The ins and outs of scholarship selection
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.