Supplementary Grant Program Asia

Please note: The application deadline for the 2011-12 academic year has passed.  Please check back again in early 2012 for the next call for applications.

The Supplementary Grant Program Asia provides supplemental financial assistance to Burmese students to study at accredited university degree programs outside of Burma (Myanmar).  The program was originally established to address the needs of Burmese students, both inside and outside of the country, whose college education was disrupted due to political instability in the country.  

NOTE: In 2010, the name of the program was changed from the Supplementary Grant Program Burma to Supplementary Grant Program Asia.  The guidelines and eligibility for the program remain the same.

Eligibility

Grants are 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 Burma to work for the democratic and economic development of the country. 

The program does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. The competition is merit-based and open to those meeting the following criteria:

• applicants must be enrolled in full time study at an accredited college or university leading to a degree (BA, MA, PhD etc.);
• the program provides supplemental funds only—applicants must have already been awarded partial or full tuition, room and board stipends, or have other types of financial aid (family support, part-time job, etc.);
• applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the spoken and written language of their host country (or host university if languages are different).

Fields of Study

For individuals who are studying or intend to study in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia, only those studying in the humanities and social sciences are eligible to apply—with preference given to graduate study in the following fields:

Public Health, Social Policy, Social Work, Education, Environmental Policy, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economic Policy, and Law. 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.

For individuals who are studying or intend to study in other parts of the world, including Asia, the above restrictions do not apply, although preference is still given to graduate studies in the social sciences or humanities.

Ineligibility

The following are not supported by the program:

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

Financial Terms

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

• Tuition and fees - not to exceed 50% of tuition and fees per academic year (For students who are studying or intend to study in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia only).
• 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.

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 purchase of computer equipment, airfares or debt related to studies. In no case may an applicant request grant assistance for the support of an accompanying child or spouse.

Participant Responsibility

Grantees are required to maintain student status throughout the period of the grant and abide by all the terms and conditions outlined in the contract letter signed by the grantee. Grant stipends are distributed upon submission of proof of enrollment in a study program.

Deadlines

Please note: The application deadline for the 2011-12 academic year  has passed.  Please check back again in early 2012 for the next call for applications.

To Apply

All applicants should read the application below for details regarding various methods for submitting applications (online, email, mail).  Online and paper applications will be considered equally.

Applicants studying in North America, Europe, Africa, or the Middle East are encouraged to apply through the OSI online application system.

Application for Continued Funding for Current Grantees

Current Supplementary Grant Program Asia grantees (2010-11) who wish to apply for continued funding in 2011-12 must complete the Application for Continued Funding (attached below) and send it, with the required documents, to the appropriate office. 

The Application for Continued Funding should only be completed by current grantees—individuals who received SGPA funding for academic year 2010-11—who are continuing in the same degree program.  All other applicants must complete a new application.

Contact sssmyanmar@gmail.com and <apsconsortium@gmail.com> for academic counseling or with any questions.

Direct Link >>

http://www.soros.org/initiatives/scholarship/focus_areas/supplementary_asia/guidelines