Organization website: http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants/supplementary-grant-program-asia

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 any problems or questions, please contact us.

Application:

Download the Supplementary Grant Program Asia (SGPA) application form for new applicants 2013-2014

Download the form for additional options 2013-2014

NOTE: It is highly recommended that you use the free Adobe Reader (v.7.0 or higher) to complete this application. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can find it here: Adobe Reader.

Deadlines:

• For students studying in Asia and Australia: March 15 of each year
• For students studying in Europe and North America: May 15 of each year

Description:

This application is for new applicants (who have never received a Supplementary Grant Program grant), returning applicants who had an interruption in their SGP funding (did not receive a SGP grant last year), and returning applicants applying to a new degree program (for example: moving from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s program).

The Supplementary Grant Program Asia (SGPA) offers supplementary grants to students from Myanmar to study at accredited university programs outside of Myanmar.

The program is designed to provide additional funds to students who are enrolled in academic programs in accredited colleges, universities, and community colleges leading to a degree (B.A., M.A., PhD, etc). SGPA is a partial scholarship (not 100%), which means the student is expected to find another source of funding: either from family members, university fee waivers, or another scholarship program.

The Supplementary Grant Program Asia (SGPA) provides funding for up to one year of study. Students who received funding for the current 2012/2013 academic year and wish to be considered for future funding must reapply by completing the SGPA Application for Continued Funding. Only those grantees who have maintained a high academic standing will be considered for continued funding.

New students are selected in an open competition announced once a year. A team of experts (the SGPA Selection Committee) makes all grant decisions based on quality of the application, academic records, written essays, recommendation letters, and future goals. Decisions of the Selection Committee are final.

Grants are provided to help cover costs for one or more of the following categories:

1. Tuition and fees – For students who are studying (or intend to study) in the Unted States, Canada, Europe, and Australia: tuition and fees will not exceed 50% per academic year.
2. Living expenses – Students who have succeeded in funding their tuition, either through scholarships or their own financial means, will be eligible for additional housing and living funds;
3. Other – Students who have secured all necessary funds but cannot afford additional expenses, such as books, materials, health insurance, or transportation to and from school, will be eligible for additional funds. This does not cover the purchase of airfare or debt related to studies. In no case may an applicant request grant assistance for the support of an accompanying child or spouse.

Students should justify why their major is useful for the development of Myanmar.

Grants will be awarded on the basis of academic record, applicant’s long-term goals, and financial need. Grants are given to students who not only meet the program criteria but who are willing and likely to return to Myanmar to work for the democratic and economic development of the country.

Eligibility and Restrictions:

Courses not supported by this program:

• Distance Education Courses
• English as a Second Language Programs
• High School
• Vocational Training Institutions

ONLY those students who have already been awarded partial or full tuition, room and board stipends, or other types of financial aid (family support, part-time job, etc.) may apply.

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the spoken and written language of their host country (or host university if languages are different).

Only students who are enrolled or expect to be enrolled in full-time study at an accredited college, university, or community college leading to a degree (BA, MA, etc.) are eligible to apply.

Eligibile Study Fields

For students who are studying or intend to study in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia only. This DOES NOT apply to students in Asia:

Only students studying in the Humanities and Social Sciences are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to students pursuing M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in the fields listed below:

• Economic Policy
• Education
• Environmental Policy
• Law
• Public Administration
• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Social Policy
• Social Work

REQUESTS FOR SUPPORT IN THE FOLLOWING FIELDS ARE INELIGIBLE:

• Business Administration/Management Training
• Computer Science
• Finance/Banking/Marketing
• Engineering
• Hard & Natural Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, etc.)
• Mathematics
• Medical Science

Please note that distance education (correspondence courses) are not eligible for funding.

Application Procedure:

Any applications sent after the appropriate deadline will be automatically disqualified. No exceptions!

Students studying (or planning to study) in the following regions/countries should follow the directions for ONE of the methods of delivery below.

It is preferable that all application materials be sent by e-mail, and it is highly recommended that you use the free Adobe Reader (v.7.0 or higher) to complete this application. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can find it here: Adobe Reader.

Thailand, Australia, and other Asian countries (not including India):
Deadline: March 15, 2013
Option 1: Email your application to: sgpamyanmar@gmail.com;
Option 2: For students living in Bangkok, Yangon, or Mandalay, you may hand your form in directly to SGPA staff in early March 2013. Email sgpamyanmar@gmail.com for details of dates and meeting locations.

North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa:
Deadline: May 15, 2013
Option 1: Complete your application online at: https://oas.soros.org/oas
Option 2: Email your application to: sgpa@infoscholar.org
Option 3: Post your application to:

Network Scholarship Programs
“Supplementary Grant Program – Asia”
1700 Broadway, 17th Floor
New York, New York 10019
UNITED STATES

If you require any additional information about this scholarship, or for any information about the application process, please write to sgpamyanmar@gmail.com.

Attachments:

Please include one copy of the following documents with your completed application. All official documents must be accompanied by an English translation.

1. A copy of the official letter of admission from the academic institution (if not available, explain why);
2. The official letter informing you of the details of the scholarship or financial aid award (if separate from the above);
3. Copies of your current and all additional academic transcripts (if not available, explain why);
4. Two reference letters: one from an academic advisor (including information on other funds received from your school, if applicable) and the other from a responsible adult (non-family member) who is familiar with your work and potential;
5. Provide proof of your Burmese origin;
6. Copy of the identifying pages of your passport or other official I.D. (if no documents are available, please attach a short explanation);
7. Copies of documentation issued by immigration or police authorities (e.g. passport, student visa, humanitarian parole, public interest parole, refugee, etc. If not available, explain why.) Students in the U.S.: please attach copy of your I-20 or DS-2019 form, if available;
8. Please include in your application any additional information you feel may be helpful in the evaluation of your case.

NOTE: If one or more of the documents mentioned above is missing from your application, without explanation, your application will be disqualified. If you expect a document to become available after you submit your application, please indicate this in a cover letter and send the missing document as soon as it becomes available. Any additional documentation must be received by May 7, 2013 (students in Asia, Australia, New Zealand) and June 13, 2013 (students in Africa, Europe and North America.)

Any applications sent after the appropriate deadline will be automatically disqualified. No exceptions!