Does the scholarship depend on my CGPA or grades?
Yes, but it depends on the scholarship type. Merit-based awards usually need a CGPA above 8.0 on a 10-point scale, while need-based, identity-based, and talent scholarships judge your SOP, projects, and recommendations instead, so an average CGPA does not automatically disqualify you from every option.
If you are worried that an average CGPA rules you out of scholarships, take a breath: it depends entirely on which scholarship you are targeting. Merit-based awards do look closely at your grades, but need-based and holistic scholarships weigh your story, research, and recommendations just as heavily.
How CGPA Affects Merit-Based Scholarships
| Requirement | Typical Threshold |
|---|---|
| Minimum CGPA cutoff | 8.0+ on a 10-point scale, or 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale |
| Tiered tuition discount | 9.0+ CGPA can unlock around a 50% tuition waiver; 8.5 CGPA around 40% |
| Ongoing requirement | You must maintain the qualifying CGPA every semester to keep the funding |
Scholarships Where Your CGPA Matters Less
- Need-based aid, decided by your family income and financial background, not your grades
- Identity and demographic scholarships for underrepresented groups, first-generation students, or regional applicants
- Extracurricular and talent awards for sports, arts, or community work
- Holistic university grants that weigh your SOP, research projects, and recommendation letters over a single grade point
My Advice
Do not let one average semester stop you from applying. Pull together your actual CGPA, your target course and country, and list two or three achievements outside the classroom, then map that against both merit and holistic scholarships before you rule anything out.
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