Application Guidelines

Please read this section carefully before completing the online application. Please note, application materials with words in excess of the prescribed length will not be considered.

Plan of study
Applicants should be aware that the responsibility for highlighting the relevance and reasons behind their choices rests with them. While a selection committee obtains specialist advice on applications, it should not be assumed that the committee will include a member with expertise in your precise field. The evaluation of the merit of the proposed international program will be based on the applicants study plan, if required in the application. The study plan should outline clearly and coherently the following:

Various components of the graduate program he/she would like to pursue (or is pursuing); The rationale for the country, the institution(s) and the supervisor(s) he/she has chosen; The major work he/she wishes to pursue, whether research, scholarship or an artistic endeavor: its precise nature, its purpose, and the proposed methodology or approach; How the proposed program of study and major work relate to his/her future career.

The purpose of this plan of study is to assess how well the applicant has organized his/her studies to meet worthy goals, his/her potential to benefit from the experience aboard, as well as how well he/she is able to express ideas in writing.

Institution of Study
Applicants are expected to have undertaken research on suitable institutions of study. Many institutions have strict deadlines for entry to research programs. Where applicable, applicants must take the necessary steps to secure admission to their preferred institutions. Applicants should check admission requirements carefully at the time of application. Where applicable, candidates are recommended to consider alternatives in the event their original institution is deemed inappropriate or are not able to offer a place.

Leadership Qualities
Host countries are keen to support applicants who combine academic skills of the highest quality with strong potential to reach positions of influence and to make an impact on wider society. We recognize that evidence for this could come in several forms. Examples might include exceptional commitment to a particular field of study, strong extra-curricular activities, demonstrated ability to overcome adversity, or social, political or charitable interests. Where possible, applicants should also demonstrate how the scholarship and proposed course of study would relate to their future plans, although it will be appreciated that not all applicants will have specific careers in mind at this stage.

Reference Letters
Great importance will be placed on reference letters from individuals who are well acquainted with your academic or professional work. Please note that:

Where an applicant has studied at an institution in the host country or is currently doing so, at least one referee should be from the institution concerned. At least two referees should have taught or supervised you in an area of study relevant to this application. For research fellows/applicants, one reference must be from the supervisor at your home institution (if applicable).

Referees should comment as fully as possible on the applicant, keeping in mind the following points for inclusion, as appropriate:

How long, and in what capacity, you have known the applicant. Your views on the applicant's academic record and suitability for the proposed research in general and need for the particular subject of study abroad. Information on how, and to what extent, the applicant has shown ability in terms of: o Capability to grasp concepts and reason analytically. o Capacity for original thought. o Motivation and perseverance in achieving objectives. Assessment of the applicant's particular strengths and weaknesses. Any other general qualities which you consider would make the applicant a worthy scholarship recipient.