International Scholarships

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Tips for Writing Letters of Recommendation

I got this article from Rumah Beasiswa

From Tara Kuther, Ph.D.

As a college professor, many students approach me for letters of recommendation. Writing these letters is one of the most challenging aspects of my job. How do you fit a comprehensive profile and assessment of a student into a 1-2 page letter? How do you ensure that students provide you with all the relevant information that will help you to write the best letter than you can? How do you protect yourself from liability in writing letters of recommendation? This article takes a closer look at tips to help you in writing letters of recommendation.

Many professors create a handout or web page listing the desired information. Here are some suggestions:

* Explain the purpose of the letter
* Desired focus of the letter (e.g., discuss my research skills and experiences in your lab, or discuss my responsibilities as a teaching assistant in your class)
* Useful skills (e.g., computer, statistical, or interpersonal skills)
* Related experiences (extracurricular, work experience, clubs, volunteer work)
* Courses taken with the faculty member, with grades and sample work (e.g., term paper)
* Reasons for pursing graduate study
* Resume
* Transcript

Think About It
Do not immediately agree to write a letter on behalf of a student. Instead, take a little bit of time to think about it and reflect on your experiences with the student.

Be Honest
If you don`t know a student well or cannot write a positive letter on his or her behalf, explain your reservations to inform the applicant. If he or she insists, you can either refuse, write a neutral letter, or include negative evaluations with supporting behavioral examples.

Get Permission
Obtain the student`s written permission (the signed recommendation form included in admissions packets for most graduate programs is suitable)

Be Specific
Use specific examples to support your statements. Specific examples will enhance the value of positive comments and will protect you from legal action. If you choose to include unfavorable information, you must include specific examples to illustrate your point.

Organize the Letter
An effective letter of recommendation is structured. Begin your letter by indicating for whom you are writing, what they are applying to, and an overview of the tone of the letter. Indicate to what extent and length of time you have known the student. Your next step should be to review grades and your records regarding the student.

Next, provide specific examples that illustrate the student`s intellectual ability, capacity for independent and original thought, knowledge of the field, or attitude and motivation. Close by reiterating your overall recommendation and its strength.

Beware of Ambiguity
Letters of recommendation tend to be overwhelmingly positive. Because most letters are inflated, readers examine them as if they were written in code. Recommendation letters thus become a projective test wherein any ambiguity is questioned. Any equivocal information might be interpreted in a negative light, even if you did not intend so.


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[Switzerland] International Master`s Scholarship at University of Bern

Universität Bern - International Master`s Scholarship

The Universität Bern will offer international students Excellence Scholarships for postgraduate study for the academic year 2008/09. The scholarship consists of 1600 CHF per month for the entire duration of the Master`s programme.

Master`s Programmes
For further information (study programmes, major, minor, etc.) about the about the Master`s programmes offered at our university please contact the departement concerened directly.

Criteria for selection:


* Applicants must, by end of July 2008, have graduated with at least a Bachelor`s degree in the same field of study as the selected Master`s programme

* The applicant`s place of residence during the application period must be in their home country

The applicant`s file must include the following in duplicate:

* Application form (see downloads)
* Curriculum vitae /resume
* Letter of motivation and objectives
* Letter of recommendation from a professor of your home university
* Evidence of sufficient language proficiency in German or dispensation granted by the faculty concerned at Universität Bern
* Transcript of grades obtained during Bachelor studies, diploma (photocopies) or confirmation of home university that Bachelor studies in the same study field as applied Master`s programme will be completed by the end of July 2008
* Record of school-leaving examination (i.e. university entrance qualification)
* 2 passport photos
* Copy of passport

The application must be written in the language of the corresponding Master`s course.

Closing date:
Applicants` files should be submitted before December 21, 2007 to:

Universität Bern,
International Relations,

Hochschulstrasse 4,
CH-3012 Bern
Each application must be submitted in duplicate (2 paper copies).

Incomplete application files will not be considered!

The files will be examined by a selection committee. The criteria for selection are previous academic excellence and the potential of the candidate.

Contact:
Claudine Rossi email: claudine.rossi@int.unibe.ch phone +41 (0)31 631 80 49

For more informationa, please visit here.


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[Switzerland] Swiss Government Postgraduate Scholarships Program For Indonesia Citizen 2008-2009

Deadline: Before October 31

The Swiss Government through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) grants a limited number of scholarships to developing countries, among which Indonesia is included. These scholarships are offered to Indonesian POSTGRADUATE students wishing to study at a Swiss university. The aim of the scholarship is to enable grantees either to further their education or to undertake research work in the fields in which the universities are particularly active. The intended study should be useful for the development in Indonesia. In principle, the scholarship holders can study at any national Swiss university or Federal Institute of Technology. The candidates should take into account the possibilities offered by Swiss universities.

Following programs are not included in this scholarship:
1. Fine arts and music
2. Undergraduate studies
3. Hotel management studies
4. Student exchange programs

5. Part-time studies
6. On-the-job studies
7. Correspondence studies

The duration of grant is for nine-month academic year. Under certain conditions, which are justified by FCS and the related university, the scholarship may be renewed.

CONDITIONS

1. Indonesian citizen

2. University degree ( min. Sarjana Strata-1 or equivalent)

3. Candidates must be under 35 years old when applying

4. Sufficient knowledge of one of the official languages in Switzerland (i.e. German, French or Italian), depending on the location of chosen university, and English for some courses. Each candidates will have to undergo a language test at the Swiss Embassy in Jakarta in order to determine the oral and written language ability.
Note: It is a general requirement that applicants must have proficient knowledge of one of the official languages spoken in Switzerland. In principle this requirement still applies to applicants with good English abilities and also if the intended study program will be held in English. The applicant should fully benefit from the offered scholarship. Without knowledge of one of the national languages it will be difficult to handle daily situations (foreign police, post office, bank, university life, etc). A qualified applicant whose language proficiency is considered inadequate may still be granted a scholarship. This, however, will be subject to the applicant’s attendance of a special three months’ intensive language course at the University of Fribourg. The FCS will also cover the expenses for these courses, which usually start in mid-July.

4. Acceptance letter from the chosen university. Before applying the candidates need to contact the professor or director of the postgraduate program at the chosen educational institution in order to get a written confirmation of acceptance which must be submitted when filing the application. The request of the acceptance letter must be completed with a detailed and precise plan of the intended postgraduate study program, curriculum vitae and certified copies of the university diplomas (including transcripts). A certified translation is required if the originals are not issued in English, German, French or Italian.

5. Detailed study/research plan describing clearly and precisely the aim of study. The possibilities offered by the Swiss universities should be taken into account, also the possibilities of professional reintegration when returning to Indonesia

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please note that only applicants who fulfil the above mentioned requirements can obtain scholarship application forms. The application forms are available until October 17, 2007 and will be sent only by post. To obtain the forms, the applicants should send a brief request letter which includes this following data and document:

* Complete name
* Date of birth
* Language. Please mention one the official languages in Switzerland which you speak fluently (German, French or Italian, depending on the location of the chosen university).
* Written confirmation from professor/university in Switzerland (by e-mail or fax) stating that your study plan is accepted and that you meet requirements and own a suitable academic background to be accepted as a student. In order to obtain this confirmation please contact directly the university (please take a look at the list of Swiss universities on the web site).
* Intended study field and university in Switzerland
* Complete correspondence address

Please send the request by post or e-mail to the address below:

Embassy of Switzerland
Cultural Section
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav. X 3/2
Kuningan, Jakarta 12950
E-mail: jak.vertretung@eda.admin.ch
Homepage: www.eda.admin.ch/jakarta


The application forms must be completed and returned together with supporting documents usually before October 31, of the application year. All documents must be submitted in quadruplicate (4 sets of copies). Every document set must be prepared in following order:

* Application form
* Copies of secondary school certificates
* Translation of secondary certificates
* Copies of certificate of bachelor degree from university
* Translation of the certificate of bachelor degree
* Academic transcript
* Translation of the academic transcript
* Letters of recommendation from 2 professors/lectures in Indonesia
* Precise and detailed plan outlining the program of the intended study or research in Switzerland
* Curriculum vitae
* Acceptance letter of an institute or professor of the chosen institution stating that your study plan is accepted and that you meet requirements and own a suitable academic background to be accepted as a student.
* Medical certificate (on form supplied by the Embassy)
* Other documents (language certificates, etc.)

