Education Tips: NYSC Experience And Masters Scholarships to Study Abroad

If you are reading this, you are either preparing for your National Youth Service Corps - NYSC - in Nigeria or currently a serving Youth Corper. Or you have already completed your NYSC with personal experiences you thing are not worth much. You probably have been nursing the dream to achieve your postgraduate Masters Degree through international scholarship. It is a dream with the possibilities of achievement if you consciously prepare yourself towards it. How do you qualify yourself for scholarships? Qualifying for postgraduate scholarships takes more than making up your mind one sunny afternoon after NYSC to start searching and applying for funding. Or deciding you want an international scholarship to get out of the country due to employment frustration. It involves timely preparation during your early education career when you still have time. Scholarship qualifications and Selection Criteria require self development and periodic experiences on your part as a student or youth corper. Hence, you need to start preparing yourself while you can. The economic future of a typical Nigerian student/ graduate can be very 'unpredictable ', and hoping that things will just work out to finance you dream can be unrealistic, without some timely effort on Your path. One long year of Youth Service- NYSC- can make you the candidate scholarship sponsors are looking to award financial aid if you make the best of the opportunities available. You might have heard that it takes more than high academic performance to win international scholarships. It does count to have a First Class or Second Class Upper Degree but to stand a greater chance of winning, you need more than academic classification. Many of the scholarship programs are available only to students who fit a narrowly defined set of eligibility requirements. Regardless of what the scholarship' s specific set of eligibility requirements, selection committees are looking for well-defined candidates who excel in one or more of the following categories: Leadership Potential, Community Service/ Volunteerism, Work Experience and of course, Academic Performance. This makes School grades one of other eligibility criteria. By being able to demonstrate strength in some or all of these four essential qualities, you will have greater chances. How Can NYSC Influence Your Chances of Winning Postgraduate Scholarships for Masters Program? Thinking through the entire NYSC activities; starting from the Orientation Camp to the Primary Assignment and The Community Development Service, you will see opportunities to acquire three of the scholarship criteria mentioned above; Leadership Experience, Community Service/ Volunteerism, Work Experience. Here are the basic scholarship qualifications and how the one year NYSC activities can be helpful. Leadership Potential Scholarship Committees believe that Leadership is a quality that should be reflected in all aspects of a student's life, including her academics and paid employment, as well as her community service. Beyond the initiative it takes to become a leader, scholarship committees are also looking for the consensus building skills and motivational abilities required for leadership success. Developing your leadership potentials may not be as scary, if you try to always cease opportunity to demonstrate them. Personally, I' d not been the take-up-leadership -responsibility type during school days. I was the shyishly- nonchalant type, and words like 'public - speaking' often sounds like 'nightmare' . Then, that day in October 2007, at the Orientation Camp, in Kolokuma/ Opokuma LGA, Bayelsa, during my National Youth Service corps (NYSC) , my Platoon Commander asked me to be Platoon (squad ) Leader for Platoon '10' . I had the choice to decline but I accepted the offer and the experience was priceless. There is still a lot to learn anyway. So what is this about? While in school (secondary or tertiary) or during NYSC, get involved with extracurricular activities, take responsibility for your actions in difficult situations, create experiences that show courage. Volunteer to take up leadership roles during Orientation Camp and through the service year. According to Dr. Bruce Jackson, Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Leadership, "It is not enough to acquire knowledge and good grades. If you want to succeed, you need a firm understanding of what creates lasting success and excellence.. . ". Work Experience Mentioning your NYSC work experience and your commitment in your scholarship application will give you an upper hand. Scholarship selection committees are interested in knowing how you relate to the world outside home and school environment. They are looking first and foremost for initiative and commitment at place of work. Scholarship committees are less concerned with your job description and earning power than with your ability to demonstrate responsibility at place of work. You can prove this by presenting strong and compelling letters of recommendation from your employer at your place of primary assignment. Volunteer/Community Service In addition to the work at your place of primary assignment - volunteerism and service to your community will make you (potential scholarship candidates) even more attractive to selection committees. By volunteering, you show not only that you are civic-minded but also that you care about a cause broader than your own advancement. By giving extra lessons to students in rural area (Depending on the community your are posted to serve) etc, giving your time and talent is a noble use of your resources. With many civic and non-profit organizations offering scholarships, volunteers make the top of the priority list for selection committees. To demonstrate your commitment to community service, go beyond just listing Community Development Service- CDS assignments on your scholarship application. Devote more time and resources to serving your host community through CDS. Write an essay about how volunteering has impacted on your career ambitions, what have you learned from serving the community, or why being a volunteer changed your political beliefs. To some people the idea of volunteerism/ community service may seem unrealistic. 'How and why should I waste my precious time doing things I don' t benefit from in any way?', you could say. The scholarship committee understands this and will gladly reward candidates with such public-spirit . Service to humanity is an act of leadership and a way of life. Scholarship providers sets a good example of service.

