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This section provides details of scholarships or courses with immediate deadlines

 

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Chinese Government Scholarships 2012-2013

The Chinese Scholarship Council of the Peoples Republic of China has offered one scholarship to an Irish postgraduate student, undergraduate student or student of advanced study to study in China for the academic year 2012/2013.

Further information and forms (including foreigner physical examination form) relating to the Chinese Government Scholarship Programme 2012-2013 can be obtained from the website: www.csc.edu.cn/laihua

The Chinese Higher Education Institutions admitting international students can also be found on this website. Please note the application procedures for a Chinese Government Scholarship. Applicants should also read ‘Notice to International students studying in China’ and ' Guide to Study in China under Chinese Government Scholarship 2012' before submitting their application. Any applicants or application documents that do not conform with the regulations of the Chinese Scholarship Council will be considered invalid and will not be accepted.

Applicants are required to log on to the website http://laihua.csc.edu.cn and submit their application on line. Please read the online application procedure.pdf

A print out of the application submitted on line together with the requested paper application form (two copies of each) and the supporting documents should be returned to the Department of Education and Skills, International Section, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1. These forms must be received in this office no later than 5.30pm on 9 March 2012.

Late or incomplete application forms will not be considered.

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European University Institute - 160 PhD grants to be awarded for academic year 2012-13

The EUI offers one of the world’s largest and most distinguished graduate programmes in Social Sciences.  The 160 Grants will be awarded in the fields of: Economics, History & Civilization, Law and Political & Social Sciences. 

The European University Institute (EUI) currently hosts about 550 doctoral students from over 50 countries and selected among the finest universities in Europe and beyond.  The EUI’s efficient mix of coursework, seminars and regular student supervision enables 80% of our candidates to complete their degrees – most in less than four years. Depending on the discipline, between 50% and 80% of our graduates find positions in academia. Others find excellent opportunities in European institutions and International organizations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund as well as in both public and private sectors in many countries.

The application procedure is available on our website www.eui.eu  Further information online.  

The deadline for application is 31 January 2012.

EUI Communications Service email: eui.pr@eui.eu  Tel: +39 055 4685428

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Opportunity to study in the Netherlands (NUFFIC) 2012 - 2013

NUFFIC – the Netherlands Organisation for International Cooperation in Higher Education have now announced the details of the 2012 – 2013 grants and scholarship programmes available to International students.

Interested students should take a look at the website: www.nuffic.nl/cv   By using the following link you can check information (in Dutch) on the NUFFIC website:
http://www.nuffic.nl/nederlandse-studenten/financiering/beurzen/cultureel-verdragbeurzen/landen/finland/onderzoeks-en-studiebeurzen/

Further details and clarification on any of these programmes managed by NUFFIC may be obtained by contacting: Nuffic Programme Administrator, Scholarship Programmes Department, PO Box 29777, 2502 LT The Hague, The Netherlands.  Tel +31 (0)70 4260 238, Fax +31 (0)70 4260 259, Email  pbijlsma@nuffic.nl  Website www.nuffic.nl

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Scholarship for MBA or Masters in Finance Programme in Fairfield University, USA

The Conlisk Scholarship provides full funding for a selected Irish graduate to complete an MBA programme or Master of Science in Finance in Fairfield University in the USA. This scholarship is supported by a group of Irish Americans living in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It was established in the memory of Fr John M Conlisk, an Irish born priest who lived in the area. The Conlisk scholarship has been awarded to 16 UL graduates in previous years, mainly BBS, but also Law & Accounting and Financial Mathematics. This scholarship will be available again in 2011. It is worth approximately $45,000 - $50,000.

Fairfield University is:

  • A small Jesuit university in Fairfield, Connecticut, one hour from New York, in one of America’s wealthiest states.
  • Like UL, a relatively young and progressive university with a particularly strong Business faculty.
  • The Fairfield MBA is fully accredited by AACSB International.

Details of the two postgrad programs can be found on the university website at: http://www.fairfield.edu/mba

The scholarship provides:

  • Full funding for one Irish graduate to complete their MBA, M.S. in Accounting, or MSc at Fairfield University.
  • The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, books and insurance for three semesters or approx. 18 months.
  • A study visa for the duration of their studies (this is usually between 12 and 18 months)
  • The opportunity to study abroad and truly become immersed in the American culture.
  • The scholarship recipient will be welcomed by a warm and supporting American-Irish community and will get a first hand impression of American life.
  • Previous recipients have found employment with major companies like Microsoft, First Derivatives, Bank of Ireland, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, and Ford Motor Company.

