OAS-Placed Scholarships for Graduate Studies (2005)
Fields of Study:
Priority will be given to scholarship applications in the fields related to the following development areas:
� Economic Development and Trade
� Education
� Government and Public Administration
� Science and Technology
� Social Development and Poverty Alleviation
Study Site
The OAS will place candidates selected for scholarships at universities or educational institutions, taking into account the country of preference, the language of instruction, the programs and levels of studies specified by the candidates in their application forms. Candidates are not to apply directly for admission to a university or educational institution.
Beginning of classes:
Selected candidates must be in a position to begin classes in the 2005 academic year. Deferrals will not be granted.
Length of Studies:
Scholarships will not be awarded for periods shorter that one academic year or longer than two academic years.
Scholarships will be initially awarded for one academic year. If an extension is required, the extension, if approved, will be for the period required to complete the program of study for which the scholarship is awarded or for a period of one academic year, whatever is shorter.
Scholarship Application Information:
1) Scholarship eligibility requirements:
To be eligible for an OAS scholarship candidates must be:
a) Citizens or permanent residents of an OAS Member State. Permanent residents must provide copy of document of immigration status;
b) Fluent in the language of instruction of the program of studies.
c) Physically able to undertake the program of studies (a medical certificate will be required of selected candidates as a condition for activating the award).
OAS-Placed Scholarships for Graduate Studies (2005)
2) Scholarship Application Procedure:
a) Application for an OAS-placed scholarship shall be made using OAS Form 098-PLACED (OAS-placed Scholarships Application Form). Candidates should fill out the application form in the language of the country and study program where they indicate that they wish to be placed. OAS Form 098-PLACED can be obtained from Offices of the OAS General Secretariat in Member States, or on the web at: http://www.educoas.org/Portal/docs/SOLICITUDDEBECASPLACEDeng.pdf
b) Completed application forms and all necessary documentation must be submitted for review and pre-selection to the National Liaison Organization (ONE) in the candidate's country of origin. The National Liaison Organization is the official channel set up by each government for OAS scholarships. A listing of ONEs is available at: http://www.educoas.org/portal/en/becas/ones.aspx?culture=en&tabindex=44&childindex=48.
c) The deadline for submitting applications to the National Liaison Organization of a country is set by the ONE. For this reason, a person wishing to apply for an OAS scholarship should consult with the respective ONE to ascertain the deadline for submitting the application to the ONE.
Candidate Selection Information
1) Selection criteria:
� Candidates must have the endorsement of the National Liaison Organization in the candidate�s country of origin or permanent residence
� Candidates must possess excellent academic achievement in previous studies and other measures (grades, GRE, GMAT or TOEFL scores (if any available) and the required academic background and professional experience, if applicable.
� Clarity of the academic objectives and focus of the program of studies.
� Relevance of the field of study to the priorities of the OAS and of the candidate�s country and the potential impact on the development of his/her country
2) Selection Process:
� The ONE of the Member State will conduct a review and pre-selection of applicants.
� Pre-selected candidates are to be interviewed by a panel consisting of representatives of the ONE, the OAS General Secretariat and LASPAU. LASPAU is the agency under contract with the OAS Department of Scholarships and Training to seek university placement for selected candidates.
� An OAS Scholarship Selection Committee will make the final selection of scholarship recipients.
� The OAS will directly inform the OAS Permanent Missions, the National Liaison Organizations (ONEs) and the OAS General Secretariat in the Member States of the selection results.
� Only those selected candidates must take the TOEFL (with a minimum grade of 550), GRE, or GMAT for placement purposes.
� Only those selected candidates must submit a Health certificate indicating that the candidate is apt to pursue studies.
� LASPAU will communicate with the selected candidates about the award, activation of the scholarship and the university at which the student has been placed.