2012/2013 Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme for Developing Countries to study in Japan

The World Bank and the Government of Japan, through the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, offers scholarship opportunities for Masters Degree to postgraduate students from developing countries. The World Bank annually awards five scholarships to the Public Policy & Taxation (PPT) program. The scholarship is currently open for application for the 2012/2013 academic year. The first level of screening of candidates will be done at Yokohama National University. The final decision regarding scholarship recipients will be made by the World Bank. It is anticipated that scholars would return to their countries to apply their enhanced knowledge and skills towards helping accelerate the pace of economic and social development.


Who Can Apply
Applicants should:

    * be between the age of 25 and 45;
    * be nationals of a World Bank borrowing member country;
    * be mid-career professionals in public service;
    * be of good character, a team player and active in extracurricular activities;
    * hold, at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a development-related field; and
    * have at least four years of recent full-time professional experience in a field related to economic development or public policy, in the applicant’s home country or in another developing country

Scholarship Worth
The scholarship covers a monthly allowance of JPY170,000 (this is subject to change), and a round-trip air ticket to Japan plus a travel allowance of JPY60,000. The monthly stipend is intended to cover living, commuting and other incidental expenses during the student's study period. In addition, the scholarship covers tuition, entrance examination and admission fees. Travel expenses for some program-sponsored field trips are also included.


Number of Scholarships
About five scholarship award winners will be selected to study for masters in Public Policy and Taxation in Japan.

Scholarship Duration
The next scholarship program runs from April 2012 to March 2014. This cannot be changed under any circumstances.


Scholarship Condition
According to the Grant Agreement between the World Bank and the Government of Japan states, It is anticipated that scholars would return to their countries to apply their enhanced knowledge and skills towards helping accelerate the pace of economic and social development."
To maintain high levels of home return, it has been an established agreement between the Government of Japan (the sole Program donor) and the World Bank that JJ/WBGSP scholars are not entitled to seek employment of any kind at the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for three years after they finish their academic program.

The three-year employment restriction applies to World Bank and IMF headquarters and field offices. This restriction covers regular staff appointments, short term consulting contracts, and all other types of employment during the three-year period.

 DeadlineSeptember 30, 2011
For more details about Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program and how to apply visit  Scholarship Homepage

Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers, Germany

Every year, the Humboldt Foundation grants up to 60 Georg Forster Research Fellowships for postdoctoral and experienced researchers. Short-term study visits, participation in congresses and training courses cannot be financed under thisprogramme. As a researcher, Georg Forster Research Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers allows you to carry out a long-term research project (6−24 months) of your choice in cooperation with an academic host of your choice at a research institution in Germany.

Scientists and scholars from all disciplines may apply to the Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation directly at any time. The research proposal must address issues of significant relevance to the future development of your country of origin and, in this context, promise to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and methods to developing and threshold countries.

Who Can Apply?
You can submit an application if;
• you are a researcher outside Germany with above average qualifications, at the beginning of your academic career
• you completed your doctorate in the last four years.
• You are a citizen of a developing country

Requirements
• Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent), completed less than four years prior to the date of application. Candidates who have nearly completed their doctoral degrees are eligible to apply provided that they submit the manuscript of their dissertation or publications containing the results of their dissertation.
• Academic publications in reviewed journals and for publishing houses.
• Choice of a research project of major relevance to the future development of the candidate's country of origin, including options for transferring knowledge and methods.
• Confirmation that research facilities are available and mentoring agreement and a detailed expert's report from an academic host at a research institution in Germany; details of the research project and the proposed timetable must be discussed with the prospective host prior to application.
• Expert references from the doctoral supervisor and two other academics qualified to give well-founded comments on the applicant's eligibility, preferably including reviewers not working at the applicant's own institute.

Language skillsScholars in the humanities or social sciences and physicians must have a good knowledge of German if it is necessary to carry out the project successfully; otherwise a good knowledge of English; scientists and engineers must have a good knowledge of German or English.

The applicant may not have spent an extended period in Germany prior to application. Applications to continue a research stay already underway can only be considered in exceptional cases. If in doubt, candidates who have been in Germany for more than six months at the time of application should check with the Humboldt Foundation (info(at)avh.de) whether formal requirements have been met before submitting an application.

Application and selection procedure
Applications may be sent to the following address at any time:

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Selection Department,
Jean-Paul-Str. 12, 53173 Bonn, Germany

The complete application should be submitted to the Humboldt Foundation at least four to seven months ahead of the prospective selection date.
When submitting applications candidates may also apply to be informed about the reasons for a rejection should their applications be turned down by the selection committee.
For more details about scholarship requirements Click Here

The Schlumberger Foundation 2011/2012 PhD & Post-Doctoral Fellowship for Women

The Future fellowships launched by the Schlumberger Foundation, are awarded to women from developing and emerging economies who are preparing for PhD or post-doctoral study in the physical sciences and related disciplines at top universities of their choice abroad. Grant recipients are selected for their leadership capabilities as well as their scientific talents. In addition, they are expected to return to their home countries to continue their academic careers and inspire other young women.

