New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships

Transcription

1 New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships Funded by the New Zealand Government and administered by Education New Zealand, the New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS), are a significant educational opportunity. The scholarships provide financial support for international students undertaking doctoral degrees by research in New Zealand universities. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit. A World Class Opportunity New Zealand universities provide the opportunity to study under internationally recognised academics and researchers in a wide range of disciplines. A qualification from a New Zealand university ranks with the best internationally. New Zealand degrees have a reputation globally for being practical, modern and desirable. In some niche areas, such as biotechnology, forensic science and marine engineering, New Zealand degrees are acknowledged as world-leading. Students educated in the New Zealand education environment are earning a reputation as a new breed of innovative thinkers and are enjoying success the world over. Educational Partnership The New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships reflect the New Zealand Government s commitment to deepening New Zealand s educational partnerships with participating countries and regions. The New Zealand education system provides students with the knowledge and skills to achieve results equal to the world s best. The scholarship programme is about sharing this excellence with the rest of the world, and bringing the best from elsewhere to share their knowledge with New Zealand. Over the next two years the scholarship programme will be expanded progressively and renamed. From 2007, up to 100 doctoral and 100 undergraduate students will be studying under the programme. Up to 40 scholarships will be awarded for students undertaking doctoral study in the coming academic year. Eligibility To be eligible for a scholarship students must: Be international students Hold an A average or equivalent in their studies to date Meet the requirements for entry into a research based doctoral degree programme at a New Zealand university. (Please note, this will include proof of English Language proficiency.) Provide: An Educational Credential Evaluation (ECE) Certificate. See Frequently Asked Questions for further information including contact details for ECE and exceptions. Provide evidence that they have been in contact with the relevant department of their chosen institution and discussed their proposed research, research interests and the availability of appropriate supervision. Hold one of the following English language test scores, achieved no longer than two (2) years prior to the time of application: An IELTS Academic Test with an overall score of at least 6.5 with no band less than 6; or A TOEFL test score of at least 575, including a score of 4.5 in the Test of Written English; or A score of 233 in the Computer based TOEFL, including an Essay Writing score of 4.5; or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) Grade B; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Grade C

2 Applications will be considered from international doctoral students who meet the above criteria, including those who have already applied for entry to a New Zealand university. A limited number of scholarships are available to students already enrolled at a New Zealand university. Scholarship Value Scholarships are awarded for three years of full time study for a doctoral research degree. The scholarship funding covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance (NZ$1500 per month), a travel allowance (NZ$2,000), a health insurance allowance (NZ$600), and a book and thesis allowance (NZ$800). Recipients who are travelling to New Zealand in order to take up the scholarship are also entitled to receive an establishment allowance (NZ$500). Funds are not available to support accompanying dependants. Selection Process A selection committee of senior academics, appointed by Education New Zealand, will consider applications. Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria: The applicant has a record of sustained academic excellence, particularly in the chosen field of study, as supported by academic transcripts and letters of reference. The applicant has a well-defined research programme or research interests, and wishes to study at a New Zealand university with the expertise and resources to support that research. The applicant meets all eligibility requirements with appropriate supporting documentation. Applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of the selection process. Terms and Conditions of Awards The following terms and conditions apply to all scholarship holders: Scholarship holders must be enrolled for a research based doctoral programme of study at a New Zealand university. See Guidelines for Applicants for further information. The scholarship is conditional upon gaining entry to a research based doctoral degree programme at a New Zealand university. Scholarship holders may not change their degree programme during tenure of the scholarship without written permission from their university and Education New Zealand. Scholarship holders may not simultaneously hold other scholarships funded by the New Zealand government. This includes, but is not limited to Commonwealth and NZAID Scholarships. See the Frequently Asked Questions online for further information. Scholarship holders are responsible for securing an appropriate entry visa to New Zealand and for any fees associated with the visa, including a medical examination. The offer of a scholarship does not guarantee that such a visa will be granted. Scholarship holders are permitted to undertake up to twelve hours of employment per week at their host university in a teaching or research capacity within their field of study. Scholarship holders must maintain satisfactory progress and good standing as stipulated by their host university and degree programme, or the scholarship will be withdrawn. Scholarship holders must follow the rules and regulations of their host university and degree programme. Any suspension from the university will result in immediate suspension of the scholarship. Monthly stipends are not payable during suspensions, including suspension due to illness. Candidates who hold New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency may not apply under any circumstances. Should a recipient apply for permanent residency or citizenship during the tenure of their scholarship it will be withdrawn. A scholarship shall lapse in the event that a person to whom an award has been made fails to become admitted into their doctoral programme by the date set down by Education New Zealand in their letter of offer. Recipients shall comply with the Terms and Conditions of the award in place for the year in which they applied.

