SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

This exciting scholarship opportunity is open to permanent residents of India and People's Republic of China (Mainland China only).

Awards are available for full time postgraduate study at any of Scotland's universities or higher education institutions.

Courses must be 12 month taught masters programmes, and priority will be given to subjects in the creative industries, science and technology, and financial services. The award covers the tuition fees, return economy airfare and living allowance.

What can you study:

Please click on the link ‘What can I study’ on the left side of the web page,
http://www.scotlandscholarship.com/

More than just a scholarship award, this programme offers you a uniquely enhanced experience of Scotland. Not only will you gain an internationally recognised qualification at a world class university, but you will enhance your career prospects with the chance to network with Scottish companies.

You will experience a rich and vibrant culture and make new friends and contacts from Scotland and around the world.

The scholarships are supported and funded by the Scottish Government's Fresh Talent initiative which aims to encourage bright, talented and hard working individuals to live, work and study in Scotland. After your studies, you will have the opportunity to stay on and live and work in Scotland for up to two years with Fresh Talent.

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers the tuition fees, return economy airfare and a living allowance.

Applications are now invited for 2008/9. The closing date is 14 March 2008.

Eligibility criteria:

• A permanent resident of India , People's Republic of China, (Mainland China only) and be in your home country at the time of application
• Aged between 25 and 35 years old at the time of application
• Have 3 - 5 years full-time relevant work experience post first degree graduation
• Applicants must already hold a conditional/unconditional offer for a place on a postgraduate level Masters course from an institution in Scotland
• Demonstrate a good working level of English ( IELTS 6.5 / certificate may be required)
• Not currently working or studying in the UK
• Not in receipt of any other scholarships or award for the academic year 2008/9
• Hold a good first degree in a related subject from a recognised university

Applicants who have previously received a British Government funded award or scholarship are not eligible to apply

Applicants who have been selected for interview will be invited to attend at a British Council office in their own country.

If you are selected for interview you will be required to submit original certificates/transcripts including IELTS certificate (if required by the university) and Original offer letter from Scottish educational institution.

You will also need personal identification e.g. passport together with references from the two named referees on letter headed paper (signed, dated and with an official seal)

British Council, Scotland is looking for individuals that possess the following qualities:

• Ambition and drive
• Flexible and adaptable
• Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial
• A commitment to change and organisational development
• An ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, not only in technical and professional terms but also culturally.

You can search for full information on courses at the Education UK Scotland website. If you are unsure about whether your course is eligible for the scholarship please contact your local British Council office.

How to apply:

Visit http://www.scotlandscholarship.com/

1. Please ensure that you meet eligibility criteria specified for the scholarship.
2. Only 12 month taught Masters courses at Scottish educational insitutions will be considered
   
   Find out more about what courses are available by visiting the Education UK Scotland website. Priority subject areas are science, technology, creative industries and financial services. You can also visit the Education UK centres at your nearest BritishCouncil office for information and guidance.
3. You must apply to Scottish institution(s) of your choice before applying for the Scotland Scholarships.
   
   The scholarship offer will be subject to obtaining a confirmed offer of admission from your chosen institutions. If you are invited to interview it will be essential to bring the offer from a Scottish institution with you.

Please note the following when applying:

There is a single online application form for 2008 entry. Once you have started the apllication you must complete the whole application as there is no oppurtunity to save it and return to it at a later date.

It is suggested that you collect all relevant information relating to your past qualifications and work experience before starting.

Therefore please take note of the points listed below.

Your application form must include your current contact address, e-mail, telephone/mobile and fax numbers

You must have prepared beforehand a statement of not more than 1000 words about:

• why you wish to study in Scotland
• why you wish to obtain the qualification listed as your first choice
• how you think you will benefit in terms of career and personal development from obtaining this qualification.

Please note you should complete this as a Word document first so you can then copy and paste it into the online application form.

All sections of the online application form must be completed. Incomplete forms will not be considered. If you do not meet the specified criteria in the online application you will not be able to proceed with your application

If invited for interview you must bring along all the necessary documents and certificates together with passport/photo id. and two passport size photographs.

Application forms are available online.

Application Procedure:

Before proceeding with your application you must read our Data Protection statement and confirm that you have accepted the conditions by clicking the CONFIRM button. You will then be directed to the online application form.

Additional Notes:

1. We will not acknowledge the receipt of your application
2. We will only inform the shortlisted candidates. Applicants are requested not to contact the British Council office directly
3. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in a British Council office near you in April 2008. Candidates will be expected to make their own travel and accommodation bookings and arrangements. We will not reimburse any costs incurred in this respect
4. The results will be announced within a week after the interview. The decision of the selection committee will be final
5. Pre-departure briefings, visa formalities and travel arrangements for the selected candidates will be co-ordinated by the British Council
6. The programmes will commence in the UK in the academic year beginning September/October 2008.

Data Protection Notice:

The British Council will use the personal information on your Scottish International Scholarship Application Form for the administration of the Scotland Scholarships, for the British Council’s Alumni UK network (once you become a Scotland scholar), and securing possible sponsorships for the scholarship from other organisations or companies.

Except the uses mentioned above, your personal information will not be used in any other alternative way without your permission.

The British Council applies the UK Data Protection Act across all its offices globally. For further information please refer to its privacy policy on the website.

If you have any data protection queries, please contact the Data Protection Team by e-mail at dataprotection@britishcouncil.org, or by post at The British Council, 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN.

Once you have read the Data Protection statement you can proceed to the Application form by pressing the ' CONFIRM' button on the webpage.

Once you ‘confirm’, you will get the option for Application form, which maybe filled in and submitted as per instructions given above.

Good Luck!