Scholarship Programme

The Scholarship Programme is intended for students from all non-European developing countries studying at Austrian universities and sees itself as a contribution to peaceful living together of people from different regions by means of the promotion of equality of opportunities, dialogue, intercultural know-how and partnership. It promotes the capacity of independent, creative, critical and selfdetermined thinking and acting and strengthens the competence for innovative problem resolution. In line with its holistic orientation the programme comprises the following instruments: scholarships, study-related measures as well as study-related education and follow-on contacts.

Requirements

Nationality of a non-European developing country (exception: recognised refugees and asylum-seekers) Enrolment in an Austrian university Financial necessity Successful course of studies Readiness to return to ones country of origin or another developing country Age limit at the beginning of the scholarship (30 years diploma/master programmes, 35 years doctoral/PhD programmes)

Priorities

Women Study project related to the profile of the Austrian Development Cooperation and the Millennium Development Goals, e.g. combat against poverty, promotion of democracy, protection of environment and resources) Students who act as intermediaries between Austrian universities and their home universities/NPOs Students who have been discriminated and disadvantaged in their countries of origin for cultural, social, political and religious reasons Handicapped students Students from priority countries and regions of the Austrian Development Cooperation (OEZA)

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME?

a) The programme aims at the training of qualified staff and executive personnel at Austrian universities who, on return, will be able to contribute their knowledge and skills to improving the living conditions in their home region. In case of non-return, the recipient must reimburse the amount already received. b) In addition to acquisition of knowledge, techniques and skills in specialised studies, studying in Austria offers a further opportunity to grapple with the Austrian social and political system, and to work in participatively structured organisations. c) Students from developing countries in Austria contribute to a better understanding between people of different cultural backgrounds and to the global orientation and openness of Austria, especially that of its universities. Hence their important function as bridges between different worlds.

The Scholarship Programme is intended for students from developing countries studying at Austrian Universities and colleges, and is to be understood as a contribution to the peaceful coexistence/living together/contacts between people from various regions. This goal is achieved by promoting equal opportunity, dialogue and partnership. Defined in terms of a holistic concept of educational cooperation, the programme covers the following areas: scholarship programmes, studies related measures, and follow-up scheme. The programme is financed by the Government of Styria, the City of Graz, church and private donations.

I. THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMMES

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS
1. Nationality of a Non-European developing country (except conventional refugees or asylum seekers) 2. Application from Austria after immatriculation and registration at an Austrian University 3. Financial need 4. Evidence of satisfactory progress in studies 5. Willingness to return to country of origin or another developing country. (In case of non-return within a year after completion of studies, recipient must reimburse the amount already received in accordance with the mode of payment agreed upon by the committee for education grants) Women have priority.

1. SCHOLARSHIP FOR MASTER STUDIES

(REGULAR DEGREE STUDENT)
Applicants are expected to show interest in development and social policy as well as to participate actively in educational activities of institutions oriented towards development and social policy, namely implementation organisations. Students working for their degree are required to undergo an intensive preparation for their future career in the home country or in another developing country. (For example, by means of practical trainings in developing countries, choice of masters thesis theme.) REQUIREMENTS: 1. See general requirements 2. Age limit: 30 years TENURE: Tenable for average duration of studies (exceptions only in particularly well-founded cases).

2. SCHOLARSHIP FOR DOCTORAL STUDIES and PHD

This programme is intended primarily for doctoral students who plan to do research work relevant to development and social policy in close collaboration with academic as well as non-academic partners, like NGOs in the region of origin. Recipients are expected to show interest in development and social policy as well as to participate actively in educational activities of institutions oriented towards developement and social policy, especially implementation organisations.

Also required is an intensive preparation for activities in country of origin or another developing country. As a rule, doctoral students who have already done a big part of their preliminary studies in Austria are not eligible. REQUIREMENTS: 1. See general requirements 2. Age limit: 35 years 3. Detailed research project 4. Approval of academic advisor TENURE: In accordance with approval of academic advisor for a maximum of three years.

3. SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENT OF SPECIAL MASTER'S DEGREE

This programme is intended primarily for students of special Masters degree who plan to do research work relevant to development and social policy in close collaboration with academic as well as non-academic partners, like NGOs in the region of origin. Recipients are expected to show interest in development and social policy as well as to participate actively in educational activities of institutions oriented towards development and social policy, especially implementation organisations. Also required is an intensive preparation for activities in country of origin or another developing country. REQUIREMENTS: 1. See general requirements 2. Age limit: 35 years 3. Detailed research project 4. Approval of academic advisor TENURE: In accordance with approval of academic advisor for a maximum of two years.