Photocopies of any documents such as general certificates of secondary education, university diplomas and transcripts, language certificates, etc. have to be certified as true copies. Certified translations into either English, German, French or Italian have to be attached to those documents which are not originally issued in one of these languages.

Please note that only complete and orderly prepared application files will be taken into consideration. If all requirements are fulfilled, the applicant then will be invited to the Embassy to take a written and oral language test, as well as a short personal interview. In May 2006, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) will announce the accepted candidates.

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT

CHF 1.920,- for post-graduate students
CHF 4.800,- for the three-months language course in Fribourg

Please note that the scholarship recipients are exempt from the general semester fees but NOT for certain postgraduate courses as for example MBA-programms (which can reach thousands of CHF). The grant covers only living expenses in Switzerland.

TRAVEL EXPENSES AND INSURANCE

Recipients from Indonesia pay their own travel expenses to Switzerland, but the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) pays the return ticket (except for familiy members). The return travel will not be offered if grantees extend their stay in Switzerland beyond six months after completion of their studies, or if they take up employment or move to a third country.

Health insurance (except for dental care) and accident insurance are provided.

OBLIGATIONS OF A SCHOLARSHIP HOLDER

Scholarship holders must live in Switzerland at the study place and must comply with the laws concerning the residence of foreigners in Switzerland and the university regulations. The scholarship holders cannot take family members to Switzerland in the first year of study but they may visit Switzerland on their own costs as a tourist.

When accepting the scholarship, candidates may have to give their written agreement to return to Indonesia after completion of the scholarship in Switzerland.

Scholarships of the FCS cannot be cumulated with other scholarships. If the scholarship holders have another scholarship or another financial support (salary), they are not entitled to be granted a Swiss scholarship.

Swiss Universities Website:

* Universität Basel
www.unibas.ch

* Universität Bern
www.unibe.ch
www.int.unibe.ch

* Université de Fribourg
www.unifr.ch
www.unifr.ch/mobilite

* Université de Genève
www.unige.ch
www.unige.ch/intl/boursiers/

* Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
www.epfl.ch
www.epfl.ch/soc/social/bourse3eme.html

* Université de Lausanne
www.unil.ch
www.unil.ch/ri/page12729.html

* Universität Luzern
www.unilu.ch

* Université de Neuchâtel
www.unine.ch

* Universität St. Gallen
www.unisg.ch
www.exchange.unisg.ch/org/lehre/exchange.nsf/wwwPubInhalteEng/Incoming:+Programs:+Other+Programs?opendocument

* Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
www.ethz.ch
www.mobilitaet.ethz.ch/incomings/anmeldung/andere/bundesstipendium

* Universität Zürich
www.unizh.ch
www.int.unizh.ch

* Università della Svizzera italiana
www.unisi.ch
www.unisi.ch/index.servizi/mobilita.htm

Usefull links:
* www.swissuni.ch
* >www.swissuniversity.com
* www.crus.ch/engl/study.html
* www.bbw.admin.ch
* www.edk.ch


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Monday, July 30, 2007

[Australia] The University of Newcastle International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (UNIPRS)

The University of Newcastle, Australia, is pleased to announce that the UNIPRS scheme is open for 2007. These scholarships will be awarded to high calibre international applicants based on merit. The scholarship covers tuition fees and a living allowance will also be provided by the Faculty in which the scholarship recipient is enrolled.

To be eligible for an UNIPRS, the applicant must:
* Be a commencing student in Semester 1, 2008
* Normally not have previously held a research scholarship
* Submit a completed Application Form
* Meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements by the application deadline (that is, applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency by September 30, 2007 otherwise their applications will not be considered)

Please note that the deadline for UNIPRS applications is September 30, 2007.

Please find information regarding application procedures below:

Important:

- When applying for research higher degree programs at The University of Newcastle, it is important that applicants attach a research proposal to their application. A sample research proposal can be found on page 72 of our International Postgraduate Prospectus.
- In order to find a potential supervisor, please search our Directory of Expertise. Applicants may contact potential supervisors via email regarding their proposed research.

How to Apply:

Download, print, and complete the postgraduate Application Form and attach the necessary documentation (don’t forget the research proposal!). At Q19, please tick “yes” to indicate that the applicant wishes to apply for a UNIPRS. This Application Form can be downloaded from our website.

Attach original or certified copies of all previous qualifications (academic and professional), including graduation certificates and transcripts.

Attach a certified copy of the personal details page of the applicant’s passport.

Attach proof of English language proficiency (if required). Please see our website for more information about the University’s English language requirements for research higher degree applicants.

Send the completed Application Form along with original or certified documentation to:

International Admissions
Newcastle International
Bowman Building
The University of Newcastle
University Drive
Callaghan, NSW, 2308
AUSTRALIA

Phone: +61 2 4921 6595
Fax: +61 2 4960 1766
Email: int-adm[ at ]newcastle.edu.au

Applications can also be lodged with a representative office or agent in your home country. For a full listing, please see this page.

Please note:
The University will only accept original or certified documents. Copies must be certified by a University of Newcastle representative or agent (for details, see this link), a Notary Public, Commissioner for Declarations, Justice of the Peace or an authorised officer of the official records department of the institution that originally issued the document.

If qualifications were obtained under a former name, please attach the applicant’s present name to the documents.

Certified translations must accompany documents that are not in English.

Evidence of graduation should indicate that the academic requirements of the program have been completed or that the award has been conferred.

Applications to the University DO NOT incur an application fee.

Successful UNIPRS applicants will be notified from early December to the start of Semester 1, 2008 as funding becomes available.

Contact:
Mr Philip Drews
International Enquiries Manager
The University of Newcastle, Australia

Telephone: +61 2 4921 6595
Facsimile: +61 2 4960 1766
Email: international-admissions[ at ]newcastle.edu.au
CRICOS Code 00109J

Deadline: September 30, 2007.


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Protecting Yourself from Scholarship Scams

I found this article on Finaid.org

This advice can help you avoid becoming the victim of a scholarship scam.

Rules of Thumb

1. If you must pay money to get money, it might be a scam.
2. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Spend the time, not the money.
4. Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information about scholarships.
5. Nobody can guarantee that you'll win a scholarship.
6. Legitimate scholarship foundations do not charge application fees.
7. If you're suspicious of an offer, it's usually with good reason.


Warning Signs of a Scholarship Scam

Certain telltale signs can help you identify possible scholarship scams. Note that the following signs do not automatically indicate fraud or deception; however, any organization that exhibits several of these signs should be treated with caution.

Application fees. Be wary of any "scholarship" which requests an application fee, even an innocuously low one like $2 or $3. Most scams have application fees of $10 to $25, but some have had fees as low as $2 and as high as $5,000. Don't believe claims that the fee is necessary to cover administrative expenses or to ensure that only serious candidates apply, or that applicants who do not receive any money "may" be entitled to a refund. Even if the outfit gives out a token scholarship, the odds of your winning it are less than your chances of winning the lottery. Legitimate scholarship sponsors do not require an application fee.

Loan fees. If you have to pay a fee in advance of obtaining an educational loan, be careful. It might be called an "application fee", "processing fee", "origination fee", "guarantee fee", "default fee" or "insurance fee", but if it must be paid in advance, it's probably a scam. Legitimate educational loans deduct the origination and default fees from the disbursement check. They never require an up-front fee when you submit the application.

Other fees. If you must pay to get information about an award, apply for the award or receive the award, be suspicious. Never spend more than a postage stamp to get information about scholarships and loans.

Guaranteed winnings. No legitimate scholarship sponsor will guarantee you'll win an award. No scholarship matching services can guarantee that you'll win any scholarships either, as they have no control over the decisions made by the scholarship sponsors. Also, when such "guarantees" are made, they often come with hidden conditions that make them hard to redeem or worth less than they seem.

