Technical Assistance and Support

  • Yes. For questions about the application process or required documents, contact the SDEF Scholarship Support Team at coordinator@swamidayanand.org with the subject line “Application Support Needed” or use the support form provided on the SDEF Scholarship Portal.

  • Yes. If you experience system errors or upload issues, email coordinator@swamidayanand.org with the subject line “Application Technical Support” and include screenshots if possible.

Eligibility

  • High School Juniors and Seniors who plan to enroll in an undergraduate college program and meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility includes GPA, income, community service, and residency requirements.

  • Yes, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  • Yes. A commitment to community service is a required part of eligibility.

  • Yes. Your family’s annual income must be less than $160,000 to qualify for the Means Scholarship track.

  • Yes. You may apply while you are in high school or have not yet confirmed college admission. Final award requires confirmation of college enrollment.

  • Yes. As long as you are eligible and meet the scholarship requirements, GED recipients may apply

  • Yes. Home-schooled students may apply, provided they submit acceptable documentation.

Applying For Scholarships

  • You must apply online through the SDEF Scholarship Portal. Paper applications or emailed applications will not be accepted.

  • No. The scholarship application is free.

  • Yes. To be considered for the Means Scholarship (financial need track), you must complete the FAFSA and submit your Student Aid Report (SAR).

  • Yes. Two letters of recommendation are required as part of your application.

  • Your current resume helps the review committee understand your accomplishments, activities, and leadership roles.

Application Timeline

  • The deadline for the application will be published each year on the SDEF Scholarship Portal. It must be submitted by the stated date and time to be considered.

  • No. Once the application period closes, you will not be able to submit or edit your application for that academic cycle.

  • The system will provide a confirmation screen, and you will receive a confirmation email upon successful submission. Save a copy for your records.

Selection and Award

  • Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, community service, financial need (for the Means Scholarship), and the strength of their personal statements and supporting documents.

  • The SDEF Scholarship Administrators choose scholarship recipients. No third-party organization or Foundation staff influences the final decision.

  • Notifications will be sent via email on or before the date announced for the scholarship award cycle.

  • Yes. All applicants, whether selected or not, will receive notification once selections have been completed.

After You Apply

  • No. Once the application is submitted, you cannot make changes. If your status changes after selection (e.g., a change of college), you should promptly notify the scholarship office.

  • If selected, you will receive a scholarship award letter with instructions on verifying your enrollment and how your funds will be applied toward your education.

Renewal & Continued Eligibility

  • Yes. Scholarships are renewable up to four years, provided you maintain the required 3.0 GPA and remain enrolled full-time.

  • Submit your updated college transcripts and any required progress documents each year to ensure continued eligibility.

Funding & Usage

  • Funds are typically disbursed directly to your college’s financial aid office to apply toward tuition and required fees. You or your college will be notified about the process once the scholarship is approved and ready to be released.

  • Scholarship awards may impact your overall financial aid package; contact your college financial aid office to understand how funds are applied to your cost of attendance.

Additional Questions

  • No. SDEF USA Scholarships require full-time enrollment each academic year.

  • No.