PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN SECURING EDUCATIONAL GRANTS: INSIGHTS FROM GLOBAL EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Securing educational grants—whether for individual research, institutional development, student support, or programmatic innovation—has become increasingly difficult worldwide. This enhanced article provides a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of the major barriers applicants face, drawing on global data from UNESCO, OECD, World Bank, national funding agencies, and peer-reviewed studies. Key problems include hyper-competition and historically low success rates, misalignment with shifting funder priorities, deficiencies in proposal quality and preparation, excessive administrative and compliance burdens, structural biases and inequities, insufficient institutional support, economic volatility and crisis-driven budget cuts, and emerging geopolitical restrictions. An expanded table categorizes these challenges, illustrates regional variations, and cites prevalence indicators. The discussion evaluates systemic consequences and proposes multi-level solutions ranging from applicant strategies to policy reform. The analysis underscores the urgent need for greater transparency, capacity-building, and sustainable funding models to ensure equitable access to educational resources globally.