Netherlands Government

Netherlands Government Scholarship
MS/MA Degree

Deadline: 7 Feb/1 May/2 Oct 2012
Study in:  Netherlands
Course starts September 2012

Brief description:

Nuffic, through the Netherlands Fellowship Programme, provide scholarships for short courses in Netherlands for international students.  NFP fellowships can be used for a number of selected courses and are offered by education institutions in the Netherlands. The institutions provide professional training at post- secondary level in several fields of study. The courses lead to a Dutch certificate or a diploma and their duration varies from two weeks to twelve months.

Host Institution(s):

Dutch Universities and Institutions

Field(s) of study:

The list of short courses that are supported by the fellowships can be found at NFP brochure including the course list (PDF, 1.5 MB). Please note that this is a provisional list and that information is subject to change. Please regularly check the Nuffic website for the latest information.

Special Announcement: One can apply for NFP fellowships for one of the training courses – Local Service Delivery and MDG’s which will be held from 15 to 26 October 2012 in The Hague.

Target group:

Students from 61 developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.  Half of the available fellowships should be awarded to female candidates and the other half should be spent on candidates from sub-Saharan Africa. Apart from this, priority is given to candidates from priority groups and/or from marginalized regions to be defined by the embassies.

Scholarship value/inclusions:

The NFP allowance is considered to be a contribution towards the cost of living for the fellowship holder. A fellowship holder can therefore be faced with additional expenses (for instance extra costs for housing). Fellowship holders are adviced to check with the dutch institution if this can be the case for them. The allowances are not sufficient to support family members, either in the home country or in the Netherlands.

Eligibility:

A candidate applying for an NFP fellowship for a short course must:

•   be a mid-career professional with at least three years’ relevant work experience;
•   be a national of, and working and living in one of the developing countries on the NFP country list valid at the time of application (see annex 4);
•   be nominated by their employer, who pledges to continue paying their salary and guarantees that they will be able to return to the same or an equivalent position at the end of the fellowship period;
•   have been unconditionally admitted by a Dutch institution to one of the short courses on the course list 2012-2013. This means that candidates must meet all the requirements set by the Dutch institution;
•   not have received more than one NFP short course fellowships;
•   not have received an NFP short course fellowship in the year prior to the fellowship application;
•  not be employed by:  a multinational corporation (for instance Shell, Unilever etc.); a large national and/-or commercial organisation; a bilateral donor organisation (for instance USAID, DFID, Danida, Sida, FinAid, AusAid, ADC, SwissAid etc.); multilateral donor organisation, (for instance a UN organisation, the World Bank, the IMF, Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, IADB, etc.); or an international NGO’s (for instance Oxfam, Plan, Care, etc.).
•   have completed and submitted an NFP short course fellowship application including all the
required documentation before the applicable NFP fellowship application deadline;
•  be employed in an area to which the study will make a relevant contribution;
•   have a clear-cut, functional relationship with a relevant organisation and be in a position to introduce the newly acquired skills and knowledge into that organisation;
•   be available for the entire period of the course and be physically and mentally able to take part in the entire course;
•   endorse the objective and the aim of the NFP. The aim of the NFP cannot be reached if the fellowship holder does not return to his or her own country. Nuffic would like to urge fellowship holders to return to their home country upon finishing the course or programme to meet the NFP aim in the most effective way.

Application instructions:

To be eligible for an NFP fellowship, candidates need to be admitted to the short course for which they would like an NFP fellowship. Candidates first apply for admission directly to the Dutch institution that offers the short course of their choice.  The Dutch institution assesses the application and decides whether or not to admit the candidate to the short course. Nuffic has no part in the academic admission process.

A candidate applying for an NFP fellowship must have been unconditionally admitted to a Dutch institution for the course or programme for which the candidate applies for an NFP fellowship. This means that the candidate must have met all the academic and administrative requirements set by the Dutch institution.

The deadline for academic applications is earlier, about 1-2 months earlier than the fellowship applications deadline.   Candidates are strongly advised to apply as early as possible for admission to a Dutch institution to allow these institutions enough time to process all the applications for admission in time.