3 How to Apply Download the application form from or contact your New Zealand High Commission, Embassy or Consulate for an application pack. Complete the application form in English. Sign and date the form. Attach the supporting documents as stipulated on the application form. Send six copies of your application form and six copies of all supporting documents to: Postal Address Scholarships Manager Education New Zealand Trust PO Box Wellington New Zealand Fax: Ph: Courier Address (from 15 April 06 onwards) Scholarships Manager Education New Zealand Trust 6th Floor, 138 The Terrace Wellington New Zealand Applications must be received by Education New Zealand no later than 15 July each year. In years where the 15 th falls upon a weekend, applications will be accepted until 5pm the Monday immediately following the 15 th. Please note that ed applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. More information For more information or clarification about this scholarship please contact the Scholarships Manager at the above address, visit or scholarships@educationnz.org.nz.

4 New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships Funded by the New Zealand Government Administered by Education New Zealand Application Form Please see the Frequently Asked Questions before completing this form. The FAQ is available in PDF format on the Education New Zealand website at Country of origin:... A. PERSONAL DETAILS 1. Family Name 2. First Name/s 3. Current residential address: Attach Passport Size Photograph Here 4. Postal address (if not as above) 5. Business telephone: 6. Home telephone: Fax: 9. Date of birth (day/month/year): 10. Place of birth (City and Country): 11. Citizenship(s) (Attach evidence): 12. Details of accompanying family members (Please note: there are no additional allowances for accompanying dependents): Name: Date of birth 13. Emergency contact person: Name: Address: Relationship to you: Telephone No.:

5 B. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND INTERESTS 14. Field of study and specialisation: 15. Tertiary academic qualifications (please attach an academic transcript of results to date, beginning with most recent): Degrees/diplomas obtained/underway Field of study Institution & location Completion date 16. Prizes, scholarships, other professional honours: 17. Relevant publications, papers and titles of theses submitted for any degree: 18. Membership of cultural, scientific, professional and educational societies or organisations: C. EVIDENCE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY FOR CANDIDATES FROM NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES 19. Applicants applying to undertake research in New Zealand who are from a non-english speaking country must meet one of the following English language entry requirements: an IELTS Academic Test with an overall score of at least 6.5 with no band less than 6; or a TOEFL test score of at least 575, including a score of 4.5 in the Test of Written English; or a score of 233 in the computer-based TOEFL, including an Essay Writing score of 4.5 ; or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) grade B; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grade C. The test score must have been achieved no longer than two years prior to the time of application. Please attach the test results to your application and provide an English translation if required. D. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (IF ANY) 20. Employment experience (list only major positions, beginning with most recent): Name of employer & address Position Dates of employment

6 E. PROPOSED RESEARCH 21. Please indicate two New Zealand universities, in order of preference, where you would like to undertake your proposed research, and to which you have applied or are in the process of applying for admission. You are required to provide evidence that you have communicated with at least one of the proposed host institutions by including correspondence indicating support for your admission, approval of your proposed research project or research interests and availability of appropriate supervision Summary of proposed research (no more than 10 lines): 23. Statement of Proposed Research Set out as completely as possible your plans to study or undertake research in New Zealand, giving details of the research project or interests that you propose to pursue. Include an assessment of the benefits, both professional and personal, that you expect from your proposed research. No more than one A4 page, font size 11 or higher. Please attach to your application. 24. Personal statement This statement should be a narrative giving a picture of you as an individual. It should deal with your personal history, influences on your intellectual development, the educational and cultural opportunities to which you have been exposed, and the ways in which these experiences have affected you. It should not be a record of facts already listed in your application or an elaboration of your Statement of Proposed Activity. No more than one A4 page, font size 11 or higher. Please attach to your application. F. REFERENCES 25. Please list below the names and contact details of three referees, and attach their completed Referee s Reports. Referee s name and position Contact details Address: Fax: Bus Tel: Home Tel: Address: Fax: Bus Tel: Home Tel: Address: Fax: Bus Tel: Home Tel:

