American University in Bulgaria Program

American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) is located in Blagoevgrad, a vibrant regional economic and cultural center in the picturesque Southwestern part of Bulgaria. The mission of the American University in Bulgaria is to educate students of outstanding potential in a community of academic excellence, diversity, and respect and to prepare them for democratic and ethical leadership in serving the needs of the region and the world. We envision a community of diverse and creative students of outstanding potential living and learning together in an engaging and rigorous academic environment on a campus which offers world-class academic, recreational, and residential facilities.  Mentored by internationally respected faculty committed to the liberal arts tradition, graduates will be fully prepared for lives of professional achievement, personal fulfillment, and service.

Quality and Accreditation
AUBG has full American accreditation, as well as Bulgarian. Graduates receive an American diploma, as well as the Bulgarian national diploma and European supplements when they have successfully passed the state examinations. AUBG is recognized as one of the finest universities in eastern Europe, and the University currently attracts top students from more than 30 countries from around the world. 

Fields of Study and Professors
AUBG offers Liberal Arts education based on a general education foundation and a specialization in a declared major and/or minor. Instruction is in English. Majors offered are: Business Administration; Computer Science; Economics; European Studies; History and Civilizations; Journalism and Mass Communications; Mathematics; Political Science and International Relations. Students at AUBG may, and most do, take two majors. Courses are taught by high-quality, American and international faculty experienced in teaching in a multicultural, learner-centered environment. 

Safe and Modern Campus
AUBG offers accommodation in the Skaptopara Residence Halls I and II, located in a green park area, a ten-minute walk from the AUBG Main Building. Residence facilities are equipped with TV lounges, study areas and fitness equipment. There are canteens and cafes in the Main Building and the Scaptopara Residence Hall that offer a variety of meat and vegetarian meals, as well as salads, desserts, and beverages. The university library is the largest English language library on the Balkans. The whole collection of more than 100,000 volumes is indexed through a computerized catalogue.  In Fall 2008 AUBG opened a new 2000 square meter library building on the Skaptopara campus which provides a comfortable, welcoming and safe environment for study, research, quiet reflection and collaborative work.  Each student has free access to the Internet at more that ten student computer labs, in the Skaptopara Residence Halls, and at wireless “hot spots” across campus.

Student Services 
The Advising Center, the Career Center, and the Counseling Center all work cooperatively to provide a complete, integrated program of services designed to provide support for student needs ranging from personal counseling to assistance with their job search. At present AUBG offers a variety of sport opportunities, including baseball, tennis, boxing, chess, skiing, fitness, dancing, soccer, American football, swimming, and aerobics.  The AUBG Career Center assists students in planning for the future. Every year a Job Fair and a Graduate School Fair are organized. The Job Fair gathers representatives of leading international companies who wish to employ AUBG graduates. The Center also maintains current information about graduate school opportunities at leading American and European universities. The Health Center provides health services and ensures prompt consultation, evaluation and treatment of medical problems, working according to the regulations established by the Bulgarian legislation and the standards of the American College Health Association.

English Language Institute
Applicants to AUBG who are generally qualified for admission but whose test scores, particularly in English, fall short of AUBG minimum requirements, may enroll in AUBG’s English Language Institute (ELI). Intensive programs in English language/TOEFL preparation are offered during the summer, as well as during the fall and spring semesters. ELI is a Certified Internet-Based TOEFL Test Center and has an excellent  record in preparing future AUBG applicants for the TOEFL and SAT exams. 

All ELI instructors are university graduates with at least a Master's degree in English and with substantial teaching experience. The higher level courses are taught by a team of instructors - non-native English speakers emphasize grammar and text, while native English speakers teach listening comprehension skills and conversation. ELI classes are small and “learner-oriented,” and the center applies a variety of modern and effective methods of language instruction, using the latest state-of-the-art educational technology. 

Applicants for the full-time intensive courses seeking admission to the University should present a high school diploma with GPA of minimum 5.00 (Bulgarian Grading System) or its equivalent if the candidate is a non-Bulgarian.

Admissions requirements and deadlines  
AUBG requires a minimum SAT score of 1,000 (Critical Reading plus Math)  and a TOEFL score of 80 (iBT Internet based) or 550 (paper-based).  If a student is otherwise qualified but not yet able to achieve the required TOEFL score, we may offer conditional admission with the requirement that the student spend a semester doing intensive language study at AUBG’s English Language Institute. 

Open Society Institute (OSI) Scholarships deadline - January 1st

Complete application for Fall Semester should be received at AUBG Admissions Office:

• By March 1 for early admission and more favorable financial aid.
• By June 1 for regular admission and financial aid.

Complete application for Spring Semester should be received at AUBG Admissions Office:

• By October 1st for non-EU students and financial aid.
• By November 1st for EU students and financial aid.

