Graduate Students' Perceived Contribution of Scholarship Grants to Academic Success

Abstract

To improve the production of high-level human resources that can spearhead efforts to attain national development, many countries, including the Philippines, have provided scholarship grants to interested professionals for them to pursue advanced degrees. This study aimed to find out graduate students' perceived contribution of scholarship grants to their academic success. We gathered data through a survey of 46 scholars who pursued graduate studies at the Visayas State University. To supplement the survey data, we conducted a focus group discussion with seven scholars who were not among the survey respondents. Results showed that participants considered their scholarship grants as contributors to their academic success. These grants motivated them to perform well academically and finish their respective degrees within the time allotted for their study. The scholarship grants provided funds for their school and living expenses, thus encouraging them to complete their degrees on time. Since their scholarships facilitated their completion of graduate degrees, they said it also contributed to their career development. Their scholarship also enabled them to improve their knowledge and skills, opened better career opportunities, and boost their selfconfidence to apply for jobs with higher compensation. They also considered their scholarship as a plus factor in their job applications.