Eligibility
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
•    Be a woman;
•    Be a citizen of a developing country;
•    Wish to pursue a PhD degree or Post-doctoral research in the physical sciences or related disciplines;
•    Have applied to, have been admitted to, or are currently enrolled in a university abroad;
•    Wish to return to their home country to continue their academic career upon completion of their studies;
•    Be very committed to teaching and demonstrate active participation in faculty life and outreach work to encourage young women into the sciences;
•    Hold an excellent academic record.
Scholarship Worth
Faculty for the Future grants are awarded based on the actual costs of studying and living in the chosen location, and is worth USD 50,000 for PhDs and USD 40,000 for Post-doctoral study. Grants may be renewed through to completion of studies subject to performance, self-evaluation and recommendations from supervisors.


How to apply
Applications are only accepted through the on-line system www.fftf.slb.com
The on-line system will be open from September 12th 2011to November 30th 2011.



Selection Guidelines and Criteria
- Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and the application deadline;
- Plan ahead! Producing a good quality application takes time and final selection is based in part on the standard of your application and accompanying materials;
- Have a clear strategy. Make sure all parts of your application form an integrated whole. Your application should highlight aspects about you and your career that will give the reviewer a focused yet well-rounded view of your candidature;
- Read and follow the instructions carefully. The instructions are your guide to producing a comprehensive and competitive application.
- Note that the personal essay section should focus on PhD milestones, results obtained, papers published, conferences attended, and teaching undertaken. It should focus on your academic progress and not solely on your technical progress;
- If your application is for further Post-doctoral studies, explain in your personal essay why you want to pursue an additional Post-doctoral year. Insight needs to be provided with regards to the difference the PhD or Post-doctorate will make on your career progression and the impact it will have in your home country university department;
- Information regarding available funding from other sources (fellowships, scholarships, sponsorships…) should also be provided.

A successful application will have gone through four selection rounds, with the reviewers paying keen attention to the following criteria:
•    Academic performance;
•    Quality of references;
•    Quality of host country university;
•    Level of commitment to return to home country;
•    Commitment to teaching;
•    Relevance of research to home country;
•    Commitment to inspiring young women into the sciences.
Final selection will be based on the standard of your application and accompanying materials;
Your application should highlight aspects about you and your career that will give the reviewer a focused yet well-rounded view of your candidature. Read and follow the instructions from the link below carefully. The instructions are your guide to producing a comprehensive and competitive application;

Application Deadline
November 30th 2011.
For more details on how to apply and the application process,   Click Here to Register

2011 Indomie Nigeria Scholarship Award for Postgraduate Students

The Indomie Nigeria National Postgraduate Nutrition Scholarship Awards for postgraduate Students to study Nutrition and Dietetics at master’s level was initiated in 2009. The first round of the scholarship was awarded to 12 Nigerian students to study for Masters Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. So far 24 Nigerian students have benefited from this scholarship since it began in 2009. Application for the 2011 Indomie Nigeria National Postgraduate Nutrition Scholarship, the third edition, is currently open, from now untill 31 August 2011. 12 successful candidates will be awarded scholarship to pursue their masters program for 2011/2012 academic year. As part of its commitment to social responsibilities towards educational empowerment and development of Nigeria , Dufil Prima Foods Plc, maker of Nigeria’ s No 1 children favorite meal, indomie instant noodles is offering Scholarship for Nigerian students studying Nutrition and Dietetics at Postgraduate Degree level. The programme aims to assist in the training of high level Nutrition and Dietetic manpower in the country. It is hoped that over a period of time this will produce a critical mass of highly trained nutritionists that will continue to sustainably chart and guide the way for optimum nutrition for all Nigerians. The scholarship was initiated after the company identified the wide gap in Nutrition and dietetics in Nigeria and decided to build manpower capacity in this profession.
Eligibility
The postgraduate scholarship is open to all Nigerian students qualified for admission to M. Sc Programme in Nutrition (and Nutrition and Dietetics) in any Nigerian University. Awards will be given to qualified and suitable students from every geopolitical zone of the Federation including the FCT.
Institution of study
The programme is currently based in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB ).
Application Guidelines
Eligible candidates should apply in writing, providing:
their full names,
photocopy of admission letter into the program, application for admission,
with details of educational history,
evidence of state of origin obtained from the appropriate Local Government Area and duly signed by the Chairman or secretary and
photocopy of NYSC certificate.
The completed documents should be endorsed in an A4 envelop and should be marked “APRIL 2011 AWARD ” on the top left corner addressed to::
The Co-coordinator .
Application Checklist
• A copy of the letter of admission into programme (or photocopy of application for admission)
• Evidence of state of origin obtained from the appropriate Local Government Area and duly signed by the Chairman or Secretary.
• Photocopy of NYSC certificate
• Photocopy of all certificates ("O" level and degree)
Submission Guidelines
All documents should be forwarded to: Co-ordinator Dufil-Nutrition Awards Programme P.O. Box 1983 Sapon, Abeokuta Ogun State Or via Email to acadaservices@ gmail.com Application Deadline All application should be submitted not later than August 31, 2011