The ins and outs of scholarship selection

By Nuraini Razak and I. Christianto

JAKARTA (JP): Despite the competitiveness of scholarship programs, candidates are actually spoilt for choice as there are various types of scholarship to suit many different types of preferences.

There are, for instance, full-cover scholarships where the tuition fee, living costs, as well as other expenses are all covered. A partial scholarship is where only the tuition fee is covered.

There are scholarship programs that offer internships, there are also research program grants, domestic scholarships, or a help fund in exchange for a work contract after the program is completed.

Scholarships from foreign governments are usually offered in prioritized disciplines considered necessary for Indonesia's national development. This may include economic governance, political and social development, agriculture, health, natural resource management, science and engineering.

Most of the scholarship programs available are provided or sponsored by the government of the foreign country. The embassy, or in some cases educational organizations, provide and arrange the programs. Various scholarships are also offered through bilateral agreements between governments and/or universities.

A university that offers scholarships usually only accepts a restricted number of foreign students, all of whom have to take an entrance examination. However, there are also a few scholarships offered for undergraduates, and high school programs.

Requirements

Candidates must have a very good command of english and must prove a high standard in written and oral english (at least 500 TOEFL points or corresponding ELTS). They must have sufficient knowledge of the tuition-language: i.e. German, Japanese, Italian or French, depending on the geographical location of the chosen university in order to allow them to fully benefit from their studies.

However, a candidate of merit whose language proficiency is considered inadequate may nevertheless be granted a scholarship, subject to the attendance of a special intensive language course.

Proof of ability and the aim of the graduate or post-graduate formation must be very specific, i.e. a detailed and precise plan for their intended studies, research represents an important part of the application file.

The age-limit for applicants varies for different fields of study.

Candidates usually need two letters of recommendation by professors with whom the applicant has been studying. They also need to prepare an essay on the chosen field of study.

Scholars are usually expected to return to work in their respective home countries after they have completed their studies.

The selection committee, consisting of representatives of the organization and experts in the applicant's chosen discipline will usually interview the applicants.