For 2012-2013, the deadline for fellowship applications is 7 Februrary or 1 May or 2 October in 2012 depending on the course (see the NFP course list for 2012-2013 to know the specific deadline for your chosen course).  The deadlines  for  paper  fellowship applications are always  one month  before the online application deadline.  The paper fellowship application deadlines  are: 1 January  2012, 1 April  2012 and 1 September  2012.

Applications have to be submitted through Scholarships Online (SOL). Through SOL candidates can apply for fellowships online
and they can check the status of an application. Other parties such as the Dutch institutions, the embassies and consulates will use SOL to add information about an NFP fellowship application. The embassies and consulates will also use SOL to assess NFP
fellowship applications.

It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Website:

Official Scholarship Website:  http://www.nuffic.nl/international-students/scholarships/scholarships-administered-by-nuffic/netherlands-fellowships-programmes-nfp/netherlands-fellowship-programmes-nfp

DB/Japan Government

MS/PhD Degree

Deadline: varies
Study in:  Asia, Australia, USA
Course starts 2012

Brief description:

The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) was established in April 1988 with financing from the Government of Japan.   It aims to provide an opportunity for well-qualified citizens of ADB’s developing member countries to undertake postgraduate studies in economics, management, science and technology, and other development-related fields at participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Region.

Upon completion of their study programs, scholars are expected to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries.

Host Institution(s):

ADB-JSP provides scholarships only to participating academic institutions under the Program.

Field(s) of study:

Programs covered by the ADB-JSP are postgraduate studies in economics, management, health, education, agriculture,  environment, natural resource management, science and technology, and other development-related fields.

Only programs at the 20 participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Regions are eligible for ADB-JSP funding.

Number of Scholarships:

About 300 scholarships are awarded annually.

Target group:

The scholarships are open to citizens of ADB’s developing member countries.

Scholarship value/inclusions:

The ADB-JSP provides full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence and housing allowance, an allowance for books and instructional materials, medical insurance, and travel expenses.

For scholars engaged in research, a special grant may be available for thesis preparation. In special circumstances computer literacy, preparatory language and other similar courses may be covered under the scholarship.

The scholarship is for one year with an extension to the second year of study, as appropriate, which shall be conditional on the scholar maintaining a satisfactory level of performance as determined by the institute.   The maximum duration of scholarship award is two years for masters and doctorate programs.

Eligibility:

1. A national of an ADB borrowing member country (applicants from countries that are no longer borrowing from ADB are not eligible for the ADB-JSP Scholarship).

2. Gained admission to an approved MA/PhD course at an academic institution .

3. A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with superior academic record.

4. At least two (2) years of full-time professional working experience (acquired after a university degree) at the time of application. Proficiency in oral and written English communication skills to be able to pursue studies.

5. Not more than 35 years old at the time of application. In exceptional cases, for programs which are appropriate for senior officials and managers, the age limit is 45 years old.

6. In good health.

7. Should agree to return to his/her home country after completion of studies under the Program.

8. Executive Directors, Alternate Directors, management and staff of ADB, consultants, and relatives of the aforementioned are not eligible for the Scholarship.

9. Staff of academic institutions are not eligible for the Scholarship.

10. Applicants living or working in a country other than his/her home country are not eligible for scholarships.

11. ADB-JSP does not support applicants who are already enrolled in graduate degree programs.

12. ADB-JSP does not sponsor undergraduate studies, distance learning programs, short-term training, conferences, seminars, thesis writing, and research projects.

Application instructions:

The procedure in applying for ADB-JSP Scholarships is outlined below:

1. Applicants should request information and application forms from the chosen Academic Institution(s. Applicants are encouraged to access various resources, including the institutions’ websites and handbooks, and institution information sessions held in-country, to assist them in making an informed decision on the academic institution and course they wish to undertake.

2. Applicants should indicate to the academic institution that they are applying for admission and that they would like to be considered for the ADB-JSP Scholarship. The completed Institution application form and required documentation, including the ADB-JSP Information Sheet form, should be submitted to the academic institution. Applicants must ensure that they submit accurate and complete documentation. Failure to do so may result in an application not being processed or to an award being terminated if documentation or information provided is later determined to be false. Applicants are required to submit their latest Income Tax Return or Certification of their Annual Salary/Monthly Salary, whichever is available. They should also submit a Certification of Family Income (Parent’s Income).