Everybody is eligible. All scholarship sponsors are looking for candidates who best match certain criteria. Certainly there are some scholarships that do not depend on academic merit, some that do not depend on athletic prowess and some that do not depend on minority student status, but some set of restrictions always applies. No scholarship sponsor hands out money to students simply for breathing.

The unclaimed aid myth. You may be told that millions or billions of dollars of scholarships go unused each year because students don't know where to apply. This simply isn't true. Most financial aid programs are highly competitive. No scholarship matching service has ever substantiated this myth with a verifiable list of unclaimed scholarship awards. There are no unclaimed scholarships.

The most common version of this myth, that "$6.6 billion went unclaimed last year", is based on a 1976-77 academic year study by the National Institute of Work and Learning. The study estimated that a total of $7 billion was potentially available from employer tuition assistance programs, but that only about $300 million to $400 million was being used. This is a 20-year-old estimate that has never been substantiated. Furthermore, the money in question is not available to the general public, only to certain employees enrolled in eligible programs of study whose employers offer tuition assistance. This money goes unused because it can't be used. Popular variations on this myth include the figures $2.7 billion, $2 billion, $1 billion and $135 million.

We apply on your behalf. To win a scholarship, you must submit your own applications, write your own essays and solicit your own letters of recommendation. There's no way to avoid this work.

Claims of influence with scholarship sponsors. Scholarship matching services do not have any control over the awarding of scholarships by third parties.

High success rates. Overstated claims of effectiveness are a good tip-off to a scam. For example, less than 1% of users of fee-based scholarship matching services actually win an award. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Excessive hype. If the brochure or advertisement uses a lot of hyperbole (e.g., "free money", "win your fair share", "guaranteed", "first come, first served" and "everybody is eligible"), be careful. Also be wary of letters and postcards that talk about "recent additions to our file", "immediate confirmation" and "invitation number".

Unusual requests for personal information. If the application asks you to disclose bank account numbers, credit card numbers, calling card numbers or social security numbers, it is probably a scam. If they call and ask you for personal information to "confirm your eligibility", "verify your identity" or as a "sign of good will", hang up immediately. They can use this information, in conjunction with your date of birth and the names of your parents, to commit identity theft and apply for new credit cards in your name. They can also use the numbers on the bottom of your checks (the bank routing number and the account number) to withdraw money from your bank account using a "demand draft". A demand draft works very much like a check, but does not require your signature.

No telephone number. Most legitimate scholarship programs include a telephone number for inquiries with their application materials.

Mail drop for a return address. If the return address is a mail drop (e.g., a box number) or a residential address, it is probably a scam.

Masquerading as a federal agency. If you receive an offer from an organization with an official-sounding name, check whether there really is a federal agency with that name. Don't trust an organization just because it has an official-looking "governmental" seal as its logo or has a prestigious-seeming Washington, DC return address.

Claims of university, government, Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau approval. Be wary of claims of endorsement and membership, especially if the recommendation is made by an organization with a name similar to that of a well-known private or government group. The federal government, US Department of Education and the US Chamber of Commerce do not endorse or recommend private businesses.

If a financial aid "seminar" is held in a local college classroom or meeting facility, don't assume that it is university sanctioned. Call the school's financial aid office to find out whether it is a university approved or sponsored event.

Suggesting that they are a non-profit, charitable organization when they are not. Don't assume from an organization's name that it has a charitable purpose. Although it is illegal in most states to use a misleading business name, enforcement of the law is lax. For example, an organization with "Fund" or "Foundation" in its name is not necessarily a charitable foundation and may even be a for-profit business.

Unsolicited opportunities. Most scholarship sponsors will only contact you in response to your inquiry. If you've never heard of the organization before, it's probably a scam.

Failure to Substantiate Awards. If the organization can't prove that its scholarships are actually awarded and disbursed, be cautious.

Typing and spelling errors. Application materials that contain typing and spelling errors or lack an overall professional appearance, may be an indication of a scam. Many scams misspell the word
"scholarship" as "scholorship".

Time pressure. If you must respond quickly and won't hear about the results for several months, it might be a scam. A scholarship scam might say that grants are handed out on a "first come, first served" basis and urge you to act quickly. Few, if any, legitimate scholarship sponsors make awards on a rolling basis. Take the time you need to carefully consider their offer.

Notification by phone. If you have won a scholarship, you will receive written notification by mail, not by phone.

Disguised advertising. Don't believe everything you read or hear, especially if you see it online. Unless you personally know the person praising a product or service, don't believe the recommendation. One scam set up its own fake BBB and used it as a reference. Another offered a forged certificate of merit from the local BBB. Yet another distributed a paid advertisement as though it were an article written by the newspaper. A Ponzi scheme gave out a few scholarships initially as "sugar money" to help attract victims.

A newly-formed company. Most philanthropic foundations have been established for many years. If a company was formed recently, ask for references.

Gives you a runaround or nonspecific information. Demand concrete answers that directly respond to your questions. If they repeat the same lines again and again, the caller is probably reading a standard pitch from a boilerplate script.

Abusive treatment. If the caller swears at you or becomes abusive when you ask questions, it's probably a scam.

A Florida or California address. A disproportionate number of scams seem to originate from Florida and California addresses.

(For more information, check the FTC's Six Signs That Your Scholarship is Sunk and the FTC Consumer Alert about scholarship scams. For warnings about scholarship matching services, also see Evaluating Scholarship Matching Services and the Looking for Student Aid brochure published by the US Department of Education.)

Practical Tips for Students on Avoiding Scholarship Scams

Be cautious if fees are involved. Even if the organization turns out to be legitimate, it is never in your best interest to respond to an offer with an up-front fee.

Get an independent opinion from a trusted source, such as a financial aid administrator at a local college or university, the local reference librarian or your high school guidance counselor.

Call Directory Assistance to see if the company has a listing. If they don't, they're unlikely to be legit. You can reach Directory Assistance by dialing 1 followed by the area code and 555-1212. (Use 1-800-555-1212 to see if they have a toll free number.) You can also look for a listing online using 555-1212.com, BigBook, Switchboard, WhoWhere, WorldPages, Yahoo People Search and Zip2.

Never give out personal information to strangers. Don't divulge your checking or savings account numbers, social security number or other personal information, no matter how reasonable-sounding the request.

Get it in writing before responding. Get offers, cancellation and refund policies and guarantees in writing before sending money. Then read all the fine print. Don't rely on verbal promises.

Don't respond to unsolicited offers.

Ask the organization how it got your name. If they got your name from a reputable source, verify it with the source. The College Board, for example, only releases its mailing lists to colleges, universities and carefully vetted nonprofit tax-exempt foundations. Scams often use carefully written scripts designed to elicit your SAT score or GPA and then feed it back to you later in the conversation to reassure you as to their legitimacy.

Ignore offers that involve time pressure. If the company demands an immediate response, respond by hanging up the phone.

Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy about an offer, don't spend any money until you've addressed your concerns. Your initial suspicious reaction to an offer is often correct.

Keep good records. Keep photocopies of your correspondence with
the company and the company's promotional materials and take notes during any telephone conversations. If it does turn out to be a scam, include these materials with your complaint to law enforcement agencies.

Practical Tips for Schools on Protecting Students from Scholarship Scams

Safeguard student privacy. Carefully investigate any organization before releasing any information about your students to the organization. Remember that the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) may prohibit the release of this information.

Monitor the use of your student lists. If you do release a list of student names and addresses, such as a Dean's List or Honor Roll, include a few fake names and addresses to let you monitor how the list is used.

Prohibit the third-party release of student information. Require any organization that has access to your student list, such as yearbook publishers, to safeguard the privacy of your students. Prohibit them from releasing the list to any third party without your prior written permission in each case.

Promptly notify parents of any problems. If you find that the list is being abused, promptly notify the students and their parents of the problem.


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Can You Spot a Scholarship Scam?

Be a Smart Consumer

Scholarships are an attractive way to help manage college costs. Your child won't have to repay them (like loans) or work to maintain them (like work-study). Since students and parents are so eager to find these funds, it's no wonder that they become easy targets for financial aid con artists.