Selection Criteria:

Applications will be assessed on the basis of academic results to date, as reflected in the current QCA, also on the GMAT score (see below). Attention will also be paid to prior work experience and reasons for applying for the MBA or MS. Competition for this scholarship is intense and a 2.1 honours standard (QCA of 3.00) is a prerequisite.

How to apply:

The applicant needs to complete:

  • Online application form – available on Fairfield website
  • *Self-evaluation essay (personal statement) – see below for links to useful resources
  • A transcript with details of courses taken to date
  • Two recommendations from professional/academic references
  • €55 application fee
  • 1 current CV
  • GMAT score, if already completed.

(Information pack will be available from Mary Sweeney (DM036) from November. 

The additional information can be emailed to Mark Ligas at: mligas@fairfield.edu

The closing date for applications is early February 2012 and the decision will be made by the end of February. The GMAT results will be required before the final selection is made. That means there is time to prepare for the GMAT and apply to take the test in January or February. As there is only one scholarship, early applicants will have a distinct advantage. Copies of GMAT practice tests are available for reference in the Careers Resource area at E0019. Alternatively, you can buy a GMAT Guide or do practice questions on the website.

GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a four-hour standardised test used by 1,700 graduate management programs around the world as part of the selection procedure. It is a computer-adaptive test that measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills. The Irish test centre is located in the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, Co Dublin and at Barrow Street where the test is administered on Wednesdays. It costs $250 to register for the test. For more details on this procedure, and for sample questions, check the test website at: www.mba.com. The GMAT results are very important so preparation is essential. Minimum score of 500 required.

*Check Fulbright website for advice on studying in the USA at: http://fulbright.ie/study-in-the-us 
http://gradschool.about.com/od/essaywriting/All_About_the_Graduate_Admissions_Essay.htm 
http://www.educationusa.info/5_steps_to_study/graduate_step_2_complete_your_application.php#top 

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DAAD Scholarships for study or research in Germany

The German Academic Exchange Services are inviting Irish postgraduate students who wish to apply for scholarships/grants to apply directly to the DAAD office in London. These details are published on the Departments website www.education.ie under the heading 'Opportunities Abroad for Postgraduates'

Scholarships are awarded to graduate students from Irish universities to study or research at any institution of higher education in Germany. Applicants should have a close look at the website: http://www.daad.org.uk/en12900/index.html (Master level), (PhD level,Postdoctorate level) http://www.daad.org.uk/en/12938/index.html

Application deadlines:

15 October 2011: Achitecture, Choreography, Dance,Theatre,Jazz

25 November 2011: Art & Music

6 January 2012: for applicants from Irish universities for all other academic subjects.

Applicants are required to complete 3 copies of the application forms and these should to be returned to Svenja Rausch, German Academic Exchange Service London (DAAD), 1 Southampton Place, London WC1A 2DA.  Phone (+44) (020) 7831 9511.  Email rausch@daad.org.uk

These details are published on the Departments website www.education.ie under the heading 'Opportunities Abroad for Postgraduates'.

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The Finnish Government Scholarship Pool 2012-2013

The Finnish Government Scholarship Pool, from which the Centre for International Mobility (CIMO) will offer scholarships to Irish postgraduate students in the academic year 2012– 2013, is now open for application.  Application guidelines and further information for interested postgraduate students, researchers and teachers is available on CIMO’s ‘Discover Finland’ web service at http://finland.cimo.fi  (homepage >Tuition and Scholarships>CIMO Scholarships>Finnish Government Scholarship Pool.  The electronic form of the application form can also be downloaded from the above mentioned web address.

To be eligible, the applicant must:

  • Intend to pursue postgraduate studies as a visiting student, participate in a research project or teach at a higher education institution or public research institute in Finland; priority will be given to doctoral studies;
  • have established contact with the Finnish receiving institution before applying;
  • have a letter of invitation from the academic supervisor in Finland; the invitation should also explain the commitment of the host institution to the project;
  • have earned at least a Master level degree before applying;
  • not have spent more than one year at a Finnish higher education institution immediately before the intended scholarship period in Finland;
  • be able to give proof of sufficient skills in speaking and writing the language needed in study/research;
  • hold Irish citizenship.

