About the Simmone Siddiqui Memorial Award (SSMA)

The Simmone Siddiqui Memorial Award (SSMA) is a travel award, and was established by the family of Late Ms. Simmone Siddiqui in her memory to support recipients of the Sir Syed Global Scholar Award (SSGSA) who intend to pursue graduate studies abroad. The award provides up to $1000 to assist annually one SSGSA Scholar with one-time economy-class air travel expenses from their current country of residence to the country where they will begin their graduate program. The amount will not be transferred directly to the awardee; instead, the SSGSA will facilitate the flight booking once the student has received a valid student visa. Awardees are encouraged to contribute back to SSGSA in the future to help sustain this meaningful initiative.

To be eligible for the SSMA, applicants must be SSGSA Scholars who have secured admission to a graduate (Master’s or Ph.D.) program at a prestigious university outside India. The program must commence in the Fall session of the award year (for example, Fall 2025 for the 2025 award cycle). Only those who will begin their studies abroad and meet these criteria will be considered for the award.

Applicants are required to submit their application along with the following documents: (1) the most recent CV, (2) a family income certificate, salary slip, or other official document verifying family income, (3) a list of all university admissions, specifying the university name, program name, and whether the program is funded or self-funded, and (4) a 200-word essay expressing the need for the SSMA Award.

Eligible candidates will be contacted directly by the SSGSA with details about the application timeline and submission deadline. All applications will be reviewed by the SSGSA Executive Team, and the recipient will be selected based on merit and need.