Is it permissible to use wasta (connections/favoritism) to obtain a scholarship, given that admission systems rely on wasta and bribery instead of merit and GPA, and is this considered upholding justice or usurping the rights of others?

The student's entitlement to the scholarship is based on criteria, including grades and the required specialization. If students are equally entitled and the state is unable to accommodate them all, then justice dictates that a lottery be held among them. If an entitled student fears losing their right, then there is no impediment to them obtaining it through intercession (wasta), even if this leads to depriving others who are equally entitled, because they are taking their own right, not someone else's. This is supported by Al-Ghazali's statement regarding the permissibility for an entitled person to take their share from the public treasury if the ruler withholds the rights of other entitled individuals.