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Commonwealth Scholarships 2013
Masters of Public Administration - International Development, by online study
**Applications are now closed**
The University of York has been awarded 15 Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom (CSCUK) for students joining the online Masters of Public Administration - International Development programme, commencing their studies in September 2013.
The Commonwealth Scholarships are administered by CSCUK, working as the UK arm of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). The awards themselves are funded by the Department for International Development (DFID)
The CSFP are working towards partnerships between developed and developing countries aimed at combining academic excellence with the desire to make a real difference in some of the world’s poorest countries.
Please note: due to the high demand for these scholarships candidates will only be considered if they have a strong academic record at undergraduate level and clear evidence of a contribution to the Millennium Development Goals, demonstrated through their Future Career Plans and Home Country Benefit statements on the application form.
Eligibility
Scholarships are available to applicants who meet all of the following criteria:
- have not previously had the opportunity to study at post-graduate level
- are living and working in developing countries of the Commonwealth
- are working in or with public organisations, including NGO’s, aid agencies and local/national government departments, and can demonstrate throughout their application that they are working towards the Millennium Development Goals
- meet the University Entry Requirements for the programme (see the 'Entry requirements' tab on the course web page)
- the CSC also requires that students from Bangladesh, Cameroon, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Rwanda provide evidence of their competence in English by means of an overall academic IELTS score of no less than 6.5. Any candidates who do not fulfil this requirement will be deemed ineligible. The CSC consider an IELTS certificate to be valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
The degree programme
The Online Masters of Public Administration - International Development programme is a 3 year flexible, highly interactive, well supported programme that is directly relevant to the aims of the Millennium Development Goals. Students will find that they are part of a lively international learning community. See also:
- Course page - MPA - International Development
- Online study - Information for prospective students
How to apply (applications now closed)
Full instructions for the Electronic Application System (EAS) are contained on the Scholarship Commission's website here. It is very important that you use the EAS and do not apply directly to the University. The application will ask you to provide email addresses for 2 referees. When you submit your application to the EAS your referees will be contacted to ask them to provide and upload a reference. We receive a huge volume of applications for these awards and therefore will only consider those applications supported by 2 references at the closing date (19th April) so please submit your application a few days before the deadline to allow your referees time to write a letter for you. Applicants are responsible to follow up with their referees to ensure letters are submitted.
Short-listed applicants
If you are short-listed you will be notified by the University by 24th April 2013 and asked to complete a short (500 words) piece of written work, write a study plan and also potentially attend a Skype interview. The written work will be due, by email, on 7th May 2013 and, if you pass that stage, Skype interviews will then take place on 20th, 21st and 22nd May. It is essential that you are available on these dates.
The written work will be "How has your work experience contributed to your understanding of the distinctive challenges facing those engaged in development administration?"
The decision as to which students are offered a scholarship will be made by CSCUK, based on the University recommendations, and successful applicants will be notified during mid July 2013.
Useful links
Your alternatives
If you are not eligible for the scholarship, we offer discounted fees for students in developing countries on all our online programmes.
Contact details
Enquiries
Helen Smith
Online MA Programme ManagerTel: +44 (0)1904 32 1273
Ellen Roberts
Online MA Programmes DirectorTel: +44 (0)1904 32 1250
Other courses you may be interested in if you are not applying for the scholarship: