees, room and board, as well as a stipend for summer research or study abroad, is available at Vanderbilt.
• Yale University offers the Yale Scholarship, which includes full tuition, fees, room and board, a travel stipend, and a book allowance.

Please keep in mind that these scholarships have specific eligibility requirements and application processes, as well as being extremely competitive. To be considered for one of these scholarships, you must have exceptional academic achievements, leadership skills, and community involvement, among other things. To determine if you qualify, research each university’s scholarship programmes and eligibility criteria, and carefully follow the application instructions.

MTN Group Ltd., Africa’s largest wireless carrier, said it has received a $773 million back-tax bill, including penalties and interest charges in Ghana that it plans to fight.

The bill is for the period between 2014 and 2018 and implies that MTN under-declared its revenue in the country by 30%, the company said in a statement on Friday.

MTN said it received the notice this week

The company said, “MTN Ghana believes that the taxes due have been paid during the period under assessment and has resolved to vigorously defend MTN Ghana’s position on the assessment,” 

Africa’s largest wireless carriers are increasingly caught up in tax disputes on the continent.

MTN was victorious in a conflict in Nigeria in 2020 when the government had to drop a $2 billion claim for back taxes following a 16-month battle.

More recently, Vodacom Group Ltd. has been embroiled in a controversial tax demand in Congo that saw the government seal parts of its offices and freezes

A spokeswoman for the GRA, Florence Asante, said she couldn’t immediately comment when reached by phone.

Ghana, which lost access to the international capital markets due to its ballooning debt and loan service costs, suspended interest payments on its external debt last month. The nation is trying to restructure its obligations to finalize a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund. 

MTN said in the statement that the GRA had begun an audit of its Ghanaian business in 2019 to look into the “reliability and completeness” of the revenue it declared during the five years. The GRA hadn’t issued the unit with any guidelines or standards relating to its new audit methodology, MTN said. 

“MTN Group and MTN Ghana will continue to engage with the relevant authorities on this matter and MTN remains resolute that MTN Ghana is a tax-compliant corporate citizen,” the company said. its bank accounts.

The Ghana Revenue Authority used a third-party consultant as well as a new methodology, the company said.

“MTN Ghana strongly disputes the accuracy and basis of the assessment, including the methodology used in conducting the audit,” the company said.

Source: Pulse.com.gh

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Ghana has a new Resident Representative. Dr Leandro Medina (LM) assumed office in Ghana in September last year and got straight busy with the staff-level negotiation with the country for a programme that enables the fund to offer assistance towards microeconomic stability and debt sustainability. He opened up to answer some questions from Theophilus Yartey (TY), Deputy Editor of the Daily Graphic, on many issues.

THEOPHILUS Yartey (TY): You just began your new role as the Resident Representative of the IMF in Ghana. Is Ghana your first station in Africa? What are your impressions of the country?

Leandro Medina (LM): I took up the role of IMF Resident Representative to Ghana in September. I have been warmly welcomed by the people of Ghana and I am looking forward to contributing to the progress that Ghana is making in turning its economy around.

I have been working on African countries for many years, working closely with African governments on how they can balance their spending against revenues for them to provide social services to their people, especially the most vulnerable.

Africa is a diverse and fascinating region with a young and innovative population that can deliver a great future – this is something that I really appreciate.

In fact, Mozambique was the first country that I worked on in Africa and this was in 2014. I also have some other experiences of working in Ghana. From about 2017, I had the opportunity to work in Ghana for about three years.

It is in this regard that I was also able to visit Accra on several occasions as part of the IMF’s engagements with the Ghanaian authorities and broader public. I am now back to this beautiful country, and I must say that everyone is making me feel at home.

In addition to my country-related work, I have been deeply involved in research, especially in the area of the informal economy, which is relevant to the region, and particularly for Ghana, given the size of the informal sector.

TY: Aside from your responsibilities as the Fund’s Representative, what are some of your social interests?