Students need to submit to the AUBG Admissions Office the following:

• A completed application form with a non-refundable $25 application fee (unless the application is completed on-line)
• An application essay on a topic announced by AUBG (the essay may also be submitted on-line or by email).
• Official educational records -- original documents or notary certified copies, with a certified English translation if they are not in English
• Three confidential letters of recommendation from teachers or professors, a guidance counselor, or an academic advisor
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or ESOL examinations and SAT or ACT score reports should be sent to AUBG directly from the agencies administering the tests. For the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and the College Board, the AUBG institutional code for receiving TOEFL and SAT test scores from ETS is 2451.

TOEFL and SAT Tests
Students must meet the minimum requirements for proficiency in English based on TOEFL or  IELTS or ESOL examinations and present SAT or ACT test scores. Test scores should be officially sent to the AUBG Admissions Office by the respective organization administering the tests. The TOEFL score is valid for 2 years and the SAT score is valid for 5 years. Applicants can take the tests while still in high school. Schedule the TOEFL and SAT no later than January for the fall semester applications and June for the spring semester applications.

 

Financial Assistance
We believe that AUBG offers outstanding value. Whereas a high-quality education is not inexpensive, AUBG is committed to making it possible for every qualified applicant to attend. Students and their families are expected to pay a significant portion of the cost of their education. If a student does not have the resources to pay the full amount, we work with the student to find supplemental sources of support, including direct aid from the University, loans, and funds earned in work-study or a work-travel program. Most students find that after the first year they are able to earn the full cost of tuition and expenses during summer work-travel jobs. 

All further information, necessary application forms and templates are available online at: www.aubg.bg in the Admissions section.

Scholarships for Chinese Students in Canada

How Chinese students can offset the cost of studying in Canada

There are more Chinese students studying in Canada than those of any other nation. One reason that attracts Chinese students to Canada is that they can obtain study scholarships that offset course fees and living costs.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper told a Chinese audience there had been a remarkable increase in the number of Chinese students studying in Canada.

“Following our 2009 agreements, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of Chinese students studying in Canada.

“There is no better place in the world to study than Canada. That's why more than 60,000 Chinese students now attend Canada’s world-class colleges and universities, a 35 per cent increase in four years …and the number is growing.”

Many Canadian universities and colleges offer scholarships for gifted students, including those from China. The kind of award and financial benefits varies. Applications should be made directly to each university or college. 

Here are 5 Canadian scholarships that are suitable for Chinese students:

1) Strategic Training Initiative in Health Research and CIHR Fellowship, from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

The Strategic Training Initiative in Health Research (STIHR) is a way for Canada to increase its competitiveness internationally in attracting new, bright, creative research talent and to ensure innovation and excellence in the next generation. Individual training programs receive funding towards supporting research trainees through stipends. 

2) Industrial Research and Development Internship Program, from the Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada

The Industrial Research and Development Internship (IRDI) program is a federal program where successful recipient organisation can gain funds to match graduate students and post-doctoral fellows with private sector host organisations for private sector research internships. The interns work on research projects jointly developed by the private sector host organisation and their academic supervisor. 

The goal is to introduce graduate students and post-doctoral fellows to practical business problems and provide them with the opportunity to apply their scientific and technical expertise to address the needs of participating businesses. It is open to all research areas.

3) Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Program

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Program aims to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent, both nationally and internationally, to develop their leadership potential and to position them for success as research leaders of tomorrow, positively contributing to Canada's economic, social and research-based growth.

The fellowships are administered by Canada's three research granting agencies – the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

The Banting fellowships are among a group of programs that provide support to highly qualified research personnel at all stages of their careers:

• Canada Graduate Scholarships provide financial support to outstanding eligible students pursuing master's or doctoral studies in a Canadian university. 
•  Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships support world-class doctoral students who demonstrate a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies as well as leadership skills.
• Canada Research Chairs provide support to new and established investigators for five- and seven-year terms.
• Canada Excellence Research Chairs, a highly prestigious program, is intended to attract world-class researchers to Canadian universities to work in priority research areas and conduct world-leading research.

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4) Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories Program

The Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories (VF) Program provides promising emerging scientists and engineers with the opportunity to work with research groups or leaders in Canadian government laboratories and research institutions. Fellowships are awarded for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second and third year, at the discretion of the government department concerned.

The number of awards varies according to the budgets of participating departments and agencies. There are no deadlines for application to this program. Applications are processed and reviewed as they are received.

5) Trudeau Fellowships, from the Trudeau Foundation

Every year, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation selects up to five fellows who have set themselves apart through their research achievements, creativity and social commitment. After a rigorous selection process, the fellows are chosen by an independent jury of eminent researchers and intellectuals.

The Foundation does not accept direct applications for these prizes, but establishes a list of candidates based on suggestions put forward by an extensive nomination network in Canada and abroad. The Trudeau Fellowships are of a total value of $225,000. Trudeau fellows are appointed for a mandate of three years.

The Foundation considers candidates from all disciplines in the social sciences and humanities and all domains of creative arts. It focuses its efforts in four fields: human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada in the world, and people and their natural environment.

