Policy Reforms to Enhance Scholarship Accessibility for Economically Disadvantaged Students

In most educational institutions, scholarships are awarded only after a student has secured admission, necessitating the availability of funds to cover initial admission costs. This policy poses a significant barrier to bright students from low-income backgrounds, who may be unable to afford these upfront fees and, consequently, miss the opportunity to apply for scholarships. This paper proposes a series of policy reforms aimed at mitigating these financial obstacles and ensuring that deserving students have equitable access to higher education.