Offer of Scholarships by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in the area of Forensic Pathology and Forensic Document Examination

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1 Offer of Scholarships by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in the area of Forensic Pathology and Forensic Document Examination For Study in the Academic Year 2014/2015 Characteristics of the Offer Purpose Scholarship of Areas of Study to be awarded This scholarship is aimed at providing critical human resource in the area of forensic pathology and forensic document examination at the Forensic Science Center. Postgraduate Studies: Forensic Pathology Forensic Document Examination Who Can Apply Tenability Application Process Deadline date for submission Response to Application General Conditions of Scholarship Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago The course of study and the institution of study must be recognized and accredited by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT). The scholarship is renewed annually subject to satisfactory performance as evidenced by the attainment of a Grade Point Average of 2.50 or a general score of 50% and over. Go to the scholarships website and complete the prescribed application form and attach all the required documents. November 14, 2014 The range of response time is between 60 to 90 days from the closing date of the scholarship. Applicants should be aware of the following general conditions of the scholarship: The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) reserves the right to publish the names of candidates selected for Scholarships. By applying for a scholarship, the candidate gives consent for such publication in the event that 1

2 his/her application is successful. Candidates will be given a formal Notification of Scholarship, requesting that they indicate their interest in the Scholarship. Formal confirmation of the scholarship will be issued when all conditions have been met. Scholars will be expected to take up the Scholarship from the date stated by the Government of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) in its Notification of the Scholarship. Scholars will be expected to reside in the approved country of study throughout their Scholarship and to seek prior approval for any proposed visits abroad except for visits to Trinidad and Tobago. Expenses for such travel are not included in the scholarship. Scholars may not undertake paid employment during their scholarship without prior written consent. Scholarship holders must not change their programme of study during the tenure of the scholarship except with written permission from the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT). Scholarship recipients must maintain satisfactory progress and good standing as stipulated by the academic institution, or the scholarship will be withdrawn and the recipient liable to repay the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) for the expenditure on the scholarship. Scholarship recipients must follow the approved programme of study and abide by the rules, regulations and codes of conduct of the academic institution. A suspension from the academic institution will result in immediate suspension of the scholarship and can lead to termination of the scholarship. Allowances are not payable during suspension. Scholarship recipients must be in good health mentally and physically to pursue studies. Scholars will be required to sign an undertaking to serve the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) as soon as their Scholarship comes to an end. The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) will only consider requests to extend the scholarship or leave to remain in the approved country of study post scholarship in instances where it is absolutely necessary. Strict conditions will apply. The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) will be unable to provide any letter of support which might be required by a scholarship holder to work in a foreign country. All terms and conditions of the scholarship will be subject to local law and practices. All regulations concerning immigration and visas are set by the Government of the approved country of study and are outside of the control of the Scholarships and Advanced Training Division, the agency responsible for managing your 2

3 scholarship. Scholarship Procedure Role of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) Final award of scholarships will be made when the Cabinet approves the scholarship and has allocated and committed the funds. Applicants will be notified as indicated above. The scholarship will be governed by a legally binding Scholarship Agreement. A duly executed Scholarship Agreement along with other scholarship policies shall be the binding authority between the recipient of a scholarship and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Please go to our website at to review additional scholarship information. The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is responsible for: Disseminating information on the scholarships Ensuring that all applications are completed according to requirements Ensuring that only qualified applicants are shortlisted Selecting only the best among the applicants and Assisting successful candidates in their departure (where applicable) A. FUNDING The following payments are made under this scholarship programme, and are subject to the approval of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration (Scholarships and Advanced Training Division): Tuition and Compulsory fees (as indicated by the academic institution) Personal Maintenance Allowance Salary Allowance (Public Officers only) Annual Book Allowance Special Equipment Allowance Round trip economy air travel Warm Clothing Allowance and Replacement Warm Clothing Allowance (where applicable) Incidental Travel Allowance Funding will be guided by the duration of study as follows: Degree Master s degree (Taught) Duration 1 year to 18 months Postgraduate Studies in Pathology with 5 years 3

4 sub-specialty in Forensic Pathology Postgraduate Studies/Fellowship in the Sub-specialty Forensic Pathology 1 3 years B. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: To apply for this scholarship, applicants must: a) Be citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and must not be a permanent resident of any other country. b) Possess the following qualifications: For Postgraduate Studies in Forensic Pathology I. Hold a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), MB.BChir, BMed, MBBCh, BMBS or the equivalent Medical degree; II. be fully registered as a medical practitioner in Trinidad and Tobago with the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Board and III. be between the ages of years. This scholarship is for studies in the area of Forensic Pathology or Pathology, leading to sub-specialty qualification in Forensic Pathology. The successful candidate must graduate with the required qualifications and training to be employed as a Pathologist at the Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre. For a Master s Degree: Forensic Document Examination i. a Bachelor s Degree with Second Class Honours (Lower Division) in Chemistry or Natural Sciences with a Major in Chemistry; and ii. be between the ages of: for non-public officers for public officers; c) Be desirous of pursuing studies at a regional or international institution which is accredited/recognized by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago. The course of study and the institution of study must be accredited/recognized by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago. 4