3. The academic institution will screen and rank the applicants, based on its own selection criteria, keeping in view the eligibility requirements and selection criteria of the ADB. In the evaluation process, the academic institution may contact the candidates for further information. The academic institution will then submit its ranked list of applicants to ADB, including a description of the score/grading system which is the basis for the ranking.

4. ADB will review the submission from the academic institutions and recommend awardees based on the selection criteria of ADB to the Executive Director of Japan for formal approval.

5. Upon approval by the Executive Director of Japan, ADB will advise academic institutions on the successful candidates.

6. The academic institution will inform all applicants of the outcome of the selection process and begin to make arrangements for the awardees take up their scholarships.

7. The academic institutions will arrange for the signing of the Acceptance of Scholarship Award by awardee wherein the scholars agree that after completion of their study, they will return to their home country.

8. ADB will send an appropriate congratulatory letter to each scholar.

No separate application to ADB is necessary.  Send applications for scholarships at least six months prior to the planned time that you wish to commence studies.   Please refer to the normal month of intake and deadline of application in the participating academic institutions.

It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Website:

Official Scholarship Website:  http://www.adb.org/site/careers/japan-scholarship-program/main

Islamic Development Bank

Bachelors (BS) Degree

Deadline: Rolling
Study in:  any Country
Course starts 2012/2013

Brief description:

The Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries was launched in 1404H (1983G) with the objective to provide educational opportunities for the academically meritorious and financially needy young Muslim students from Muslim communities in non-member countries to pursue undergraduate or first-degree study in a university and to train them in specific fields in order to improve their socio-economic conditions, preserve their cultural and religious identities and make a meaningful contribution to the development of their communities and countries.

Host Institution(s):

The Scholarship is tenable at recognized government or private universities in the students’ own countries. Students may also be sent to IDB member countries which provide places for IDB students in their universities.

Fields of study:

At present, the Programme focuses on medicine, engineering, agriculture and other related fields such as dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, nursing, nutrition study, computer science, forestry and fishery. Only for the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries with their special needs has the IDB approved the inclusion of additional areas of study such as administration, management, marketing, finance, banking and accountancy.

Number of Awards:

Not specified

Target group:

The scholarships are for Muslims from the following countries:

Argentina, Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Central African Republic, China, Congo, Cote d Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Croatia. D R of Congo (Zaire), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, India, Kenya, Kosovo, Kibris (Northern Cyprus), Liberia, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vanuatu (The Pacific), Vietnam, Zambia, Zanzibar (Tanzania), and Zimbabwe.

Scholarship value/inclusions:

The IDB Scholarship Programme covers the following items:

•  tuition-fee(*) and other related academic expenses, such as examination fees, laboratory fees, etc., payable to the universities directly;
•  monthly stipend commensurate with the cost of living in the country of study;
•  books/clothing allowance, the equivalent of three months monthly stipends, once a year;
•  cost of medical treatment (either at the university or local state hospital); and
•  cost of one pair of eye-glasses, once during the entire period of study(if needed).

(*) Not applicable to all benefiting students.

For the students who are selected to study outside of their own countries, the IDB also provides them with economy class tickets to and from the countries of study (once at the beginning and at the end of study.

Important Note: The scholarship is given as an interest-free-loan (qard hasana) to the students and as a grant to the Muslim communities to which they belong.  Under the Programme, the students are required to repay the loan after graduation and gainful employment, in easy installments, to a Waqf (Trust) set up by the IDB in each non-member country benefiting from the Programme.

Eligibility:

The Scholarship Programme is intended to be for academically meritorious but financially needy Muslim students with strong desire to engage in social services and community development. They must also be able to meet the following eligibility criteria:

•  Maximum age of 24 years;
•  Completed senior secondary education (or the equivalent of approximately 12 years of education) with good grades in major science subjects
•  Secured admission in one of the disciplines covered under the Programme at a recognized college or university in their own countries; and
•  Not in receipt of any other scholarship at the time of application and during studies.
•  Recommended by the local community leaders or Muslim Organizations through the IDB Selection Procedures.

