CARLSBAD, CALIF. – July 2, 2008 – It’s the time of year again when the opportunity to study gemology, jewelry design, and other facets of the gem and jewelry field could be only an application away.

There are more than 65 scholarships available at GIA that are collectively valued at over $372,308, including $227,778 allotted to the scholarship fund by the GIA’s Board of Governors from interest earned through GIA’s permanently invested Endowment Fund.

Applications for scholarships from prospective students will be accepted through Oct. 15.

The Institute’s Board has apportioned $98,500 of the total amount for international scholarships, which are available to anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.  Applications for international scholarships were accepted for the first time in 2007 for the 2008 academic year and offered a chance to study through either Distance Education or on campus at GIA London or GIA India.

Matthew G. Stuller, GIA Board of Governor and head of its Endowment Committee, said “In addition to last year’s expansion to London and India, we are offering a new opportunity to earn a Graduate Gemologist diploma on campus at GIA Thailand for the 2009 school year.”

“The growing number of international scholarships available for 2009 GIA courses and programs reflects the Institute’s commitment to serve the educational needs of students worldwide,” said Bev Berthoty, GIA’s Institute Relations manager.

GIA Scholarship applicants only need to submit one application to be considered for all applicable scholarships.  No application will be accepted after October 15th, 2008.

Scholarship recipients are generally notified in early December and must accept their scholarship within 30 days of being notified. Due to the predetermined availability of scholarship funds, some conditions apply and eligibility for scholarships is limited to students who have not received a scholarship within the last five years.

To get more information about GIA scholarships or to download an application form, go to the GIA Web site on www.gia.edu/education where you’ll find a link to the scholarship section.

Scholarship information is also available by calling Wendy Wang at (760) 603-4175 or (800) 421-7250, ext. 4175, or e-mailing scholarship@gia.edu. 

To make a donation to GIA’s scholarship fund, contact Bev Berthoty at bberthoty@gia.edu or (760) 603-4120 or (800) 421-7250, ext. 4120.