Myanmar Study Abroad

Cetana Educational Foundation

Official website of Cetana Educational Foundation >>

PLEASE NOTE: for official information, specific details, and updated deadlines and instructions, please check the organization’s website and current application forms; if you have problems or questions, please contact us.

Deadlines:

September 30, 2011 – for Mahidol University, Assumption University, and all universities in the Philippines and the United States; Studies commence in May-August 2012
May 1, 2012 – for Asia Institute of Technology; Studies commence in August 2012

Description:

The Scholarship Program was among Cetana’s first initiatives. Since its inception in 1993, Cetana has sponsored or co-sponsored more than 66 scholars from Myanmar / Burma, at universities in Thailand, primarily for granting of Master’s degrees, and in the United States, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some scholars have obtained degrees from the Philippines and Malaysia as well.

Scholars pledge to return to Myanmar / Burma for a period of at least three years after they complete their studies, so that they can share their new knowledge and experience. As of Spring, 2010, 48 scholars have returned to Myanmar; these men and women work in the medical field (doctors, nurses), in education (teachers), with NGOs (micro-finance, gender training, rural development, forestry, marine preservation, etc.), and in business (accounting, business consulting).

A Cetana scholarship covers the cost of education, room and board, travel to and from the university, and associated expenses throughout the period of study. Many universities offer students the opportunity to participate in research seminars or study abroad at no extra cost. Cetana also provides mentors who are available to offer the scholars advice and practical support in bridging cultures.

Scholars from all religious and ethnic groups in Myanmar / Burma are eligible for scholarships. Because the foundation has limited resources, the number of new scholarships each year is limited, generally determined by the number of scholars graduating and by possibilities of co-sponsorship with the schools and other like-minded organizations.

Applicants for a Cetana scholarship must be current residents in Myanmar / Burma and must already be accepted into a program of study that will enable the graduate to help develop social services or human resources within Myanmar. All scholars will be asked to sign a contract that promises their return to Myanmar / Burma for 3 years after graduation. Other criteria also apply.

Partner institutions:

Eligibility and Restrictions:

1. Applicant is a current resident of Myanmar.
2. Applicant’s chosen area of study is useful in developing social services or human resources within
Myanmar on return.
3. Applicant has shown distinction in undergraduate studies.
4. Applicant has no political affiliation.
5. Applicant has demonstrated, prior to application, leadership in activities that benefit others.
6. Applicant has a good facility in English, demonstrated by a TOEFL score of at least 525 (paper; 197 computer) or an IELTS score of at least 5.5, and through a short essay that is part of the application.
7. Applicant possesses some working experience in Myanmar that is relevant to the area of study.
8. Applicant should have been accepted in school of choice and should submit letter of acceptance with application. Applicants for AIT must have at least a one-term scholarship.
9. After acceptance as a Cetana Scholar, the applicant must pass his/her own medical examination satisfactorily and must be certified as medically fit.
10. Applicant’s family should assist in costs of study where appropriate (e.g., passport, visa, medical
exam, clothing).
11. Priority will be given to applicants for M.A. programs, to applicants who are 40 years of age or less, and to applicants for whom Cetana can share costs with other institutions and organizations. Applicants may be from any religious or ethnic group—Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, or Christian. Rotation among ethnic groups is practiced.
12. Cetana Scholars will sign a pledge to return to Myanmar for a minimum of three years after
completion of courses and two persons will sign as guarantors.

Application Procedure:

Application can be obtained from:
Scholarship Application form

or by writing to:

Cetana Scholarship Program
c/o English Center
YMCA, Centennial Building, 3rd Floor
263 Mahabandoola Street, Botataung Township
Yangon, Myanmar