Application instructions:

The Application Form must be properly completed and submitted to the Counterpart Organizations in the country, accompanied by all the required documents, as follows: attested copies of birth certificate, diploma, transcript, and proof of admission.

It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Contact information:

In countries where the IDB Scholarship Programme is being implemented, please contact the Counterpart Organizations in your country and NOT the IDB directly.  In countries where the Programme is not being implemented, inquiries may be directed to the IDB directly.

The Head, Office of the Scholarship Programme
Islamic Development Bank
P.O. Box 5925, Jeddah 21432
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966-2) 636-1400; 646-6835 (direct)
Fax: (966-2) 636-6871; 646-6887 (direct)
E-mail: scholar@isdb.org

Website:

Official Scholarship Website: http://www.isdb.org/irj/portal/anonymous?NavigationTarget=navurl://2e7def656656ac9aede982bd2995a417&

DAAD

Masters (MS) Degree

Deadline: 31 July (annual)
Study in:  Germany
Course starts September 2012

Brief description:

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships in Germany for international students for a range of postgraduate courses at German Universities which aim at providing academically educated young professionals from developing countries with further specialized studies.

These degree courses, which consist of one to two years of concentrated study, provide academically-trained young professionals in leading positions from developing countries with the opportunity to engage in postgraduate education and training in their particular field or profession.

Host Institution(s):

German Universities offering postgraduate courses with relevance to developing countries.

Field(s) of Study:

Postgraduate courses are offered in the following fields:

• Economic Sciences / Business Administration / Political Economics
• Development Co-operation
• Engineering and Related Sciences
• Mathematics
• Regional Planning
• Agriculture and Forest Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Medicine and Public Health
• Veterinary Medicine
• Sociology and Education

View the list of selected programmes for 2012/2013.

Number of Scholarships:

Not specified.

Target group:

The DAAD Germany Scholarships are for international students and young professionals from developing countries in Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands, Central and South America and Central and Eastern Europe.
Scholarship value/inclusions:

DAAD scholarship supports selected programmes with a variety of full or partial scholarships.

Eligibility:

• Will come either from a public authority or a state or private company in a developing country and, as such, be engaged in the planning and execution of directives and projects with emphasis on development policies having a bearing on technological, economic or social areas.
• Holds a Bachelor’s degree (4 years) in related subject.
• Will have completed an academic degree far beyond average and at least two years of related professional experience.
• Is not older than 36 (for some courses the age limit is 32), and his/her respective academic degrees should normally not be older than 3 years. Concerning a possible age limit, please refer to the course details on the following pages.
• For courses in German: DSH 2 or TestDaF 4; at time of application German skills at completed level A2 are required. In addition, German language courses at level A3 or B1 are highly recommended.
• For courses in English: TOEFL (minimum score: 550 paper based, 213 computer based, 80 internet based) or IELTS (band 6) certificate.

Please also see if you meet the eligibility requirements of the programme you are applying to.

Application instructions:

Scholarship applicants can apply at the German embassy or DAAD regional office, directly at the DAAD in Bonn or directly to the university.  For Cameroon, Myanmar, Nigeria it is highly recommended to submit the applications only via the German Embassy.

The applicant should submit the complete requirements as found in this link.  The applicant also needs to follow separate specific application requirements and instructions (if any) set by a course.

Application deadlines for DAAD-scholarships are as follows:

•At German embassies and/or at the DAAD regional offices: 31 July
• At the DAAD section 431 in Bonn/Germany: 30 August
• At the respective universities in Germany: 30 September or 15 October

Important Note: Applicants should make sure to check information regarding university-specific application closing dates directly with the individual universities  because they may vary from the general deadlines listed above.

It is important to visit the official website to access the application form and for complete information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Website:

Official Scholarship Website: http://www.daad.de/entwicklung/studierende_und_alumni/bildung_postgradual/ast/08492.en.html

Scholarship Booklet 2012-2013:  http://www.daad.de/imperia/md/content/entwicklung/hochschulen/ast/postgraduate_courses_2012_2013.pdf

Cardiff University

Cardiff University
BS/MS/PhD Degree

Deadline: 15 July 2012
Study in: UK
Course starts September 2012

Brief description:

The Cardiff University offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Masters) and Postgraduate Research (PhD) International Scholarships to international students from all over the world.