Application procedure

The application form can be downloaded from CIMO’s web service at the above mentioned website address.  Applicants should save the application form on their own computer before completing it. The form should be typed throughout. To move between different fields, use the “Tab” key. Relevant boxes can be ticked by using the “Space” key or the left-hand mouse button. After completing the form, the applicant should print and sign it.

Documents required for application:

  • completed – typed, and signed application form
  • curriculum vitae
  • copies of latest diplomas
  • two letters of recommendation
  • study/research plan (2 - 5 pages)
  • invitation/expression of interest from the hosting academic supervisor in Finland(this will be considered an advantage in the selection process)
  • language certificate (Finnish, Swedish or English)

Scholarship term

Scholarships can be granted for periods of three to nine months. The academic year in Finland lasts from September to May. The autumn term begins in September and ends by 20 December. The spring term starts in January and ends in May.

The scholarship includes:

  • a monthly allowance of €1,200. The allowance is sufficient for one person only.

Travel expenses:  Expenses due to travel, international or in Finland are not covered by CIMO.
Insurance:  Scholarship holders are recommended to make arrangements for sufficient insurance coverage for their stay in Finland.
Note:  Interested applicants should note that the scholarships are meant for postgraduate studies, research or teaching and that priority will be given to doctoral studies. Moreover, it should be noted that in Finland Master’s courses are not considered postgraduate studies.

Completed application forms – which should be typed, with the relevant enclosures, must be returned to the Department of Education & Skills, International Section, Marlborough Street, Dublin1, not later than 5.30pm Friday 27 January 2012.

Any queries relating to the above scholarship offer to:- Marie Mooney, International Section, Telephone: (01) 889 2426, Email : Marie_Mooney@education.gov.ie 

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Scholarships and Fellowships for the USA

Scholarships and Fellowships

  • UG: Hiram College Global Scholarship Offers up to $19,000 Per Academic Year
  • UG: International Student Scholarships Available at Georgia College
  • UG & Grad: East Tennessee State University Offers International Student Merit Scholarship
  • Postdoc: Campbell Fellowships Available for Women Scholar-Practitioners from Developing Nations

I. Scholarships and Fellowships
HIRAM COLLEGE GLOBAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS UP TO $19,000 PER ACADEMIC YEAR
Hiram College, located in the northeastern region of Ohio, is a small private liberal arts institution known for its academic excellence and its focused research institutes. By submitting a general application for admission, international students are automatically considered one of Hiram’s merit-based Global Scholarships. Global Scholarships are international student financial awards that cover a maximum of $19,000 per year and that can be renewed annually for up to four years of study.

Global scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic preparation and performance, standardized test scores, class rank, teacher evaluations, personal essay, and individual skills and talents. The strongest emphasis is placed on academic performance.

For more information, please visit: http://bit.ly/mUC1Ig

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE AT GEORGIA COLLEGE
Georgia College and State University offers the International Student Scholarship (IIS), which is awarded as a tuition waiver that covers either the full cost or half of the cost of out-of-state tuition. Students are considered for the IIS based on academic ability, extracurricular involvement, and financial need.

Georgia College is a public liberal arts university in Milledgeville, Georgia, which is in the central part of the state. The student body includes more than 100 international students from 50 countries.
For more information, please visit: http://bit.ly/cQSfDc

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY OFFERS INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MERIT SCHOLARSHIP
The International Student Academic Merit Scholarship at East Tennessee State University is open to new international students who plan to study at the undergraduate or the graduate level. This scholarship covers 50% of total tuition costs and maintenance fees.

International students may also apply for other funding opportunities offered at ETSU, including Graduate Assistantships, Honors Program Scholarships, and the Public Performance Scholarship.
For more information, please visit: http://bit.ly/hwcfWN

CAMPBELL FELLOWSHIP FOR WOMEN SCHOLAR-PRACTITIONERS FROM DEVELOPING NATIONS
The School for Advanced Research on the Human Experience (SAR) and the Vera Campbell Foundation offer the Campbell Fellowship, which provides financial support for one six-month fellowship to female social scientist from a developing nation. The Campbell fellow can be a PhD candidate or a post-doctoral scholar whose research deals with women’s economic and social empowerment in her home country.