Scholarship Scams

Many scholarship finders promote the old adage that "millions of dollars in private scholarship money goes unused every year." The fact is, nearly all available financial aid comes from the federal government or from individual colleges.

Often private scholarships are slated for very specific applicants, such as students with a particular career interest, or members of a certain church or organization. These institutions have created funds for students, so they are eager to give them to qualified individuals. They are not interested in keeping the money a secret.

You and your child can easily find out about these opportunities by checking with your employer and other appropriate institutions. Have your child make the contact with clubs or other organizations to find out what they seek in an applicant. Your child's high school counselor can also provide information on scholarships.

Tell-Tale Signs It's a Scam

According to the Federal Trade Commission's Scholarship Scams, if you or your child hears these lines from a scholarship service, you may be getting duped:

* "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
No one can guarantee that they'll get your child a grant or a scholarship. Refund guarantees often have conditions or strings attached. Get refund policies in writing—before you or your child pays.

* "You can't get this information anywhere else."
There are many free lists of scholarships available. You and your child should start researching scholarships at the high school or library before you decide to pay someone to do the work for you.

* "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship."
You or your child shouldn't give out credit card or bank account number on the phone without getting information in writing first. It may be the set-up for an unauthorized withdrawal from your account.

* "We'll do all the work."
Don't be fooled. There's no way around it. Your child must apply for scholarships or grants himself.

* "The scholarship will cost money."
Don't pay anyone who claims to be "holding" a scholarship or grant for your child.

* "You've been selected by a national foundation" to receive a scholarship or "You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered.
Before you or your child sends money to apply for a scholarship, check it out. Make sure the foundation or program is legitimate.

Fight Back

If you or your child suspects a scam, bring a copy of all literature and correspondence to your child's school guidance office or to a financial aid administrator at a local college for advice. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau, your State Bureau of Consumer Protection, your State Attorney General's Office, or report the offer to the National Fraud Information Center.

For More Information

Scholarship Scams from FinAid.org provides advice on how to identify scams, how to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent organizations, how to protect yourself from scholarship scams, and what to do if you are scammed.

Other Financial Aid Scams

Parents who feel intimidated by the financial aid process often turn to financial aid consultants. But beware, some of these services can be shady, and financial aid officers often resent the intervention of outside professionals in the aid package award process.Free money shouldn't cost a thing.

Do You Really Need a Financial Aid Consultant?

Financial aid consultants advertise their ability to help families through complicated financial aid forms and provide tricks to getting through the system. But financial aid forms are relatively simple, and a high school counselor will give you advice for free.

Also, there are not really any tricks to the financial aid system. It is the job of financial aid officers to ensure that once your child is accepted you can pay for the college. They are not trying to hoard money, but give it away. Financial aid officers make funding decisions based on the school's award criteria and funds available. The aid officer is your best ally in this process; no independent service is likely to influence it. Aid officers will also know about state funding and other opportunities to apply for aid.

Financial aid consultants may suggest moving assets around or transacting a major purchase or gift to reduce income and qualify for more aid. This should set off your alarm bells. First, administrators can easily spot this kind of maneuvering. If they suspect they are being deceived, colleges may refuse to consider the financial aid application.

Professionals may also promise to use your child's credentials to bargain for the best deal at various colleges. Colleges usually have strict financial aid award guidelines, and they will not bargain for students with other institutions. If you feel important financial information has been overlooked in your aid award, you and your child should certainly contact the school's financial aid office to contest the award. Financial aid offices are unlikely to be willing to discuss these circumstances with a professional consultant.


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10 Tips on How to get a College Scholarship

Here good article from I found this tips from campusgrotto.comp. I hope this useful for you.

Scholarships are great because it provides free money for college that doesn't have to be paid back. There are many types of scholarships out there: Academic Scholarships, Need-Based (Financial) Scholarships, Sports Scholarships, clubs or member-based scholarships, and more.

These Ten Tips will help you in getting scholarships to pay for college:

1. Start ASAP and Apply Early - Many scholarships have early application deadlines, so don't miss out on these opportunities.

2. Search Locally - A local scholarship is probably your best chance for getting a College Scholarship. There are special scholarships just for locals, meaning it will be less competitive, as there are usually less applicants. Local Banks, Grocery Stores, clubs, businesses, organizations, and churches are all potential sources for community scholarships.

Also check State-funded scholarships. States have lots of money to disperse when it comes to providing education.

3. Read the Requirements - Make sure you are eligible right from the start, so you’re not wasting your time. Also, never pay to apply for a scholarship, these are usually scams.

4. Follow Instructions Carefully - Any errors right off the bat can get your scholarship application easily denied. Proofread it. Have someone else proofread it.

5. Neatly Presentable, Neatly Packaged - Send the Scholarship Application via Certified mail or better yet, FedEx, making your application look professional and stand out from others.

6. Communicate - Make sure the application is right. If you are not sure about something in the scholarship application, don't hesitate to ask.

7. Check School Specific Scholarships - Check with the college you would like to attend. Usually there are many school-specific scholarships available. This alone may be able to help you in your school decision making.

8. Visit a financial counselor at your School - A financial counselor may be able to lead you to scholarships you don't know about, or that aren't listed on the web. Find Scholarships that aren't very competitive by applying for ones that are not heavily advertised.

9. Be Active, Stay Active - Being in a sports team, club or some type of community service will always better your chances at receiving a college scholarship.

10. Maintain your GPA - Keep your grades up. A higher GPA will make you eligible for more scholarships, on top of increasing your chances of receiving funds.


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What Makes a Highly Successful Scholarship Winner?

Here good article from I found this tips from Scholarship Workshop. I hope this useful for you.

What Makes a Highly Successful Scholarship Winner?

Review the following habits of scholarship winners for tips on how you can make your scholarship quest successful.

* Successful students always remember the five P’s – Prior preparation prevents poor performance. Prepare for the scholarship search early. Do not wait until your senior year.

* Successful students do not rely on their parents to do all the work.

* Successful students vigorously avoid mistakes on their essays and applications. They always spell-check, proofread, and allow one other person to proofread their applications and essay for errors.

* Successful students do not ignore scholarships that may be local or those for small amounts. Scholarship amounts, even as small as $50, can add up.

* Successful students do not rely on only one source such as the Internet for their scholarship search. They use many resources. Many scholarships on the Internet or in the free scholarship searches that you find on the World Wide Web are nationally known and are harder to win due to greater competition. Local and regional scholarships are not found as easily through an Internet search, although they may be easier to win because the applicant pool is smaller. You have to use a combination of resources to find as many scholarships to apply for as possible.

* Successful students market themselves well. In their applications, they highlight positive aspects about their lives, especially community involvement.

* Successful students do not apply to one or two scholarships and wait for the best. They apply for all scholarships they are eligible to win. They keep applying until the total they have won exceeds what they need to pay for the college they want to attend or until they graduate with a degree.

* Successful students are organized. They keep track of deadlines and materials required to complete an application.

* Successful students are well rounded. They participate in extracurricular and community activities. They write about these activities in scholarship and college essays in a descriptive manner. They try to benefit others as well as themselves with the extracurricular and community activities in which they are involved.

* Successful students understand that SAT scores and grades alone do not win most scholarships. Scholarship programs look at many factors such as community activities, leadership, presentation of your application package, special or unusual talents or skills, etc.

* Successful students do not look for the easy way out. It is harder for them to believe in a scholarship scam that promises to do all the work for them. They understand that those things for which we work hardest often bring the greatest rewards. Hard work in the scholarship process as a high school student could result in an easy college life without work later, or a loan-free life after college.

Avoid These Most Common Mistakes Made on College and Scholarship Applications

1. Not following directions
2. Missing the deadline
3. Not typing your application or sending in a sloppy application
4. Forgetting to spell check and to proofread after you spell check
5. Not including information such as a transcript or recommendation
6. Not answering the essay question or another question asked.


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Scholarship Tips

I found this tips from Get Ready Forcollege. I hope this useful for you.