Host Institution(s):

Cardiff University, United Kingdom

Field(s) of study:

Applications are welcomed from all international students applying for any undergraduate, masters and PhD courses offered at Cardiff University.

Number of Scholarships:

Undergraduate Scholarships: 4 each year
Postgraduate Taught Scholarships (Masters): 4 each year
Postgraduate Research Scholarships (PhD): 3 each year

Target group:

The scholarships are open to international students from all countries.

Scholarship value/inclusions:

Undergraduate Scholarships
Scholarship-holders will receive a fee waiver to the value of full international tuition fees (to a maximum of £15,000 per year) for the first year of their undergraduate degree at Cardiff University.

Postgraduate Taught Scholarships (Masters)
Scholarship holders will receive a fee waiver to the value of full international tuition fees (to a maximum of £15,000) for the entire duration of a one year postgraduate taught programme at Cardiff University (or for one year of a programme that is longer than one year). They will also receive a maintenance stipend of £10,000 for one year (to be received upon arrival at Cardiff University).

Postgraduate Research Scholarships (PhD)
The scholarship value is the difference between home (UK/EU) tuition fees and international tuition fees of their postgraduate research programme at Cardiff University.

Eligibility:

•  You must be confirmed as an Overseas Student for fee paying purposes (this information is contained in your offer letter).

•  Applicants for a Postgraduate Taught or Postgraduate Research scholarship: You must have accepted an unconditional offer of a place to study at Cardiff University for the 2012/13 academic year by Midnight (UK time) Sunday, 15 July 2012.

•  Applicants for an Undergraduate scholarship: You must have either a conditional or unconditional offer and must have accepted Cardiff University as your Firm  choice on the UCAS system, for study during the 2012/13 academic year, by Midnight (UK time) Sunday, 15 July 2012.

•  Students with offers to study a Distance Learning course are not eligible to apply.

•  You must complete the application form and personal statement as directed. Incomplete forms will not be considered.

•  You must return the application form by the deadline: Midnight (UK time) Sunday, 15th July 2012. Applications received after this date will not be accepted.

•  Scholarships are to be used for academic year 2012/3 only and cannot be used for 2013/14 entry. If you are awarded a scholarship and wish to defer your entry to the University, you will lose your scholarship and will need to re-apply again in the following year. These scholarships are only available to self-funded students. Students who are in receipt of full funding from a sponsorship body (such as their home country’s government or a private organisation) are not eligible to apply.

Application instructions:

Only admitted students are eligible for the scholarships. Do not apply if you haven’t been accepted to a course at Cardiff University. Deadline for scholarship applications is 15 July 2012.

It is important to read the application guidance notes and visit the official website (links found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Website:

Official Scholarship Website:  http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/prospective/inter/study/feesandfinance/fundingandscholarships/isapplication/index.html

Application Guidance Notes and FAQs: http://cf.ac.uk/for/prospective/inter/study/feesandfinance/fundingandscholarships/guidance_notes_to_ISF_application_form_2012.pdf

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Brief description:

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides a year of professional enrichment in the United States for experienced professionals from designated countries throughout the world. Fellows are selected based on their potential for leadership and their commitment to public service in either the public or private sector.

The Humphrey Program is a non-degree-granting program. Participants may complete academic coursework at their host university to update their academic and professional knowledge in their field, but they do not receive an academic degree as a result of their participation in the program.

Host Institution(s):

Fellows are placed at one of eighteen (8) participating USA universities.  Fellows are not able to choose which university they will attend. Rather, they are assigned  to the most appropriate host institution based on their area of interest and professional field.

Field of study:

• Agricultural and Rural Development;
• Communications/Journalism;
• Substance Abuse Education, Treatment and Prevention;
• Economic Development/Finance and Banking;
• Educational Administration, Planning and Policy;
• HIV/AIDS Policy and Prevention;
• Higher Education Administration;
• Human Resource Management;
• Law and Human Rights;
• Natural Resources, Environmental Policy, and Climate Change;
• Public Health Policy and Management;
• Public Policy Analysis and Public Administration;
• Teaching of English as a Foreign Language;
• Technology Policy and Management;
• Trafficking in Persons, Policy and Prevention;
• Urban and Regional Planning.