The Campbell Fellowship intends to advance the scholarly careers of women social scientists from developing nations and to support research that addresses issues surrounding gender inequality in the developing world. The Fellow will be selected based on citizenship, academic discipline, research topic, and English fluency.
For more information, please visit: http://bit.ly/2xLYWT

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Advice on College Essays for the USA

ADVICE ON COLLEGE ESSAYS: THE COMMON APPLICATION SETS 500-WORD LIMIT ON MAIN ESSAY
Essays are an important part of the college admissions process because they provide an opportunity for students to showcase their personality and their spirit to the admissions committee. However, for this very reason writing an essay is often one of the most challenging part of an application; students must memorably express themselves in a small amount of space.

The essay component of the Common Application, an undergraduate admissions application that is accepted by 415 colleges and universities across the US, has been unlimited in length for the past four years. However, Common App recently announced its decision to place a limit of 500 words on its main essay. This change means that students will be forced to be more concise when writing their essays and must clearly communicate their opinions, ideas, and writing skills within the space of 500 words. Students will still have a choice of six different essay prompts for the essay.
Read More: http://wapo.st/lvQ7M8 

BUSINESS SCHOOL: M.B.A. PROGRAMS TACKLE GLOBAL CHALLENGE
M.B.A programs at universities around the U.S. are not only taking steps to expand their curricula to incorporate a variety of international perspectives; they also are realizing the importance of recruiting international students in order to better connect with the global business network.

A recent article in US News and World Report highlights the initiatives underway by U.S. business schools that attempt to bring in a greater number of students from developing countries and emerging markets. In order to help these markets grow, the article states that universities are looking at various ways to incentivize international students to come to the U.S. to study and to then return to their home countries to apply their newly-acquired knowledge and skills.
Read More: http://bit.ly/jVvgDE

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European ScholarshipPortal

ScholarshipPortal is a new initiative funded by the European Commission which integrates the funding opportunities for studying, working or performing research in one of the European nations. The portal aims to stimulate and help students worldwide to find and select appropriate scholarships to study in Europe. Some of the key barriers to studying abroad are financial concerns or lack of funds. ScholarshipPortal goes some way to overcome this barrier by informing students on the many opportunities that exist.

It provides:

  • A central European website providing information on scholarships for studying in Europe
  • Boosts world-wide visibility of and access to scholarship programmes in Europe
  • Unifies the scattered information on all kinds of funding opportunities, such as grants, fellowships, awards, exchanges, and of course scholarships
  • Presents scholarship information in a comprehensive, structured and transparent way

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Online Applications for Postgraduate Courses in the UK

Applying for postgraduate study in the UK has never been simpler. Prospects.ac.uk provides a free online application facility for UK and international students to apply directly to the University of their choice. It gives the opportunity to apply online for postgraduate courses and research opportunities at an ever expanding range of institutions. The latest additions to the online applications system are the University of Birmingham, De Montfort University and Cardiff University. For a full list of institutions click on the following link. www.prospects.ac.uk/applyonline

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New European Education and Training Website

PLOTEUS

http://europa.eu.int/ploteus is the European Commission's new internet portal which is specifically designed to connect people to detailed information on education and training in thirty European countries. Information is provided under the following headings:

  • Learning Opportunities: Links to Higher and Further Educaton Institutions, databases of training courses and schools
  • Education Systems: Descritptions of national education and training systems
  • Exchanges: Opportunities to take part in European Programmes
  • Contacts: Relevant Guidance contacts
  • Moving to a Country: General information on each country.

The most important feature of PLOTEUS is the Learning Opportunities section - a collection of almost 4,000 links to national or regional databases and to education and training institutions' websites in 30 European countries. It offers the option to select information by location, learning language, subject or education level.

This website complements the EURES, www.europa.eu.int/eures website which provides employment-related informtion on EU countries.

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Leading UK Academic Jobs website

www.jobs.ac.uk for academic and research positions.

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New Postgraduate Study website

If you're having trouble finding the right PhD project and you're fed-up with searching through dozens of university websites to find the one that's just right for you, then a recently launched website should make the process much more straightforward. FindAPhD.com lists PhD projects in chemical, physical, earth and life sciences and engineering that are available in the UK and Ireland. This site already contains over 2000 entries and is growing on a daily basis.

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