The SBS Graduate Award may be awarded to the graduate students with the highest cumulative Grade Point Average. The amount is paid in two installments to the recipient's school; at the start of the academic year, the fall semester, the other at the start of the spring semester. Applicants or one of their parents must be a Swiss national. Applicants must be a U.S. resident. Applicants must be permanently domiciled in the eligible states for two years or more. Applicants must also be in excellent academic standing and show aptitude in their chosen fields of study at a graduate school accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants must submit their application form together with the following documents by March 31st: proof of Swiss citizenship of applicant or one parent (copy of Swiss passport, copy of consulate recognition letter or similar); proof of applicant's U.S. citizenship or U.S. residency; and proof of cost for tuition, room and board (copy of bursar's bill). Applicants must also submit the following documents by April 30th: official transcripts of all college and graduate grades; and two current letters of reference from professors in the applicant's major area of study, on official letterhead. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Swiss Benevolent Society of New York for more information.