* What is the maximum scholarship award? Awards can vary considerably, ranging from $100 to $10,000 or more. A typical scholarship award amount is $1,000 to $2,000.

* Is the scholarship one-time only or can it be renewed beyond the initial award?

* Is the scholarship based only on merit (no financial need requirement), or does it require both merit and need?

* How is financial need defined for scholarships that require need? Each scholarship program has its own definition. If you are not able to obtain information about the need criteria and you can't afford to pay for your education without financial assistance, check all of the other eligibility criteria. If there is a good match overall, submit an application and your need will be assessed in the scholarship review process.

* How does the scholarship program define merit? Some scholarships require a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to 3.5 (B to B+) and/or above average college entrance test scores, leadership, and other criteria that are highly competitive, while other scholarships have more flexible criteria and use a more holistic approach to select recipients.

* Does the scholarship require admission to a degree-granting program? This is a common requirement, but some scholarships offer flexibility on admission status and may be available to non-admitted students, certificate-seeking students, and students enrolled in noncredit courses and programs.

* Does the scholarship require full-time enrollment? This is also a common requirement, but some scholarships offer flexibility and may fund students who are less than full-time.

* What are the other eligibility requirements? Is the scholarship targeted to a specific educational institution, specific field of study or major, residents of a specific geographic area, first bachelors degree, or masters or doctoral level programs?

* Is a personal statement or essay required? This is a common requirement, although it varies by scholarship program.

* Are letters of recommendation required? This requirement varies by scholarship program and is not as common as some of the other requirements.

* Is an interview required? This requirement varies by scholarship program and is not as common as some of the other requirements.

* What is the application process? Many scholarship programs have their own application forms. Some scholarships may be awarded by the financial aid office to students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); these scholarships are usually included in the financial aid package. Other scholarships may be awarded by the admissions office to admitted freshmen based on an overall assessment of the admission application. These scholarships may not require a separate application.

* What is the application deadline? Scholarship deadlines can be six to nine months preceding the start of the academic year, while others may be closer to the start of the fall term. Some scholarship programs also accept applications for spring and summer terms.

* Have you searched for scholarships available in your community or from your educational institution? Generally, you have the best chance of receiving scholarships from these sources.

* How does the college to which you are applying for admission treat "outside" scholarships? Many schools allow students to combine outside scholarships with financial aid the school has awarded with no impact on the student's financial aid package unless total aid (including the outside scholarship) exceeds the total cost of attendance. If it does, loans and work-study are reduced first, usually eliminating the need for a reduction in scholarships and grants awarded by the institution. However, some institutions reduce dollar-for-dollar scholarships or grants they have awarded when students receive outside scholarships. Check with each school to inquire about its policy.


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Wednesday, July 25, 2007

[USA] Scholarships for Educators at Savannah College of Art and Design

The Savannah College of Art and Design has a special scholarship opportunity for educators. Educators who are employed full-time at the time of application and who teach at the kindergarten through college level at a public or private institution recognized by the applicant's state department of education may be eligible to receive a scholarship/fellowship for half the amount of SCAD's tuition.

To be eligible, an educator must apply and be accepted to SCAD and provide proof of employment and good standing from his or her school administrator or human resources department. The scholarship/fellowship is renewable, provided that the recipient remains a full-time, degree-seeking student in the chosen program and maintains a 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. SCAD e-Learning students who cannot enroll full-time due to course limitations, may have the fellowship prorated for the highest number of classes in which the student is enrolled. Recipients are expected to assume a positive student leadership role by excelling in classes, by contributing to a sense of community and unity within the college, and by interacting with other students and employees of the college in a courteous, cooperative manner. The award amounts are disbursed equally to each quarter's expenses.

Students also may be eligible for scholarships from alternative sources and funding from a variety of lending institutions. United States citizens and resident aliens may be eligible for applicable federal and state aid. Questions regarding scholarships and other financial assistance may be directed to the admission office at 912.525.5100 or 800.869.7223 or admission@scad.edu.

Source: click here


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[Australia] PhD Scholarship 2008 and Foundation Grants for Medical Application in Australia

Foundation Grants in 2008

Closing date - Friday 5 October 2007

In 2008, research grants will be available for research in the fields of BRAIN SCIENCES, DIABETES, GERIATRICS, LUNG DISEASES (excluding cancer) RHEUMATOLOGY, VISION SCIENCES and in the medical application of GENETIC RESEARCH.

The value of the grants is between $8,000 and $20,000. These limits will be strictly adhered to and is preferably, but not exclusively, for specific equipment.

A commitment for continued support cannot be given.

PhD Scholarship 2008

Closing date for these applications is 31 July 2007.

The Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation is offering a scholarship, to commence in 2008, for young science and medical graduates. The scholarship will be granted for the undertaking of a thesis study in the medical applications of Genetic Research at a recognised Australian University. The Scholarship is intended to support basic and clinical research training within Australian research units and as a precursor to more advanced study in Australia and/or overseas.

The scholarship will be granted for one year and be renewable for three years depending on satisfactory progress. Applicants should be about to commence their PhD or be in their first year.

Applications should include a 2-3 page summary of their research proposal, their CV, as well as a letter from their proposed supervisor and one other referee.

Applicants will be advised of their success or otherwise by the end of September 2007.

Guidelines and application forms are available from the Foundation’s website and from the Research Offices of most Universities or Research Institutions.


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Supersemar Scholarship

Beasiswa Supersemar ialah bantuan dana pendidikan yang diberikan oleh Yayasan Supersemar kepada pelajar dan mahasiswa dengan persyaratan tertentu, dengan tujuan untuk membantu meringankan beban di dalam mengatasi biaya pendidikan formal agar beasiswan (siswa/mahasiswa penerima beasiswa) terhindar dari ancaman putus sekolah. Prioritas beasiswa Supersemar saat ini adalah siswa SMK negeri dan mahasiswa di perguruan tinggi.

Ada 2 jenis beasiswa Supersemar :
1. Beasiswa Supersemar untuk Perguruan Tinggi
2. Beasiswa Supersemar untuk Siswa SMK Negeri

I. Beasiswa Supersemar untuk Mahasiswa Perguruan Tinggi

A. Persyaratan
Berstatus mahasiswa yang masih aktif kuliah. Indeks Prestasi semester terbaru tidak kurang dari 2,5 Anak dari keluarga kurang/tidak mampu. Diusulkan oleh pimpinan perguruannya. Beasiswa berlaku untuk satu tahun pelajaran dan dapat diperpanjang untuk tahun berikutnya apabila masih diusulkan oleh rektor/pimpinan perguruannya.

B. Cara Mengajukan Permohonan
* Mahasiswa yang memenuhi persyaratan tsb. di atas diwajibkan:
* Mengisi formulir permohonan beasiswa yang telah disediakan oleh Yayasan Supersemar di perguruannya, melengkapinya dengan pasfoto ukuran 4 x 6 cm dan meterai secukupnya.
* Mendapatkan pengesahan dari pimpinan perguruan atas formulir tersebut.

Secara kolektif formulir dikirimkan oleh pimpinan perguruannya (bagi mahasiswa PTN) atau oleh Koordinator Kopertis (bagi mahasiswa PTS) kepada Ketua Yayasan Supersemar.

C. Periode Pemberian Beasiswa terhitung mulai bulan April s.d. Maret tahun berikutnya.

D. Besarnya Uang Beasiswa : @ Rp 70.000,00 per bulan.

BANTUAN PARTISIPASI BIAYA PENELITIAN
Bantuan ini disediakan bagi dosen tetap di lingkungan Depdiknas dan Departemen Agama yang sedang mengikuti pendidikan pascasarjana di dalam negeri. Bentuk bantuan berupa partisipasi dana untuk keperluan penelitian dalam rangka penyelesaian tesis S2 sebesar Rp 800.000,00 dan untuk disertasi S3 sebesar Rp 1.500.000,00.

Untuk mendapatkannya, yang bersangkutan harus diusulkan oleh direktur program pascasarjananya dan mendapatkan pertimbangan dari pihak Dirjen Pendidikan Tinggi atau Dirjen Binbaga Islam.

