5 answers
Sawera
Student
1
Question
Asked
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My dream is to become a neurologist (mbss) but I don't have a lot of financial support. What options are available to me?
I belong to the low background family and and don't have good financial support.
After I achieve this goal, I want to help the needy with a focus on access to education for girls.
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5 answers
Natasha Rieder
Occupational Health Nurse
48
Answers
Wentzville, Missouri
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
My family wasn't in a position to provide me with any financial assistance either, so I know the worry you feel! I would spend lots of time looking for scholarships, even the "smaller" ones that people tend to ignore because it's only a few hundred dollars, those add up to thousands! You can also look for scholarships specifically based on your demographics (gender, field of interest, race, socioeconomic status of your family, ect). Some companies and charities give scholarships to specific groups of people to help them with the financial burden of schooling, not wanting that to be a barrier to limited diversity in the field. When looking for loans and scholarships be sure to look at the school you're wanting to attend as well. Contact their financial office and see what options they have for prospective students. You can also look at federal and private student loans if that's an option you're willing to entertain. Lots of banks offer student loan options as well, so when doing your research don't discount the bank or credit union down the street, they may end up having the lowest interest rates around!
The other critical point is to be very, very frugal while you're in school! Careful with spending on non-necessities, think carefully about whether to buy a text book or rent it (FYI, you can rent school books from Amazon, at least you could when I was in college so check that as an option). Also some university libraries have text books available to check out, so you may not even need to buy OR rent some of them. Also think carefully about your living situation; will you save money by living on campus because you can then forego the costs of having your own car? Or is it cheaper to live at home with your parents. Also consider getting at least a part time job, which can even be at school! Many schools have a work study programs where you work on campus and either get a pay check, or the school will take it directly from your owed tuition.
Hope this helps! Good luck, and be sure to come back if you have any other questions!
The other critical point is to be very, very frugal while you're in school! Careful with spending on non-necessities, think carefully about whether to buy a text book or rent it (FYI, you can rent school books from Amazon, at least you could when I was in college so check that as an option). Also some university libraries have text books available to check out, so you may not even need to buy OR rent some of them. Also think carefully about your living situation; will you save money by living on campus because you can then forego the costs of having your own car? Or is it cheaper to live at home with your parents. Also consider getting at least a part time job, which can even be at school! Many schools have a work study programs where you work on campus and either get a pay check, or the school will take it directly from your owed tuition.
Hope this helps! Good luck, and be sure to come back if you have any other questions!
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
277
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Sawera,
Did you mean MBBS when you said "mbss"? I'm from Australia where MBBS has gradually been replaced with MD, which is now an equivalent credential over there and is a standard designation in the US. I'm practicing medicine as a PA in the US and I also needed financial assistance. In my case, I received tuition and stipend support through the National Health Service Corp Scholarship. The information on the program is available here:
https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/overview
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Hwal
Did you mean MBBS when you said "mbss"? I'm from Australia where MBBS has gradually been replaced with MD, which is now an equivalent credential over there and is a standard designation in the US. I'm practicing medicine as a PA in the US and I also needed financial assistance. In my case, I received tuition and stipend support through the National Health Service Corp Scholarship. The information on the program is available here:
https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/overview
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Hwal
jawad khan
Medical Technician
2
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
jawad’s Answer
Hi Sawera!
Before I dive into answering your specific question—"My dream is to become a neurologist (MBBS) but I don't have a lot of financial support. What options are available to me?"—let me suggest a few important questions to help you set your priorities and chart a clear course:
Where Are You Based?
Start by determining your country of residence. Explore domestic opportunities first—many nations offer scholarships, affordable programs, or government support for local students.
What Are the Program Requirements?
Every medical course has its own set of prerequisites. Be sure you understand the academic requirements, language proficiency tests (like IELTS or TOEFL), age restrictions, and any visa conditions if you plan to study abroad.
Domestic vs. Global Options:
Once you’ve examined local opportunities, decide whether you want to search for programs globally. International study may open up additional possibilities but also come with different requirements and processes.