5 d) Applicants must provide at least proof of application or acceptance to an accredited institution e) Applicants who already possess the qualification and status of Pathologist must provide proof of such certification. C. REQUIREMENTS Applicants must ensure that two (2) Recommendations are submitted online by their Recommenders: i. One must be an academic recommendation; and ii. iii. Recommenders must include a telephone contact number on recommendations letters. Recommenders must attest to the candidate s ability to perform and to succeed as a scholarship recipient by providing relevant and practical examples where applicable. They must also describe what contribution and the likely impact the candidate will have on the institution/community/country. Applicants must ensure that their Recommenders sign, scan and upload their recommendations to their online application. Applicants must prepare and submit online a Study Plan, which explains in no more than 500 words: i. The impact your studies will have on the country; ii. iii. iv. How the course of study relates to the existing and future development needs of the country; A description of how exposure gained from pursuing this course of study could contribute to the development of the nation. Please indicate clearly where the development need has been identified and outlined in the national development strategy. Your five-year plan upon returning to Trinidad and Tobago to put into practice the knowledge and experience acquired through the scholarship v. If shortlisted, must successfully complete the Security Vetting Interview Process to be considered further for the scholarship. This will be conducted by the Ministry of Justice. 5

6 D. SELECTION CRITERIA: Applicants will be assessed and recommended for a scholarship based on the following: I. Academic Merit II. III. IV. Likely development impact applicant will have on completion of studies. Work Experience Interview short-listed candidates will be interviewed to get a sense of their maturity, commitment, adaptability, cultural awareness, and their state of mind in relation to the undertaking of studies locally or overseas and their ability to complete the programme of study successfully. Candidates must attain a minimum score of 50% at the interview in order to be considered for the award of a scholarship. 6

7 GUIDELINES FOR SCORING POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN FORENSIC PATHOLOGY Academic Merit Post Graduate Study: (30 points) Degree Stage 1/Part 1 of Board Certification/University Qualification or equivalent Board Certified/University Qualified (or equivalent) Pathologist Maximum 30 points 15 points 30 points Quality and Content of Plan of Study (20 points) Item Clearly defined goals and objectives in the national context Demonstrate an understanding of the area of study in a national context Maximum 20 points 1-10 points 1-10 points Likely Development Impact Applicant will have on Completion of Studies (20 points) Future Impact of Applicant Likely development impact applicants will have on completion of studies Likelihood of applicant returning to work in the area in Trinidad and Tobago * Likely Development impact of the applicant * Maximum 20 points 1-10 points 1-10 points 7

8 Work Experience (30 points) Work Experience (duration) Relevance in relation to the area of study and the quality of contribution to sector Maximum 30 points 1 year in Pathology 15 points 3 years and over in Pathology 30 points 8

9 GUIDELINES FOR SCORING SELECTION OF CANDIDATES FOR MASTER S DEGREE IN FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINATION Academic Merit Master s Programme: (30 points) Degree Grade Point Average Maximum 30 points Upper Second Class Honours points First Class Honours 3.60 and above 20 points Additional Diploma/Degrees related 5 points to a maximum of 10 points Quality and Content of Study Plan (25 points) Item Maximum 25 points Clearly defined goals and objectives in the national context Demonstrate an understanding of the area of study in a national context 1-10 points 1-15 points Likely Development Impact Applicant will have on Completion of Studies (25 points) Future Impact of Applicant Likely development impact of applicants work on completion of studies Likelihood of applicant returning to work in the area in Trinidad and Tobago * Likely Development impact of the applicant * Maximum - 25 points 1-10 points 1-15 points 9

10 Work Experience (20 points) Work Experience (duration) Relevance in relation to the area of study Maximum - 20 points Under 2 years 5 points 2 years 5 years 10 points Over 5 years 20 points 10

11 Applicants must upload the following documents to their Online application: Copies of Academic Certificates, Degrees of Diplomas Proof of application/acceptance at an academic institution Accreditation Letter from the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) Copy of Birth Certificate (with affidavit where necessary) Copy of Proof of Change of Name (where necessary) Copy of relevant bio data page from valid Trinidad and Tobago Passport. If this is not available, a copy of Electoral Identification Card (back and front) Persons born outside of Trinidad and Tobago must provide evidence of citizenship (copy) and residency Applicants who are Public Officers must upload a signed letter from their Permanent Secretary/Head of Department indicating that they have no disciplinary matters pending Any further documents which you prepared and which provides greater insight into your course of study Please Note: All originals must be produced upon request. Applicants must ensure that their information on the attached/uploaded documents is legible at a zoom ratio of 100%. Applicants must not submit documents in Zip Folders. Each document should be uploaded in the relevant field on the upload page. Please ensure that your documents are legible by opening and checking the quality of the document before submitting your application online. Applications with documents which are illegible, cannot be verified and will therefore not be processed. Applicants must ensure that their transcripts are sent directly to the following address:- Permanent Secretary Ministry of Public Administration (Scholarships and Advanced Training Division) 5 th Floor National Library Building Corner Hart and Abercromby Streets Port-of-Spain Attention: Head, Selections Secretariat Applicants who wish to hand deliver their transcripts must ensure that this document is properly sealed by the academic institution (stamped across the seal) and submitted to the Selections Secretariat. 11

12 Transcripts must be received before the closing date of the scholarship for your application to be considered: DEADLINE DATE FOR APPLICATION: November 14, 2014 For further information please go to our website at or contact the office at telephone numbers , , ext. 2064, 2070, 2097, 2093 or Please click the relevant link below to access the application form: Forensic Pathology Forensic Document Examination Important Notice: If you are returning to your application, please go to the scholarships website at and click on SATIS Login to continue your application 12

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