BANTUAN DANA PEMBINAAN ATLET
Bantuan dana pembinaan diberikan oleh Yayasan Supersemar dalam rangka memotivasi atlet dan pelatih olah raga yang berprestasi agar dapat meningkatkan prestasinya, setidaknya tetap mempertahankan prestasi yang pernah dicapainya.

Bentuk bantuan berupa tunjangan sebesar Rp 70.000,00 per bulan. Usulan diajukan kepada induk organisasi cabang olahraga yang bersangkutan dan dikoordinasikan oleh KONI Pusat.

BANTUAN UNTUK ANAK PENGUNGSl
Untuk membantu meringankan beban bagi anak-anak para pengungsi akibat bencana/musibah/konflik di daerah-daerah tertentu, Yayasan Supersemar juga memberikan bantuan berupa tunjangan pendidikan. Bantuan ini antara lain diberikan kepada siswa yang ditampung di RSAP (Rumah Sejahtera bagi Anak-anak Pengungsi) di Tobelo dan di Ternate.

BANTUAN UNTUK ANAK ASUH
Bantuan ini diberikan kepada siswa-siswa sekolah dasar (SD) dan sekolah lanjutan tingkat pertama (SLTP) dalam rangka menyukseskan program wajib belajar pendidikan dasar 9 tahun. Sebagaimana tahun-tahun sebelumnya, Yayasan Supersemar mengalokasikan dana untuk 50.000 anak asuh di tingkat SD, masing-masing mendapatkan bantuan senilai Rp 60.000,00 per tahun dan untuk 10.000 anak asuh di tingkat SLTP masing-masing mendapatkan bantuan senilai

Rp 90.000,00 per tahun. Pemberian bantuan untuk anak asuh ini disalurkan melalui Yayasan Lembaga Gerakan Nasional Orang Tua Asuh (YL GNOTA).

II. Beasiswa Supersemar untuk Siswa SMK Negeri

A. Persyaratan
Berstatus siswa yang masih aktif.
Nilai rata-rata rapor terbaru minimal = 6,5 Anak dari keluarga kurang/tidak mampu.
Diusulkan oleh kepala sekolahnya. Beasiswa berlaku untuk satu tahun pelajaran dan dapat diperpanjang untuk tahun berikutnya apabila masih diusulkan oleh kepala sekolahnya.

B. Cara Mengajukan Permohonan
Siswa yang memenuhi persyaratan tsb. di atas, diwajibkan:
Mengisi formulir permohonan beasiswa yang telah disediakan oleh Yayasan Supersemar di sekolahnya. Melengkapi formulir tersebut dengan pasfoto ukuran 4 x 6 cm dan meterai secukupnya serta dilegalisasi oleh kepala sekolahnya. Secara kolektif formulir tersebut dikirimkan oleh kepala sekolah kepada Ketua Yayasan Supersemar melalui Kepala Kantor Dinas Pendidikan tingkat provinsi.

C. Periode Pemberian Beasiswa terhitung mulai bulan Juli s.d. Juni tahun berikutnya.

D. Besarnya Uang Beasiswa : @ Rp 30.000,00 per bulan

Website Supersemar


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[Singapore] Micron Scholarship Program

The application deadline is 24 August 2007.

About the Scholarship - Are you ready for the working world? Do you fit this description?

Why wait till you graduate, when you can start planning now to work for a world-class technology leader? Gain valuable industry experience through our highly sought after Industrial Attachment/Internship programs, while being mentored by some of the finest engineers in the industry. After graduation, continue to rise to even higher levels of accomplishment as part of our Micron team. Through quality training and an open attitude to new ideas, we will nurture your growth in becoming a successful professional.

Are you ready to embark on this extraordinary journey? Start with the Micron Scholarship!

As a Micron scholar, you will be a leader in your own right - a well-rounded individual who is consistently among the very best in your class, and currently pursuing a fulltime engineering degree in NTU/ NUS. Non-citizens may apply, but you must be ready to work at Micron Semiconductor Asia upon graduation.

Eligibility / Criteria for Application

1. The Micron Scholarships are open to all nationalities and are awarded to dynamic and promising candidates to support them in their journey of academic discovery and achievement
2. Applicants should have an excellent academic track record
3. Successful applicants must not concurrently hold any other scholarships
4. Applicants must gain acceptance to the National University of Singapore or Nanyang Technological University
5. Applicants must be enrolled in Electrical / Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Singapore or Nanyang Technological University
6. Applicants who are currently enrolled at the National University of Singapore or Nanyang Technological University in their 2nd, 3rd and 4th year of study are welcome to apply

Award Details
Conditions

The awards are tenable at the National University of Singapore or Nanyang Technological University.

Scholars are required to serve a bond period of 1 to 3 years, depending on number of years of sponsorship.

# of Sponsored Years: 1 Bond Period: 1
# of Sponsored Years: 2 Bond Period: 2
# of Sponsored Years: 3 Bond Period: 3
# of Sponsored Years: 4 Bond Period: 3

Coverage

- Tuition and other approved fees for a fulltime Bachelor Degree in Electrical / Mechanical Engineering
- Allowance of $500/month

Application

Download the Application.

To ensure that your application is successfully submitted, the completed form and accompanying materials must be sent by post.

Scholarship applications are accepted annually.

All 2007 applications must reach us no later than 24 August 2007.

Please send your email enquiries to: scholarship@micron.com

Website: click here


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Tawaran Beasiswa Program Doktor PSF-ITB

Tawaran Beasiswa Program Doktor Presidential Scholar Funds (PSF) - Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)

Dalam rangka pengembangan Center of Excellence (CoE) dalam bidang :
1. Biotechnology di Sekolah Ilmu dan Teknologi Hayati (SITH) ITB
2. Nanoteknologi di Fakultas Teknologi Industri ITB
3. Electrical Engineering & Informatics di Sekolah Teknik Elektro dan Informatika (STEI) ITB,
yang telah mendapat grant dari Presidential Scholar Funds (PSF) Direktorat Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi coordinated by I-MHERE DGHE-IU Supported by the Government of Japan, the USA & in association with the World Bank Institute, The World Bank.

Ditawarkan beasiswa penuh melalui PSF untuk mengikuti program doktor dari bidang yang tertera diatas di Universitas di Negara maju yang mempunyai reputasi baik.

* Beasiswa Program Doktor Biotechnology.doc
* Beasiswa Program Doktor Nanoteknologi.doc
* Beasiswa program doktor-STEI.doc

Informasi lebih lanjut lihat di http://www.itb.ac.id/focus/145


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Southeast Asia Research Fellowship Programme for Young Muslim Scholars 2007

The closing date for application submission is 30 November 2007.

The Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN) is pleased to announce the sixth round of the research fellowship program, Islam in Southeast Asia: View from within.

The fellowship grants will be awarded for innovative research on issues concerning economic, socio-political and cultural changes taking place in the diverse Muslim communities of Southeast Asia, especially as they relate to modernization and globalization.

Themes:
Popular Islam
Globalization and Identity Politics
Islam and Changing Gender Realities
Islam Values, Economic Activities and Social Responsibilities


Popular Islam
"Popular Islam" focuses on encouraging researchers to examine ways in which Islamic beliefs and practices reach all believers and are reflected through various means of religious. Communication such as studying Khutbah in local mosques, reading Islamic booklets, and/ or listening to Muslim radio programs. The question of how Islam can shape and influence, while at the same time is being shaped by, the lives of ordinary Southeast Asian Muslims in various local contexts is just one aspect of this topic that could be analyzed.

Globalization and Identity Politics
Muslim communities in Southeast Asia are not immune from globalization processes. New forms of economic and political integration on a world scale and the accelerated flows of goods, people and information across the globe all create new opportunities and challenges for Muslims in the region. The interaction of global and regional forces with local processes has been perceived both as a threat to Muslim identities and
as beneficial to the development of a new transnational Islam. This research theme seeks to explore how Muslim identities in Southeast Asia are formed and shaped by regional and globalizing forces.


