Scholarships FAQs

We are delighted to offer a generous scholarship program with over 30 years of history in supporting yogis. Our scholarships are the way that Svaroopa^® Vidya Ashram tithes back to our community. We offer two types of scholarships:

When do I apply?

Need-Based Scholarships — apply two weeks before the Course Confirmation Date.

Programs outside of Downingtown PA — apply 1 month before the program begins.

May I qualify for more than one scholarship?

Yes. You may also qualify for scholarships for multiple programs in a year. Simply fill out separate forms for each scholarship type and for each program.

When will I know about my application?

Need-Based Scholarships are awarded at the Course Confirmation Date, which gives you enough time to make your travel arrangements.

Hosted Programs (outside of Downingtown PA) — Scholarships are managed by the host, who makes awards 2-3 weeks before the program begins.

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

What types of programs offer Need-Based Scholarships?

Need-Based Scholarships are available for our professional trainings in Downingtown PA, including Foundations, YTT, EYTS and MTT. No scholarships are available for our Retreats. Instead, we offer many free services and free programs with Swami Nirmalananda. You can easily access the teachings and do the svaroopavidya practices without any out-of-pocket cost to you.

How is a Need-Based Scholarship determined?

Need-Based Scholarships are based on financial need as well as your reasons for wanting to take the course, also factoring in availability of scholarship funds and equitable distribution among those in need. Late applications don’t work because the funds may be already awarded to others and because of needed processing time; apply two weeks before the Course Confirmation Date.

The maximum award is 25% of your enrollment fees, including: Tuition, DTS and Housing & Meals. It may not be combined with any other discounts. Your application includes financial disclosure as well as a copy of your most recent tax return. All your information is carefully respected and kept strictly confidential.

If I receive a Need-Based Scholarship, may I set up a payment plan?

Yes, if you are awarded one of these Scholarships for part of your enrollment fee, you can pay the balance through a payment plan.

Where does Need-Based Scholarship money come from?

We fund these scholarships in-house. Need-based scholarships for a course are based on that specific course’s revenue. We budget 10% of the course revenue for scholarships.

Who makes the Need-Based Scholarship determinations?

Scholarships are processed by a panel of reviewers whose identity is confidential. To that end, all communications regarding scholarships (questions, applications, and notifications) are handled by our Enrollment Advisors. We treat all your information with utmost confidentiality and respect.

Are Need-Based Scholarships transferrable?

No. Need-Based Scholarships for one course cannot be transferred to another course. This is because scholarships are calculated based on a percentage of that specific course’s revenue.

How do I apply for a Need-Based Scholarship?

Click here to let us know of your interest in a scholarship; an Enrollment Advisor will contact you within 24 hours. You will need to complete an application and to include a copy of your tax return. When we receive your application no later than two weeks prior to the Course Confirmation Date, we confirm that we have received it within 24 hours. Then we send it to one of our reviewers. Scholarships are awarded approximately two weeks before the program begins, which gives you enough time to make any needed travel arrangements.

MANDALI TRAVELS SCHOLARSHIPS

What is a Mandali Travels Scholarship?

Wherever one of our Yogimmersions is held, we offer need-based scholarships to support yogis who would not be able to attend without help. A Host has invited us to come and is serving as local liaison, so she manages the scholarships. The amount of scholarship is a percentage of the course revenue, a tithe to the community whom we serve in offering the program

How is a Mandali Travels Scholarship determined?

Mandali Travels Scholarships are handled through an informal process that begins with your personal discussion with our compassionate Host. Awards are based on financial need as well as availability of scholarship funds, and equitable distribution among those in need. No full scholarships are available; you must pay a portion of your program tuition.

If I receive a Mandali Travels Scholarship, may I also pay with a payment plan?

No payment plans are available for Mandali Travels Scholarships. You may wish to charge your tuition and fees on your credit card and pay it off over time that way.

Where does Mandali Travels Scholarship money come from?

We fund these scholarships in-house. Mandali Travels Scholarships for a course are based on that specific program’s revenue. We budget 5% of the course revenue for scholarships.

Who makes Mandali Travels Scholarship awards?

Because our Host usually knows the applicants, she is in the best position to determine the awards, but she consults with the Ashram if she needs assistance or guidance. You are advised of your award (if you receive one) 2-3 weeks before the program begins

Are Mandali Travels Scholarships transferrable?

No. Mandali Travels Scholarships for one program cannot be transferred to another program. This is because scholarships are calculated based on a percentage of the specific program’s revenue.

How do I apply for a Mandali Travels Scholarship?

About a month before the program, ask your Host for an opportunity for a private and confidential discussion about your needs and your interest in the program. Last minute requests usually don’t work because the funds may be awarded to others and because many other needs arise in the days preceding the program.