7 G. AUTHORISATION, AGREEMENT, DECLARATION & SIGNATURE 26. Authorisation: I authorise Education New Zealand to: Obtain any relevant academic records/reports from educational institutions that I have attended; and to Use the information provided by me in my application in accordance with its purposes and pursuant to The Privacy Act Understanding: I understand and confirm that: I have read and complied with the Guidelines for Applicants and that the contents of my application are true and correct; and Education New Zealand reserves the right to vary or reverse any decision regarding a New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship made on the basis of incorrect or incomplete information. 28. Agreement: If successful in gaining an New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship, I agree that I will: Provide the Ministry of Education, through the Scholarship Administrator, with regular reports on my satisfactory progress, or otherwise, and a final report at the completion of the Scholarship. Reports may be used by the Ministry for promotional purposes and shared with current and potential sponsors of the Scholarships; Not apply for New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency whilst on scholarship. Act in a manner befitting a recipient of a New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship; Use the funds for the purposes granted; and Acknowledge the assistance given by the New Zealand Government in any written reports, publications or publicity associated with the New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships. 29. Declaration: I declare that the information contained in and provided in connection with this application is true and correct. I acknowledge that giving false or misleading information is a serious offence. Signature: Date:

8 ATTACHMENTS Use the following checklist to ensure that you have included in your application all required attachments. Attach to the top copy of application papers Six (6) copies of your application papers A passport size photograph of yourself certified by someone who is not a relative, does not live at the same address as you do and who has known you for 12 months or more. Legally certified copies of academic transcripts (or originals), of results to date, with English translation if required Legally certified copies of evidence of your citizenship (birth certificate, Certificate of Citizenship or the relevant pages of your passport) English language test results where applicable Statement of Proposed Research Activity, no more than one A4 page, with English translation if required Personal Statement, no more than one A4 page, with English translation if required Three Referees Reports, either in sealed envelopes or sent directly to Education New Zealand Evidence of correspondence with a New Zealand university regarding your proposed research and the availability of appropriate supervision for it (copy of letter or ) An ECE Certificate where applicable See FAQ

9 New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships Funded by the New Zealand Government Administered by Education New Zealand Dear Referee, The New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships are part of a new international scholarship scheme announced by the Minister of Education in May The key objectives of the scholarships are to: attract top international students to study in New Zealand enhance the reputation and profile of the New Zealand tertiary education sector add to the research capability and output of New Zealand tertiary providers advance education diplomacy objectives through partnerships with key regions and countries. We expect that those selected for a New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship will have already established a record of academic excellence, and demonstrate the potential to succeed in their own research objectives, while contributing to the broader research goals of the New Zealand educational community. The New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship scheme is an important component in the Ministry of Education s international education strategy, developed in recognition of the valuable contribution made by international postgraduate research students to the quality of research at New Zealand universities. The New Zealand Government has appointed Education New Zealand as the Administrator of the New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship programme. Education New Zealand both serves and represents the international education sector, with expertise in developing relationships with governments, institutions and students in the international education context. Thank you for assisting us in the selection process by providing a Referee s Report. Your report may be sent to Education New Zealand by mail (addresses overleaf) or fax ( ), or you may return your report to the student in a sealed envelope for submission with application materials (please sign across the seal). Yours sincerely Robert Stevens Chief Executive Education New Zealand

10 New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships Funded by the New Zealand Government Administered by Education New Zealand Referee s Report To the student: Please photocopy this form and the Letter to Referees on the reverse, put your name on the top line of this form, and send the form and the letter to three referees. To the referee: Please complete and sign this form, attach additional requested comments, and either send it directly to Education New Zealand by mail or fax, or return it to the applicant in a sealed, signed envelope to be included with the scholarship application. Please note ed references cannot be accepted. Name of applicant: Name of referee: Organisation and Position: Address: Business telephone and address: Please comment on the applicant s potential to successfully complete a doctoral research degree by evaluating the applicant against the criteria in the table below. Intellectual ability and academic standard Ability to analyse and problem solve Ability to transfer knowledge Personal integrity Communication skills Resourcefulness and creativity Independence and initiative Adaptability to new situations Potential for future contribution in field Excellent Very Good Good Average Please attach any further comment you may have on why you think the applicant should be awarded a New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship (two pages or less please). You may find it helpful to discuss some of the traits in the table above in relation to the following selection criteria to be applied in awarding the scholarships: The applicant has a record of sustained academic excellence, particularly in the chosen field of study, as supported by transcripts and referees reports. The applicant has a well-defined research programme, and wishes to study at a New Zealand university with the expertise and resources to support that research. Signature: Date: The information included in this Referee s Report will be used only in the awarding of scholarships, and will remain confidential to Education New Zealand, the Selection Panel and the hosting New Zealand university. Thank you for assisting Education New Zealand in identifying outstanding candidates to take up scholarships under the New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship Programme. Education New Zealand Trust, PO Box , Wellington, New Zealand Fax: , queries to scholarships@educationnz.org.nz