Number of Awards:

Approximately 160-190 are awarded with the fellowship each year.

Target group:

Citizens of eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, East Asia and Pacific, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.

Scholarship value/inclusions:

The Fellowship provides for:

•  Payment of tuition and fees at the assigned host university;
•  Pre-academic English language training, if required;
•  A maintenance (living) allowance, including a one-time settling-in allowance;
•  Accident and sickness coverage;
•  A book allowance;
•  A one-time computer subsidy;
•  Air travel (international travel to and from the U.S. for the program and domestic travel to required program events);
•  A Professional Development allowance for professional activities, such as field trips, professional visits and conferences.

Eligibility:

USA Government
Training Fellowship

Deadline:varies,May-Sept (annual)
Study in:  USA
Program starts Apr-Sept 2013

The applicant must have:

•  an undergraduate (first university) degree,
•  a minimum of five years of substantial professional experience,
•  limited or no prior experience in the United States,
•  demonstrated leadership qualities,
•  a record of public service in the community, and
•  strong English skills.

Please contact the U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Section or Fulbright Commission in your country of residence to learn about possible specific program requirements (link found below).

Application instructions:

The deadlines for applicants vary by country but falls around May to September each year. Please check with the Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your country to learn about the exact deadline for submitting applications.  Embassies and Commissions must submit their nominations to the Institute of International Education office in Washington, DC by 1 October.

Please contact the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy or Bi-national Fulbright Commission in your country for more information about application procedures.   It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Contact information:

Click here for country-specific contact information.  Also see the FAQs.

Website:

Official Scholarship Website:  http://humphreyfellowship.org/page/97653/;jsessionid=6ot8gn5pdjpuo

Australian Government

MS/PhD Degree

Deadline: Mar-June 2012 (annual)
Study in:  Australia
Course starts 2012 Intake

Brief description:

The Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) Scholarships are supplementary to the Australian Development Scholarships (ADS).

Only 200 ALA Scholarships are available globally on an annual basis. Therefore, selection for an ALA Scholarship is highly competitive. It is based on a candidate’s professional and personal qualities, academic achievement and, most importantly, their commitment to contribute to development outcomes for their country and region.

Awardees undertake a Leadership for Development Program which provides opportunities to enhance leadership capacity and extend networks while the Scholars are in Australia.

Host Institution(s):

See the list of Participating institutions in Australia

Field and Level of study:

Only applicants applying to undertake a postgraduate course (Masters or PhD) are eligible to be considered for the supplementary ALA.

Study programs must relate to your country’s priority areas for development.  These are listed on the participating country profiles. AusAID Development Awards are not available for training in areas related to flying aircrafts, nuclear technology or military training.

Target group:

You are only eligible for ADS and ALA if you are a citizen of one of the countries listed below:

Asia

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam

Pacific

Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Pacific Collectivities (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna), Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue and Tokelau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Africa

Angola, Algeria, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia

Middle East

Iraq, Palestinian Territories

Caribbean Countries

Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago

Latin America

Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Scholarship value/inclusions:

In addition to receiving the ADS entitlements, the selected ALA scholars will undertake a Leadership for Development Program while they are in Australia. The purpose of this Program is to enhance the ability and confidence of participating scholars to lead action on development reform in their own country.

ALA Scholars are provided with further opportunities and activities, beyond their postgraduate studies, to enhance their leadership knowledge and extend their networks through a national Leadership for Development Conference and other tailored activities.

Eligibility:

Where English is not the first language, Posts must ensure that candidates for the supplementary ALA have achieved one of the following test results before recommending them to the Interdepartmental Selection Panel in Canberra (i.e. before 8 August), irrespective of whether the English language requirements for the course of study is lower:

a. an IELTS Academic Test with a score of at least 6.5 (with no band less than 6)
b. a TOEFL paper-based test score of at least 580
c. a TOEFL computer-based test score of at least 237
d. a TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) score of at least 92

Selection for the prestigious Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) is highly competitive. It is based on leadership qualities, academic competence and, most importantly, the potential for the candidate to influence development outcomes in their home country.