 Additional Canadian scholarships available to Chinese students include:

• Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program, from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
• Canada-China Norman Bethune Health Research Scholarships Program from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
•  The Sauvé Scholars Program, from the Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation
•  Trudeau Scholarships, from the Trudeau Foundation
• Industrial Postgraduate Scholarships Program from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
•  Research Associate Program, from the National Research Council Canada
•  Research Development Initiatives from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
•  Professional Development Awards and The Pearson Fellowship, from the International Development Research Centre

In Canada, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada oversees the government’s involvement in major International Scholarship Programs and supports international scholars in the country.

ENDS

About the Author: Adrian Bishop is a national award-winning journalist who writes for the world’s leading visa company, GlobalVisas.com. Its free Visa Wizard helps clients assess their chances of gaining study visas.

UniCredit Study Abroad Programme

UniCredit & Universities Foundation launches a new competition for 8 grants "UniCredit Study Abroad Exchange Programme" aimed at all university students of economics or finance for a period of six months of study exchange programme abroad to/from Serbia and Russia.

To be eligible for the competition, applicants must be a citizen of one of 22 countries where UniCredit is present and be a university student in the fields of economics or finance in at least her/his 2nd year of study.

Moreover, candidates must:

1) either be enrolled at any university in a country in which UniCredit is present and be wishing to spend six months at a university located either in Russia or in Serbia
or:
2) be enrolled at a university located either in Russia or in Serbia and be wishing to spend six months abroad at any University in a country in which UniCredit is present.

The grants are aimed at financing exchange periods abroad for six months, starting from January 2012 and ending March 2013.

Each winner will receive a grant of  EUR 4,200 (gross of taxes) for the whole period and an economy return flight ticket will be fully paid by the Foundation.

Candidates may only apply using the application available online. In the application, each candidate must indicate a list of maximum 3 host-universities where she/he intends to spend the exchange period, choosing only those universities with an exchange agreement already signed with the home university.

Applications may be submitted until 15 November 2011. The eight winners will be announced by 15 December 2011.

Download the announcement  

Apply now

The One-World-Scholarships for Developing Countries

The One-World-Scholarship-Programme is directed at students from developing countries at Austrian Universities and is meant to contribute to the peaceful coexistence of people from different countries of origin by enhancing equal opportunities, dialogue, intercultural know-how and partnership. It has been established within the Austrian Cooperation for Education, and together with the other programmes it supports their concerns (struggle against poverty, resource conservation, peace-keeping etc.), the establishment and expansion of accordingly qualified personnel and the advancement of educational- and economic systems (capacity and institution development) with lasting effects.

It is complementary to other scholarship programmes and laid out globally, it enhances the ability for independent, creative, critical and self-determined thinking and acting and shall strengthen the competence for innovative problem solving strategies. The OWS contributes to the socially required production of knowledge and awareness, it promotes a global perspective and the creation of the globally educated citizen. It attaches a high significance to regional, international and trans-cultural networks. The programme is co-financed (government, church and private funds and own resources of the recipients of the benefits) and significantly contributes to the economic, social and cultural development of the southern countries. 

The One-World-Scholarship-Programme is directed at students from Africa, Asia and Latin America who are interested in development policy and who have come to Austria on their own initiatives, in order to complete their education. With their decision for studying abroad, the students have demonstrated a high degree of assertiveness, creativity and mobility. The scholarship will contribute to following up on the right of education also for those critical and intellectual young people who will find poor conditions in their home countries. These aspects will apply still more strongly to women. So scholarships will offer a chance making up for the ethnic, religious, social and regional discrimination, and in individual cases, also for violations of human rights. 

The scholarships are divided into:

1. Scholarships for the promotion of students doing bachelor degrees (application in Austria)

2. Scholarships for the promotion of students doing doctoral degrees (application in Austria)

3. Scholarships for the promotion of students doing masters degrees and training programmes (application in Austria or in the country of origin).

Through study-accompanying measures (the entire educational measures in the OWS will massively support the publicity for development policy and the intercultural dialogue) - like conducting workshops and seminars on returning home and reintegration, job prospects and job applications as well as respective counselling talks and in-between homeward journeys - the project target of a successful occupational reintegration in the countries of origin can be essentially supported.

Organisation:

• most important scholarship within the AAI Graz
• coordinated by the One-World-Scholarship-Team of the contact committee for third world scholarships (study counsellors of the AAI, the LAI, the ÖAD, the ÖOG)
• co-financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation and the Catholic Womens Movement
• administrated by ADA (Austrian Development Agency)

The OWS is conceived as a comprehensive programme, which will comprise scholarships and special study expenses, study-accompanying measures and tutoring, study-accompanying training, supporting reintegration and follow up-contacts. The OWS is a mobility programme acknowledged by the Federal Ministry for Education, Science and Art (in terms of scholarship regulations). Recipients of the scholarships are exempt from tuition fees.

The scholarship programme is co-financed with means from the Austrian Development Cooperation, the Catholic Womens Movement and private funds. The monthly allowance amounts between 500 and 550 Euro. 

Students can apply for the scholarships by using the application form between the middle of March till the end of May each year.

You can download the application form here.

Read more about the Afro-Asian Institute Graz and this scholarship program: http://www.aai-graz.at/cms/index.php?page=stipendien&hl=en_US