With these questions answered, you can build a roadmap tailored to your situation.
For instance, if you aspire to become a neurologist but face financial constraints, you might explore:
Scholarships and Grants:
Look into domestic and international scholarships. For example, check out DAAD (www.daad.de) for opportunities in Germany, Scholarships.com for US-based options, and the Islamic Development Bank (www.isdb.org) for funding.
Affordable Medical Programs:
Research tuition-free or low-cost medical schools. Germany offers many tuition-free programs; Eastern European countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine provide affordable options; Cuba’s Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) is renowned for offering free education to students from low-income backgrounds.
Education Loans:
Consider government loan schemes or platforms like Prodigy Finance, which offer loans tailored for international students.
Practical Experience and Income: Work part-time as a healthcare assistant, tutor, or in research labs during your pre-med and medical studies. Internships in hospitals or clinics can further enhance your resume and provide additional income.
Crowdfunding and Community Support:
Platforms like GoFundMe or ScholarMatch allow you to share your story and raise funds for your education. Local charities and community organizations may also offer grants or additional financial aid.
For a deeper dive into these options, here are some useful sources:
DAAD (Germany): www.daad.de
Scholarships.com: www.scholarships.com
Islamic Development Bank Scholarships: www.isdb.org
Prodigy Finance: www.prodigyfinance.com
GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com
ScholarMatch: www.scholarmatch.org
Final Thoughts:
This roadmap is a general guide. If you’d like a personalized plan that considers the specific resources available in your region, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out, and best of luck on your journey to becoming a neurologist!
DAAD (Germany): www.daad.de
Scholarships.com: www.scholarships.com
Islamic Development Bank Scholarships: www.isdb.org
Prodigy Finance: www.prodigyfinance.com
GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com
Before I dive into answering your specific question—"My dream is to become a neurologist (MBBS) but I don't have a lot of financial support. What options are available to me?"—let me suggest a few important questions to help you set your priorities and chart a clear course:
Where Are You Based?
Start by determining your country of residence. Explore domestic opportunities first—many nations offer scholarships, affordable programs, or government support for local students.
What Are the Program Requirements?
Every medical course has its own set of prerequisites. Be sure you understand the academic requirements, language proficiency tests (like IELTS or TOEFL), age restrictions, and any visa conditions if you plan to study abroad.
Domestic vs. Global Options:
Once you’ve examined local opportunities, decide whether you want to search for programs globally. International study may open up additional possibilities but also come with different requirements and processes.
With these questions answered, you can build a roadmap tailored to your situation.
For instance, if you aspire to become a neurologist but face financial constraints, you might explore:
Scholarships and Grants:
Look into domestic and international scholarships. For example, check out DAAD (www.daad.de) for opportunities in Germany, Scholarships.com for US-based options, and the Islamic Development Bank (www.isdb.org) for funding.
Affordable Medical Programs:
Research tuition-free or low-cost medical schools. Germany offers many tuition-free programs; Eastern European countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine provide affordable options; Cuba’s Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) is renowned for offering free education to students from low-income backgrounds.
Education Loans:
Consider government loan schemes or platforms like Prodigy Finance, which offer loans tailored for international students.
Practical Experience and Income: Work part-time as a healthcare assistant, tutor, or in research labs during your pre-med and medical studies. Internships in hospitals or clinics can further enhance your resume and provide additional income.
Crowdfunding and Community Support:
Platforms like GoFundMe or ScholarMatch allow you to share your story and raise funds for your education. Local charities and community organizations may also offer grants or additional financial aid.
For a deeper dive into these options, here are some useful sources:
DAAD (Germany): www.daad.de
Scholarships.com: www.scholarships.com
Islamic Development Bank Scholarships: www.isdb.org
Prodigy Finance: www.prodigyfinance.com
GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com
ScholarMatch: www.scholarmatch.org
Final Thoughts:
This roadmap is a general guide. If you’d like a personalized plan that considers the specific resources available in your region, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out, and best of luck on your journey to becoming a neurologist!
jawad recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sawera !