Application instructions:

There is not a separate application form for the supplementary ALA. Applicants who are interested in being considered for the ALA should indicate their interest on the Scholarship Application Form for ADS. Alternatively, if the applicant receives an invitation to attend an interview, they may use that opportunity to indicate their interest in the ALA.

You must read the Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships Handbook (link found below) carefully before filling in an application.  Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and that you have all the required supporting documentation. AusAID will not consider ineligible or incomplete applications.

Applications for the 2012 intake varies per country but is around  Mar-June 2012.

It is important to visit the website of Australian embassy/commission in your country and the official scholarship website (links found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Contact information:

See this link for the addresses of Australian Embassies, High Commissions or their Managing Contractors.   Also visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Website:

Official Scholarship Website:  http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/ala.cfm

How to Find a Local Weight Loss Center

Are you looking to lose weight? If you are, have you ever though about joining a weight loss center?  A weight loss center membership is a nice way to help you achieve your goal of losing weight.  If you have never been a member of a weight loss center before, you may be wondering how you can go about finding a weight loss center to join.

Before examining how you can go about finding a weight loss center to join, it is first important to know what weight loss centers are. When examining weight loss centers, you will find that weight loss centers come in a number of different formats.  Most commonly, weight loss centers are used to describe local weight loss programs, where you attend group meetings at the center.  There are some weight loss centers that have weekly or biweekly meetings, like for weigh-ins.  There are also weight loss centers where your membership fees give you access to onsite exercise equipment or the ability to attend an aerobics class.

Now that you know exactly what weight loss centers are, you are better prepared to go about finding one to join. One of the many ways that you can go about finding a weight loss center to become a member at is by using your local phone book. When using your local phone book, you will want to checkout the business directory section, which is also commonly referred to as the yellow pages.  You may be able to find the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of local weight loss centers by looking under the headings of weight loss, or health and fitness.

In addition to using your local phone book, you can also use the internet to help you find a local weight loss center to join. When using the internet, you can use online business directories or online phone books. These online resources are nice, but they are similar to what you would find in your local phone book. Often times, you only get the name, address, and telephone number of a weight loss center.  If you were to use an online business directory, you may also get the address to an online website, if the weight loss center in question has one.

In keeping with using the internet to help you find a local weight loss center, you can also use standard internet searches to your advantage.  When performing a standard internet search, you may want to search with phrases like weight loss centers, or weight loss programs.  This generalized search may return results for nationally operated weight loss centers.  If you are looking for a local center, you may want to incorporate your city or your state into your standard internet search as well.

Another great way that you can go about finding a local weight loss center to join is by asking those that you know for recommendations. This includes your friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, or your doctors.  Whether the individual in question was or still is a member of the weight loss center in question or they know someone who was, you may be able to get a lot information by speaking to those that you know.  It is also nice, as you often dont just get the name, address, or telephone number of a local weight loss center; you also should get personal recommendations and constructive criticism as well.

The above mentioned approaches are just a few of the many ways that you can go about finding local weight loss centers to join. Although it is nice to hear recommendations from those that you know or use the internet to help you familiarize yourself with all of your options, it is important that you take the time to find the perfect weight loss center for you and needs. This should involve examining the membership features that you have access to, the cost of becoming a member, and so forth.

Fast Weight Loss Tips

Are you interested in losing weight?   If you are, are you in a hurry to do so? While it is advised that you do not rely heavily on fast weight loss, also commonly referred to as rapid weight loss, there are many individuals who do.  If you are interested in losing weight, as quickly as possible, you will want to continue reading on.

One of the many ways that you can go about achieving a fat weight loss or rapid weight loss is by reducing the foods that you eat. When reducing your food consumption, it is important that you only reduce your consumption a little bit.  Unfortunately, many individuals who want to achieve fast weight loss think that they need to stop eating altogether, even if it is for two or three days.  That is something that you do not want to do.  Once you resume eating again, you will likely gain all of your weight back, almost automatically.  It is also important to mention that starving yourself is dangerous to your health.

