UNESCO Scholarships for Ugandans and Africans

UNESCO Fellowships Programme in support of Programme Priorities (2010-2011). The fellowships offered under this scheme are of short term duration (6 months maximum) and are intended for specialized training at the postgraduate level. Priority targets are promising and qualified specialists who seek to undertake advanced research or to upgrade their skills and knowledge of state-of-the-art developments in their field of study or work.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS OF APPLICATIONS: 30 APRIL 2010

Criteria:
Target candidates:
Graduate and Postgraduate candidates for study abroad wishing to:
·Pursue training;
·Undertake advanced research;
·Upgrade skills; or
·Attend specialized or refresher courses.

Priority attention:
· Women candidates;
· Candidates from LDCs (Lest Developed Countries), SIDS (Small Island Developing States) as well as from PCPD countries (post conflict/post disaster) and/or in transition.

Qualifications required:
·University degree, i.e. at least a B.A. or B.Sc.
·Be not more than 45 years of age.

Additional qualifications:
Applicants must have exceptional merit, and have demonstrated that they possess outstanding potential to contribute to the social, cultural and economic development of their country.

Language proficiency:
Candidates must be proficient in reading and writing the language of instruction in the proposed country of study.

Field of study:
All applications must be closely aligned with “UNESCO’s expected strategic objectives and programme priorities” as decided by the 161st and 165th session of the Executive Board (161 EX/Decision 3.6.3 and 165 EX/Decision 8.6 respectively). It is therefore recommended that the proposed study programme(s) coincide(s) with the designated priorities for each of the fice Major Programme as described in the approved Programme and Budget for 2010-2011 (35 C/5 ).

Conditions:
How to apply:
Completed application form(s) IMP/0023A (x.95) should be sent by 30 April 2010 to the:
Participation Programme and Fellowships Section
7, place de Fontenoy
75352 Paris 07 SP – France

(advance copy)
Fax: 33-1 4568.5503
Email: fellowships@unesco.org

Incomplete applications, as well as candidatures that do not fulfil the requirements will be disqualified.

Who submits:
The National Commission for UNESCO of the candidate’s country submits the application(s), clearly indicating the order of priority. Applications from individuals will not be accepted.

Duration of studies:
Minimum: 1 (one) month;
Maximum: 6 (six) months.

Dates of study:
Any time between 1st September 2010 and 31 December 2011.

Number of candidatures that may be submitted for each Member State:
Two, listed in order of priority. The second candidature will serve as an alternate in case of cancellation or withdrawal of the first.

Programme of study:
Candidates should specify the type of study/research programme(s) they wish to undertake and draw up a precise and comprehensive detailed proposal (see “Guidelines” CL/3905 in page 4 of the Annex).

Responsibility for programme arrangements:
Priority will be given to well-planned programmes, particularly those for which the necessary contacts have been made in advance with the host institution. Confirmation from the host institution(s) of their acceptance to receive the fellow is indispensable prior to the award of the fellowship.

Host institution and country of study:
The host institution’s address, the place of study as well as the name of the contact person (including his/her phone and fax numbers as well as e-mail address), should be clearly indicated on the application form. Countries of study within the same region as that of the candidate’s are highly recommended.

Estimated costs:
Applicants should be realistic in compiling their proposed budgets. The estimate should indicate, exclusively:
• The cost of international and domestic travels for the proposed itinerary;
• Tuition fees, if any; and
• Stipend to cover subsistence abroad.

Applications where funds requested are judged to be excessive in relation to the real costs are likely to be awarded smaller grants. With a view to ensuring equitable distribution of funds, UNESCO applies standard rates for stipend and other entitlements.

Maximum cost of fellowship:
Entitlements of fellows, including health and accident insurance, are standardized, in accordance with the rules and regulations governing Fellowships Programmes. In any event, the maximum cost should not exceed US $15,000 to cover either partially or fully expenses related to the study programme. Should the proposed study programme need additional funds, other sources must be sought by the candidate to ensure completion of studies. Written confirmation issued by other funding sources will be required.

Evaluation of applications:
UNESCO’s relevant Programme Sector evaluates the technical and substantive suitability of the request. The budget for fellowship is examined and confirmed by the the Participation Programme and Fellowships Section in conformity with the standard rates applied by the entire United Nations system.

Selection of beneficiaries:
An Intersectoral Screening Committee, chaired by the Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Cooperation (ADG/ERC), will examine each application with a view to ensuring transparency, equitable geographical distribution, and conformity with strategic objectives and programme priorities as defined in the 35 C/4 and C/5 documents.