Islam and Changing Gender Realities
Rapidly evolving social, cultural and economic processes are leading to unprecedented changes in the societal roles of men and women. Muslim communities in Southeast Asia are being confronted with a diversity of values and lifestyles expressing multiple definitions of gender roles
and relationships not always in line with dominant values. This research area encourages researchers to examine how gender roles in both the public and private sphere are changing for Muslims in Southeast Asia and relate those changes to current theological and
political debates.

Islam Values, Economic Activities and Social Responsibilities
Studies in this area should examine how Islamic values and institutions can provide alternative economic options to those perceived as condradictory to Qur`anic principles such as riba. Area of focus could include identifying how Islamic economic values work in a modern business environment, analysis of indigenous entrepreneurial models that have been or can be utilized for local level empowerment and/ or studies of the lives of entrepreneurs and the ways Islamic values shape and are re-shaped by their economic activities and social responsibilities.

Eligibility
Candidates must be nationals of Southeast Asian countries, hold at least a Bachelor degree
and should not be over 40 years of age.

Candidates may work in different sectors including academia, media, and non-governmental
organizations. Candidate must be highly motivated to deepen their understanding of Islam in the region.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Value
The fellowship consists of an average research grant of $5,000 to cover all research costs for a maximum period of six months in the original country of resercher, and funded participation in mentoring workshops.
The Secretariat will arrange for editing, publication and distribution of the report in a "work in progress" series.

Application Procedure
To apply for this fellowship program, candidates need to submit a complete research proposal. Proposed research projects should include sufficient details so that it can be judged for its merit and feasibility.
The candidates can download the application form from our website as a MS Word document. Applications by e-mail are also accepted.

The closing date for application submission is 30 November 2007.

Selection

Final selections will be made by the Advisory board.

Programme Advisory Board

Dr. Carmen Abubakar
Institute of Islamic Studies,
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Q.C.
Metro Manila, Philippines.

Dr. Azyumardi Azra
Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN), Syarif Hidayatullah
Jakarta, Indonesia.

Dr. Suzaina Kadir
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore,
Singapore

M. Abdus Sabur
Asian Muslim Action Network &
Asian Resource Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand

Dr. Chaiwat Satha-Anand
Faculty of Political Science,
Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand

Dr. Alan Feinstein
The Rockefeller Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand

Dr. Shamsul A.B.
Institute of Malay World and Civilization (ATMA) Universiti Kebangsaan, Malaysia

Program Management

The fellowship program is managed by the AMAN secretariat, which is housed at the Asian Resource Foundation (ARF) in Bangkok, Thailand. AMAN was established in 1990 with the goal of building understanding and solidarity among Muslims and with other faith communities in Asia towards people`s empowerment, human rights, justice and peace. AMAN`s Council consists of eleven members representing various Asian countries, with Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer of the center for study of society and secularism, India as chairman. Financial support to the fellowship program is provided by the Rockefeller Foundation, Southeast Asia Regional Office Bangkok, Thailand.

Secretariat
Dwi Rubiyanti Kholifah - Program Coordinator
Contact Address
Islam in Southeast Asia: A View from Within Research Fellowship Programme AMAN/ARF
House 1562/113, Soi 1/1
Mooban Pibul, Pracharaj Road,
Bangkok 10800, Thailand

Tel: 66-2-9130196,
Fax: 66-2-9130197
E-mail: aman@arf-asia.org


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[Australia] The University of Newcastle International Postgraduate Research Scholarships

The University of Newcastle International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (UNIPRS)

The University of Newcastle, Australia, is pleased to announce that the UNIPRS scheme is open for 2007. These scholarships will be awarded to high calibre international applicants based on merit. The scholarship covers tuition fees and a living allowance will also be provided by the Faculty in which the scholarship recipient is enrolled.

To be eligible for an UNIPRS, the applicant must:

- Be a commencing student in Semester 1, 2008
- Normally not have previously held a research scholarship
- Submit a completed Application Form
- Meet the University's English language proficiency requirements by the application deadline (that is, applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency by September 30, 2007 otherwise their applications will not be considered)

Please note that the deadline for UNIPRS applications is September 30, 2007.

Please find information regarding application procedures below:

Important:

- When applying for research higher degree programs at The University of Newcastle, it is important that applicants attach a research proposal to their application. A sample research proposal can be found on page 72 of our International Postgraduate Prospectus.
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/research/rhd/prospectus/2006_Postgrad_International.pdf

- In order to find a potential supervisor, please search our Directory of Expertise at:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/research/warp/level1/directory.html
Applicants may contact potential supervisors via email regarding their proposed research.

How to Apply:

Download, print, and complete the postgraduate Application Form and attach the necessary documentation (don't forget the research proposal!). At Q19, please tick 'yes' to indicate that the applicant wishes to apply for a UNIPRS. This Application Form can be downloaded from our website: http://www.international.newcastle.edu.au/downloads/NewcastlePGapp.pdf

Attach original or certified copies of all previous qualifications (academic and professional), including graduation certificates and transcripts.

Attach a certified copy of the personal details page of the applicant's passport.

Attach proof of English language proficiency (if required). Please see our website for more information about the University's English language requirements for research higher degree applicants: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policylibrary/000612.html

Send the completed Application Form along with original or certified documentation to:

International Admissions
Newcastle International
Bowman Building
The University of Newcastle
University Drive
Callaghan, NSW, 2308
AUSTRALIA

Phone: +61 2 4921 6595
Fax: +61 2 4960 1766
Email: int-adm@newcastle.edu.au

Applications can also be lodged with a representative office or agent in your home country. For a full listing, please see:
http://www.international.newcastle.edu.au/04enquiries/representatives_database.asp

Please note:

* The University will only accept original or certified documents. Copies must be certified by a University of Newcastle representative or agent (for details, see http://www.international.newcastle.edu.au/04enquiries/representatives_database.asp), a Notary Public, Commissioner for Declarations, Justice of the Peace or an authorised officer of the official records department of the institution that originally issued the document.

* If qualifications were obtained under a former name, please attach the applicant?s present name to the documents.

* Certified translations must accompany documents that are not in English.

* Evidence of graduation should indicate that the academic requirements of the program have been completed or that the award has been conferred.

* Applications to the University DO NOT incur an application fee.

* Successful UNIPRS applicants will be notified from early December to the start of Semester 1, 2008 as funding becomes available.

If you have any questions about the UNIPRS, please do not hesitate to contact me by email or phone.

Mr Philip Drews
International Enquiries Manager
The University of Newcastle, Australia

Telephone: +61 2 4921 6595
Facsimile: +61 2 4960 1766
Email: international-admissions@newcastle.edu.au
CRICOS Code 00109J


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Thursday, July 19, 2007

MM Universitas Gajah Mada, Indonesia

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Cum Laude undergraduate or have a good academic achievement
2. Year of graduation: 2001 up to now (as stated in undergraduate diploma)
3. Applicants are not being awarded any scholarships from other programs/institutions at present time
4. Applicants have not received any graduate or postgraduate diplomas from program/institutions
5. Financially incapable by attaching:
* Statement letter that applicant is financially incapable, issued by the head of neighborhood association (RT/RW) and acknowledged by the nearest authority (Lurah)
* Statement letter of salary issued by parent's employer. Applicant whose parents run a private enterprise or alike must attach a statement letter of income issued by the head of neighborhood association (RT/RW) and acknowledged by the nearest authority (Lurah)
6. Paying administration fee at amount of IDR 500,000, paid or transferred to MMUGM account in Bank BNI UGM Cabang UGM Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta; no. 0039227019 (copy of note of transferred fund must be attached to application forms or sent by facsimile as confirmation)
7. Filling up application form with attachments:
* Copy of legalized undergraduate diploma and academic transcript, 3 (three) copies at each. Applicant who has passed the graduation exam but has not received her/his diploma are allowed to attach statement letter of graduation and academic transcript,
* Recent photograph (3x4, 4 sheet),
* Copy of valid Residency Card (KTP)
* Copy of Domestic Card (Kartu Keluarga),
* Copy of any certificates of accomplishment received,
* Reference letter from lecturer/academic advisor/thesis advisor (for fresh graduates), or from supervisor (for working applicants). Reference letter forms are available at MMUGM.
8. Attend and pass written test conducted in MMUGM Yogyakarta campus. Applicants who already posses the Test of Potential Academic Score from Board of National Development Planning (Bappenas) with minimum score 550, and/or International/Institutional TOEFL Score at least of 525 (paper-based) or 197 (computer-based), or IELTS Score from British Council with minimum score 6.0, are advised to attach those scores to application forms. Validation period for those scores is not more than 2 years from the time those tests were conducted.
9. Attend and pass interview test.