In conjunction with reducing your food intake, it is advised that you reduce the amount of sweets or junk food that you eat. For fast weight loss, you will want to completely eliminate junk food from your diet, even if it is only for a short period of time. This means that if you want a snack, you should grab an apple or an orange instead of a chocolate bar or a bag of chips. With candy and other sweets being high in calories, you may see a significant decrease in your calorie consumption by eliminating them from your diet.

Exercise is another way that you can go about achieving fast weight loss. The thing about using exercise to achieve fast weight loss is that it is a little bit tricky. With exercise, you may not notice a significant weight loss right away.  For instance, it typically takes most individuals at least a week or two to notice an improvement in their appearance with the use of exercise. With that in mind, the more overweight you are, the sooner you may see a decrease in your weight, often quickly.

In keeping with exercise to lose weight, exercise is important to losing weight, as it helps to limit your calorie intake.  When you burn off calories, with the use of exercise, your body absorbs less calories. This is what makes it possible for you to lose weight.  Although your first though may be to start exercising as much as possible, right away, you may want to refrain from doing so.  If you arent usually physically active, it is best to start out slow.  This should significantly reduce your risk of injuries.

Another one of the many ways that you may be able to achieve fasts weight loss or rapid weight loss is with the use of a cleanse.  These cleanses are commonly referred to as colon cleanses or weight loss cleanses.  Cleanses work by removing toxins and extra weight, actually waste, from your body.  It has been said that most individuals have at least seven or eight pounds of waste stored in their bodies.  A weight loss cleanse or a colon cleanse should help remove those toxins from your body.

Should you decide to try a colon cleanse or a weight loss cleanse, to help you achieve a fast weight loss, it is important that you read all directions given to you. Some cleanses have a strict diet that you must follow. For the fastest weight loss, you may want to examine liquid cleanses, instead of those in pill formats, as they often produce the quickest results.

The above mentioned fast weight loss tips may help you achieve fast weight loss, even if it is only a small weight loss. As a reminder, it is important to proceed with caution. While it is more that possible for you to achieve your fast weight loss goal, it can also be dangerous to you and your health.

Do You Need to Lose Weight? Signs That You May

Each day in the United States, million of Americans say to themselves I need to lose weight.  Are you one of those individuals?  While many of the individuals who tell themselves that they need to lose weight do need to lose weight, not all do.  So, the question that many ask themselves is do I really need to lose weight?  If that is a question that you have asked yourself before, you will want to continue reading on.

One of the many signs that you may need to lose weight is if you are obese.  Many individuals do not realize that there is a difference between being overweight and being obese. While different healthcare professionals have different definitions for obese, it is often said that those who are thirty or forty pounds overweight are obese.  If you are obese, you shouldnt only be worried about your appearance, but your health as well.  Obesity has been linked to multiple health complications, including the early onset of death.

Another one of the many signs that you should lose weight is if you have been told that you need to do so.  Whether your physician recommended losing weight or if someone that you know on a personal level has, it is advised that you at least take their suggestions into consideration. Unfortunately, many individuals are embarrassed or become upset when they are told that they need to lose weight.  What you need to remember is that the individual mentioning your weight to you likely isnt as concerned with your appearance as they are with your health.

Another sign that you may want to think about losing weight is if you are finding that your clothes no longer fit you.  Of course, it is normal for some individuals to gain weight or to have their weight fluctuate, but you may want to think about joining a weight loss program or developing your own weight loss plan if you find that your clothes no longer fit or are difficult to get into.  Unfortunately, many individuals do not just have a small weight gain. Small weight gain often leads to more, which could have a negative impact on your health.  It is also important to mention the cost of new clothes, which you may not be able to afford.

If you find many simple tasks or activities, like walking up a flight of stairs, difficult, you may want to think about losing weight.  Of course, becoming out of breath from simple activities may not necessarily just be a weight problem, but there is a good chance that it is. When you lose weight, even just a little bit of it, you will likely find it easier to do many of the activities that you love or even the tasks that you need to do, like take your kids to the park.

The above mentioned signs are just a few of the many signs that you may need to lose weight.  Should you wish to lose weight, you are advised to proceed with caution. There are a number of weight loss products on the market, like diet pills or exercise equipment, which do not work. To save yourself money and to protect your health, you may want to consider consulting with your physician before starting any weight loss program, even one that you develop yourself.