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 four types of scholarships:

When do I apply?

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

Expanded Scholarships — Apply early! Applications are processed quarterly (see below).

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

May I qualify for more than one scholarship?

Yes. You may qualify for multiple Scholarships for the same programs. 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.

Expanded Scholarships are reviewed and announced on a quarterly schedule (see below). Your award may be used on any YTT or ATT program within the following 12 months.

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 ourRetreats. 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.

You may also qualify for an Expanded Scholarship at the same time – simply submit applications for both of them.

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?

Turn on Javascript! 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 four weeks before the program begins, which gives you enough time to make any needed travel arrangements.

EXPANDED SCHOLARSHIP

What is an Expanded Scholarship?

This scholarship program supports the Svaroopa^® yoga teachers who share Svaroopa^® yoga most widely. Teachers with 25 or more students per week are eligible, with no financial information required on the application. The more you teach, the more we want to help you study! You carry Svaroopa^® yoga to the next generation, so we want to help you expand your skills and deepen your expertise. These scholarships are available for trainings you have not previously taken in our YTT, ATT and Deeper trainings as well our EYTS programs.

If I receive an Expanded 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 Expanded Scholarship money come from?

We fund these scholarships in-house, as a percentage of SATYA membership dues. Our scholarship budget is 10% of the SATYA membership revenue in the previous calendar quarter.

How does the timing work?

You must plan ahead! Late applications cannot be processed. You may submit your application at any time, though it will be reviewed in the timing on the quarterly schedule below. Your award may be used on any qualifying program within the 12 months following your award.

Application Due Dates	Scholarship Awarded	Use for trainings between
January 15	February 15	April 1 (current year) - March 31 (following year)
April 15	May 15	July 1 (current year) - June 30 (following year)
July 15	August 15	Oct 1 (current year) - Sept 30 (following year)
October 15	November 15	Jan 1 - Dec 31 (following year)

How is an Expanded Scholarship determined?

Expanded Scholarships are awarded based on availability of scholarship funds and equitable distribution among those whose applications have been approved. The maximum award is 25% of your enrollment fees, including Tuition, DTS and Housing & Meals. They may not be combined with any other discounts. Two awards are granted in every quarter.

Application questions focus on the number of students and yoga therapy clients you are serving in an average week, as well as how many new students have begun your classes in the last 6 months. You must have an average of 30 students per week to qualify, and awards are prioritized for teachers who are growing their community by welcoming new students.

There are no questions about financial need because this scholarship is not based on need. You may also qualify for a Need-Based Scholarship for the same program – simply submit applications for both of them.

How do I apply for an Expanded Scholarship?

Click here for the application, which includes information on how you submit it. If you have any questions or need help completing the application, our Enrollment Advisors are happy to help: Turn on Javascript! or 610.806.2119.

When we receive your application, we confirm that we have received it within 24 hours. We send it to our reviewers on the cycle noted above. You’ll receive notification about your application on or before the scheduled dates.

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.