I have to admit that Neurologist (mbss) is brand new to me. What does MBSS stand for ? Despite that, I would like to provide some advice to you about your two career goals. You didn't indicate your locale so this advice is if you live in the United States.
Although your social service goal is awesome, it may be a while before you can start that. On the other hand, it is something that you can pursue in high school and undergraduate college by being a volunteer or getting a job as a tutor or through a Work Study on campus job. If you really want to be a Neurologist, it is a strong and serious commitment and a long duration until you become one. It will take 12 years or more depending on if you do a fellowship and extra training.
You did not mention what grade you are in so that you can be advised for opportunities for your social service for girls. You will have to explore the referrals I give to see if you are eligible for volunteering now and during your college days - but not in Medical School. Medical School is a 100% many hours a day commitment.
A perfect place for you to volunteer now during high school and college would be a program called Girls On the Run which empowers girls to have limitless potential. Find a GOTR office near you and connect with them. You also might explore this online to see if it is a program that can assist you with your career goals. They are big on the sport of running and also have Camps. It's worth looking into. Another place to help girls with education is the Girl Scouts of America or any scouting group where you live. Other programs that you can either join or volunteer at if you live in the U.S. are Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Also the EmpowHer Institute, Girl Rising, Girls Opportunity Alliance, and Girls Inc.
If you really want to become a Neurologist, do not let anything stop you. Go for it. If you live in the U.S., you can apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, a job through the Work Study Program, Scholarships and Grants. You can do an internet search for scholarships and grants in your locale and for your major. If you live elsewhere, visit a local college to ask about financial assistance that is offered for college in your country.
Remember - do the social service volunteering or employment now and throughout college. Once you enter Medical School to be a Neurologist, there won't be time for much of anything in addition to that. After you're established in your medical career and your financial circumstances are right, you can then see how social service work could fit into your busy schedule.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
I have to admit that Neurologist (mbss) is brand new to me. What does MBSS stand for ? Despite that, I would like to provide some advice to you about your two career goals. You didn't indicate your locale so this advice is if you live in the United States.
Although your social service goal is awesome, it may be a while before you can start that. On the other hand, it is something that you can pursue in high school and undergraduate college by being a volunteer or getting a job as a tutor or through a Work Study on campus job. If you really want to be a Neurologist, it is a strong and serious commitment and a long duration until you become one. It will take 12 years or more depending on if you do a fellowship and extra training.
You did not mention what grade you are in so that you can be advised for opportunities for your social service for girls. You will have to explore the referrals I give to see if you are eligible for volunteering now and during your college days - but not in Medical School. Medical School is a 100% many hours a day commitment.
A perfect place for you to volunteer now during high school and college would be a program called Girls On the Run which empowers girls to have limitless potential. Find a GOTR office near you and connect with them. You also might explore this online to see if it is a program that can assist you with your career goals. They are big on the sport of running and also have Camps. It's worth looking into. Another place to help girls with education is the Girl Scouts of America or any scouting group where you live. Other programs that you can either join or volunteer at if you live in the U.S. are Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Also the EmpowHer Institute, Girl Rising, Girls Opportunity Alliance, and Girls Inc.
If you really want to become a Neurologist, do not let anything stop you. Go for it. If you live in the U.S., you can apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, a job through the Work Study Program, Scholarships and Grants. You can do an internet search for scholarships and grants in your locale and for your major. If you live elsewhere, visit a local college to ask about financial assistance that is offered for college in your country.
Remember - do the social service volunteering or employment now and throughout college. Once you enter Medical School to be a Neurologist, there won't be time for much of anything in addition to that. After you're established in your medical career and your financial circumstances are right, you can then see how social service work could fit into your busy schedule.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
Martin Schoen
APRN
387
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Once you gain entrance to a medical school, the ability to pay for it will not be a problem. There are grants, part-time jobs and of course student loans. Getting money for that part of your education is always available. If you borrow, the paying back part can seem endless and very few students can pay out if pocket.