RE: The Strange Things I've Learned While Applying for Scholarships in 2020
Before reading this comment, please notice, that in Finland we have a different school system and naming. This is why I'm calling them all as universities.
That sounds complicated compared to the system we have. We have the standard universities available in one web service, in which we can click and choose the universities we want to apply to and which studies we're going for.
Depending on your points based on your earlier studies, you can get into centralized tests and depending on which universities you applied to, you might or might not get in. More focus is put on the earlier studies and quite many get in based on their earlier grades, but tests are still a way to get in.
If and when you get in, you'll get supported by the government for the duration of your studies, just as long as they proceed in a normal speed. Quite big part of the "support" is a loan, so there are quite many people who decline the support and fund their studies by working during the studies.
Few years of study and BOOM, you're ready.
Finland does have a similar education system to what the US has in place. Interesting! We have "Universities" which you can transfer between if you want to attend a different school, community colleges that have a degree, and course limitations, and other private institutions. When I applied for the current school I attend, I had to submit an essay for acceptance. Many Universities also require some form of testing.
Financial Aid consists of grants and loans. Many people also choose to work during their studies depending on their situation. A student can receive funding as long as their grades meet the threshold for government funding. Our support is similar, but by applying for scholarships, less of the support can be loans, and more of it can be in the form of rewards that do not need paying back.
I was working during my studies, but as I get closer to graduation I realize that I need more time to work on my classes and get things in order.
I'm a student who is attending half-time, my options a little different. A few years? Education can span several years as well!