The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the start of its 2012 scholarship application period, increasing the total number of scholarships offered and doubling the number of international locations where On-Campus programs can be taken.

GIA Scholarship applications will be accepted now through October 30.

Scholarships are available for On-Campus programs, and Distance Education - via the eLearning programs - and Lab classes in the US at the Institute's global headquarters in Carlsbad and New York, and at an expanded number of international sites, including India, Hong Kong, London, Middle East (Dubai), Taiwan and Thailand.

GIA Institute Relations Manager Bev Berthoty said the GIA's goal was for its scholarship recipients to grow into "professionally trained gem and jewelry experts [who] will help GIA fulfill its mission to ensure the public's trust in our industry."

The first GIA Scholarship application cycle for 2012 runs now through October 30, 2011 for On-Campus, Distance Education and Lab classes. The second cycle, which runs from March 1 through April 30, 2012 is for Distance Education and Lab classes only.