Questions and answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything applicants and families ask most. If your question is not here, the contact details are at the bottom of every page.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
The scholarship is open to Zomi students. That includes high school seniors planning to attend college, current college or university students, and college graduates pursuing further education, including MA, MS, PhD, MD, JD, and other advanced degrees. Wherever you are in your academic journey, you are encouraged to apply.
Can students outside the United States apply?
Yes. The scholarship supports Zomi students at institutions in the United States and internationally. Past recipients represent the United States, Myanmar, India, Thailand, and South Korea.
Can high school seniors apply?
Yes. High school seniors who plan to attend college are eligible.
Can graduate or professional students apply?
Yes. College graduates pursuing further education, including MA, MS, PhD, MD, JD, and other advanced degrees, are eligible.
Deadlines and selection
When are applications due?
The 2027 ZIUSA Scholarship application window runs from November 15, 2026 through March 15, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Applicants outside the United States should convert this time to their local time. Finalist interviews take place between March 15 and May 15, 2027, and winners are announced after May 15, 2027.
What are the selection criteria?
Three equally weighted factors: academic excellence, demonstrated service to the Zomi community, and future commitment to the Zomi community. The committee values academic excellence in many forms, not just grades and test scores.
Application materials
What documents are needed?
A resume of one to two pages, two letters of recommendation, your high school transcript, your college transcript (not required for high school seniors), a personal photo in Zomi traditional clothing, and a personal statement of 750 words or fewer. Each document uploads separately in the application portal, with documents as PDFs and the photo as a JPG or PNG.
Can materials be written in Zolai?
Yes. The resume, letters of recommendation, and personal statement may be written in English or in Zolai.
Who can write recommendations?
Letters of recommendation must come from a third party, not from a family member or friend. Letters from community members who can speak to your role and impact are particularly helpful.
How long should the personal statement be?
750 words or fewer. Write in your own voice; authenticity matters. Light proofreading tools are fine, but heavy reliance on AI writing is discouraged.
After you apply
How will I know my application was received?
When you submit through this site, you will see a confirmation screen with a reference number, and an acknowledgment email will be sent to the address you provided. Keep the reference number for your records.
What happens after I submit?
The committee reviews every application carefully. Selected applicants are invited to a finalist interview, and awardees are chosen and announced after interviews. Winners are formally recognized at the annual ZIUSA Khawmpi.
How can I correct my application after submitting?
Email dimnuam@ziusa.org with your reference number and describe the correction. Do not submit a second application unless the committee asks you to.
Who can answer other questions?
Contact the scholarship committee at dimnuam@ziusa.org.