NOTES:

1. Scholarships will be granted to cover tuition fee for Regular Class in MMUGM Yogyakarta campus. Administration fee, books expenses, thesis expenses, cost of living and other expenses are excluded.
2. Scholarships are granted to 3 (three) applicants in every trimester
3. Final result is decided fully by MMUGM Board of Directors and will be announced after interview test process is complete.

SCHEDULE OF ADMISSIONS

See on the website: http://www.mmugm.ac.id/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52&Itemid=158


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[Italy] PhD Scholarships at The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy

The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano announces a public competition, by examinations and/or qualifications, for admission to the following PhD Research Programmes of the 23rd cycle, academic year 2007/2008.

http://www.unibz.it/research_2/index.html?LanguageID=EN
http://www.unibz.it/web4archiv/objects/pdf/standard/ausschreibung_phd
_2007_en.pdf


COMPUTER SCIENCE

Duration: 3 years
Scientific areas: INF 01 Computer science and ING-INF 05 Information Processing Systems
Official language of course: English
A public competition for the allocation of 14 places is announced of which 7 will be covered by grants of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano.

GENERAL PEDAGOGY, SOCIAL PEDAGOGY AND GENERAL EDUCATION

Duration: 3 years
Scientific areas: M-PED/01 General and Social Pedagogy and M-PED/03 Didactics and Special Pedagogy
Official languages of course: Italian and German
A public competition for the allocation of 8 places is announced of which 5 will be covered by grants of the Free University of Bozen- Bolzano. A further grant is financed by the Ministry of university and research according to the Ministerial Decree no. 362 of September 19, 2005.

Application for admission to the Public Competition

Application should be made on paper with the documents, as requested on the form, to be enclosed. The form can be downloaded from the following website:
http://www.unibz.it/research/phdcourses/index.html?LanguageID=EN

Applications must be submitted:

for the PhD course in COMPUTER SCIENCE: to the secretariat of the Faculty of Computer Science of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

- hand delivered from 9.00 to 12.00 hrs and 14.30 to 16.30 hrs;

- by mail to the following address: Free University of Bozen- Bolzano, Faculty of Computer Science, Piazza Domenicani 3, 39100 Bozen-Bolzano (BZ); to the attention of Federica Cumer

The application must be submitted no later than September 28, 2007.

for the PhD course in GENERAL PEDAGOGY, SOCIAL PEDAGOGY AND GENERAL EDUCATION: to the secretariat of the Faculty of Education of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

- hand delivered from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 12.00 hrs and 14.00 to 16.00 hrs;
- by mail to the following address: Faculty of Education, Viale Stazione 16, 39042 Brixen-Bressanone (BZ)

The application must be submitted no later than September 28, 2007.

http://www.unibz.it/research_2/index.html?LanguageID=EN


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[Japan] Yoshida Scholarship Foundation

This scholarship program is offered to the following students, who are still in home country before departure to Japan:

1) Countries
Mongolia, China, Korea, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan or one of ASEAN countries.

2) Fields
Natural Science or Engineering except medical, dental and veterinary.

3) Level of study and period of scholarship grant
Master's degree-2 years, under 30 years of age on April 1 of application year.
Doctor's degree-3 years, under 35 years of age on April 1 of application year.
Non degree students are not eligible.

4) University in Japan
Applicants are required to be admitted by one of the following universities and receive recommendation from the university to our foundation.
- The University of Tokyo
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Keio University
- Waseda University
- Kyoto University
- Doshisha University
- Kwansei Gakuin University

5) Scholarship grant
(1) Stipend: 150,000 yen per month
(2) Matriculation fee, tuition fee: max.2,500,000 yen.
(3) Housing allowance: at large city, max. 40,000 yen per month. other city, max. 20,000 yen per month.
(4)Family allowance: if spouse lives together in Japan and he/she has no source of income: 20,000 yen per month.
(5)Travel expense: A round-trip air ticket, economy class.

6) Application
All application shall require recommendation from the university mentioned above and shall be accepted through the university in Japan. Applicants are required to start preparation at least one year prior to his/her departure from home country to Japan.

7) Number of scholarship winners
7 students per year. (7 universities mentioned above shall recommend 1 student each every
year.)

Website : www.ysf.or.jp/en/indexe.html


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Thursday, July 5, 2007

Sampoerna Foundation National Graduate in Mgmt Scholarship

Sampoerna Foundation Overview

Sampoerna Foundation was established in March 2001 in response to the urgent need to improve the quality of education in Indonesia. Amid severe budgetary cuts to education due to the prolonged economic crisis, its founders realized the importance of private sector institutions filling the gap in those educational areas critical to Indonesia's development.

Sampoerna Foundation National Graduate in Management Scholarship Program

The Sampoerna Foundation National Graduate in Management Scholarship Program is a mean to groom Indonesia's future business leaders. Sampoerna Foundation provides a full scholarship package to a maximum of 10 (ten) outstanding young Indonesians who demonstrate excellent academic, professional, personal and leadership qualities to pursue Magister Management or Master of Business Administration degree at leading business schools in Indonesia as recommended by Sampoerna Foundation.
Application deadline is extended to July 31, 2007.

Applications should be submitted as early as possible.

Basic Requirements:

* Indonesian citizen, under 30 years old
* Hold a local Bachelor degree in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.00
* Have a minimum of 2 year full-time professional work experience after completion of undergraduate degree
* Have a valid proof of TPA (Tes Potensi Akademik) of 550 and Institutional TOEFL score of 550
* Do not hold a Master's degree/equivalent, and not enrolled in graduate or post-graduate program
* Not graduated from an overseas tertiary institution, unless it was on a full scholarship
* Not in receipt of another equivalent award or scholarship offering similar or other benefits at the time of the award
* Demonstrate they are from financially disadvantaged family and without the scholarship, are not able to study for a graduate program.

The scholarship covers:

* University application fee reimbursement
* ITP TOEFL and TPA reimbursement
* Tuition Fees
* Living allowance
* Book and internet allowance
* Research / thesis allowance
* Graduation fee

List of Universities

* Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung
MBA Program, School of Business and Management
Jl. Gelap Nyawang No. 1, Bandung 40132
Tel. 022- 2504308 / 2534255

* Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta
Magister Management Program
Jl. Teknika Utara, Yogyakarta 55281
Tel. 0274-511035-6, 515536, 562222

* Indonesian Institute for Management Development, Jakarta
Magister Management Program
IPMI Building
Jl. Rawajati Timur I/1, Kalibata, Jakarta 12750
Tel. 021-7970419

* Prasetiya Mulya Business School, Jakarta
Magister Management Program
Jl. R.A. Kartini, Cilandak Barat, Jakarta 12430
Tel. 021-7511126, 7500463, 7657257

* Padjadjaran University, Bandung
Magister Management Program
Jl. Dipati Ukur 35, Bandung 40132
Tel. 022-2509585, 2513168, 2534389

* University of Indonesia, Jakarta
Magister Management Program
Jl. Salemba Raya 4, Jakarta 10430
Tel. 021-3103976-8, 3106990

Prospective applicants are advised to directly contact the universities to find out about the admission process and requirements for an enrolment.

How to Apply?

Candidates should complete the application and reference form and return
them along with copies of required documents to Sampoerna Foundation
before July 31st 2007.

Application/reference forms, requirements, terms and conditions, and instructions can be read and downloaded from www.sampoernafoundation.org or obtained directly from Sampoerna Foundation office at:

Sampoerna Strategic Square
Tower A, 27th floor
Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kavling 45
Jakarta 12930


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