LM : I’m looking forward to learning more about the history, culture and music of Ghana. I love music – especially fusion between Latin music and jazz – and have heard a lot about the variety of artistes and musical rhythms and the huge influence of African rhythms in Latin American music. I am looking forward to adding some Afrobeats and highlife to my playlists.

I also enjoy watching football. In between work, I was able to watch some of the World Cup games. The passion and energy I saw, especially when the Black Stars played, explains why they
say Ghana is a football nation.

TY : Ghana and the IMF have reached a staff-level agreement on a new programme aimed to restore macroeconomic stability and promote inclusive growth. What does it mean that you
have reached staff-level agreement? How many more steps need to be taken? Are there clear timelines?

LM : Ghana faces unprecedented challenges. The global environment, already affected by a terrible pandemic, and now with the war in Ukraine and tighter global financing conditions along with inflation, are making things more difficult for countries across the world, including Ghana.

Reaching a staff-level agreement means that an understanding on policies and reforms between IMF staff and Ghanaian authorities has been achieved. This is a key milestone in a
process that will conclude with IMF financing, once the IMF Executive Board approves the programme request.

So, there are steps. A key step ahead of the board’s approval is for the IMF to receive assurances from partners and creditors, meaning their commitment, so that the programme is fully financed and debt is brought onto a sustainable path.

TY: Based on the success of the negotiations, how much can Ghana access from the Fund? All things being equal, how long will it take for Ghana to achieve macroeconomic stability?

LM : The financing from the IMF is roughly $3 billion, which will be disbursed in tranches over a three-year period. But the hope is that it will also unlock financial support from other partners.

Implementation of the IMF-supported programme is designed to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, while laying the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth. Most of the key reforms are expected to be done in the early stages of the planned programme.

TY : Following the debt sustainability analysis and a further diagnosis of the economy, what are some of the policy recommendations available to the Ghanaian authorities?

LM : Overall, the planned programme is aimed at tackling Ghana’s challenges by ensuring the sustainability of public finances while protecting the vulnerable.

For example, on the fiscal front, the strategy relies on early measures to increase revenue and streamline spending.

In turn, the authorities have committed to strengthening social safety nets, including reinforcing the existing targeted cash-transfer
programme to protect the vulnerable and improving the coverage and efficiency of social spending. So it is a balancing act.

The fiscal strategy will also be supported by reforms, such as developing a medium-term plan to generate additional revenue and advancing reforms to bolster tax compliance, which will help create space for growth enhancing measures and social spending by the government.

Efforts will also be made to enhance public expenditure commitment controls, improve fiscal transparency, strengthen the management of public enterprises and tackle
structural challenges in the energy and cocoa sectors. The authorities are also committed to further bolstering governance and accountability.

On the monetary and exchange rate front, reducing inflation, enhancing resilience to external shocks and improving market confidence are important programme priorities. It was agreed that the Bank of Ghana would continue strengthening its monetary policy framework and promote exchange rate flexibility to rebuild external buffers.

As part of the authorities’ debt strategy, a domestic debt exchange has been launched. The authorities are committed to taking the necessary mitigation measures to ensure financial sector stability is preserved.

We will be able to share more details publicly once the programme has been approved by our board, followed by the publication of the related documents.

TY : One of the biggest challenges that has confronted Ghana over the years has been fiscal consolidation. How can the Fund help the fiscal authorities achieve the needed consolidation? And how can we ensure that the poorest people are protected?

How can Ghana continue to develop and invest when it has to be fiscally prudent?

LM : It is important that Ghana pursues policies and reforms to restore macro stability and debt sustainability. The fiscal strategy, through domestic revenue mobilisation and expenditure rationalisation, is a key pillar to reach these objectives. But most importantly, any effort to ensure sustainability of public finances should be pursued while protecting the vulnerable.

We pay special attention and support efforts to strengthen social safety nets, including key programmes to protect the vulnerable and improve the coverage and efficiency of social spending.
It’s an important balancing act. We’re hopeful — there’s no reason not to be – and l look forward to working with Ghana on its quest to pursue policies to achieve durable and inclusive growth.

Source:peacefmonline.com