Monday, December 19, 2005

Belgium: Postdoc & Doctoral Student Positions, Optimization, K.U.Leuven

In the framework of the Center of Excellence on Optimization in Engineering at the K.U.Leuven there are openings for two Postdoctoral Researchers and several doctoral students in the area of Optimization in Engineering.

For the postdoctoral researchers, we are looking for candidates with a PhD degree (or close to completion) in electrical, (bio-)chemical, mechanical engineering, computer science or applied mathematics. A deep knowledge and expertise in either the theory or the application of optimization in engineering is required for the position.

For the doctoral students, except for an excellent academic track record, a strong interest in optimization and engineering applications is necessary. A (preliminary) list of possible research projects for PhD students can be found on the COE_OE website
http://www.cs.kuleuven.be/coe-oe/.

We are particularly interested in applicants with previous exposure to one of the following areas: convex optimization theory and methods, algorithms and numerics of optimization, design optimization in mechanical, electrical, or (bio-)chemical engineering, control system design, system identification and modeling.

The successful applicants will join a multidisciplinary research team, and are expected to collaborate with other researchers in the Centre. The positions are associated with one of the Laboratories of the Centre. Research and computing facilities of these laboratories are of the highest standard.

The postdoctoral positions are available on a full-time fixed term basis for two years with the possibility of an additional two years. The doctoral students will receive a one-year contract, with the possibility for extension. A first round of applications will close on February 6, 2006. The positions can start as early as possible in the Spring of 2006. New openings will be announced in the beginning of July 2006.

More details about the Centre can be found at the CoE-OE website (http://www.cs.kuleuven.be/coe-oe ).

Please send your application letter with extensive CV, publication list and names and email addresses of 2 referees by email to bart.motmans@esat.kuleuven.be with subject: CoE-OE application- mention Postdoc or PhD?. PhD? Students need to indicate a project of their choice with motivation. Please ask your referees to send their recommendation letter directly to bart.motmans@esat.kuleuven.be . K.U.Leuven is an equal opportunity employer.

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Student Loan

Student Loan from Federal Stafford Loans
Study in USA

Federal Stafford Loans
are low interest loans available to students attending eligible schools at least half-time. The interest rate is adjusted annually and is capped never to exceed 8.25%. The Stafford Loan rate in effect from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006 is just 4.70% in school and 5.30% in repayment. Student Loan Funding offers money saving benefits on Stafford loans to reward and encourage timely payment. Click here to learn more.

As a Stafford loan borrower, you do not have to begin repaying the loan until six months after you leave school. If you are eligible for need-based aid, a portion of the Stafford loan is subsidized and does not accrue interest until six months after you leave school.

Maximum amounts you can borrow through Stafford Loans are as follows:

FEDERAL STAFFORD - SUBSIDIZED
Year 1: $2,625
Year 2: $3,500
Years 3 - 5: $5,500
Graduate and Professional Students: $8,500

FEDERAL STAFFORD - UNSUBSIDIZED
Dependent Students
Year 1: $2,625*
Year 2: $3,500*
Years 3 - 5: $5,500*
Independent Students
Year 1: $6,625*
Year 2: $7,500*
Years 3 - 5: $10,500*
Graduate and Professional: $18,500*
Students in health-related fields may be eligible for additional funds.
*less subsidized amount received

How do I apply?

The first step toward receiving a Federal Stafford Loan is completing the FAFSA. Then contact the financial aid office at the college you attend and tell them that you would like a Stafford Loan from Student Loan Funding, Lender ID 831455. Typically your school will initiate the application and provide you with instructions on how to complete the process.

If your school has directed you to download a Stafford Loan Application from our site, click here to print a Stafford Master Promissory Note!

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

International Essay Competition

International Student Scholarship
Essay Competition
.

The consultancy company NIRAS asks this question in an international essay competition focusing on the future, global knowledge society. On September 1st 2006, NIRAS celebrates its 50th anniversary, and being a knowledge-based company, NIRAS has a special interest in this topic.

The competition is launched at universities in 21 countries worldwide. Two winners will be awarded a 1st price of EUR 16,000 Scholarship and a 2nd price of EUR 8,000 Scholarship. They will also receive a trip to Copenhagen for the presentation of the winner essays. During their stay in Copenhagen, they will be given ample opportunity to meet with NIRAS' customers and partners, and other interesting people.

"We wish to create some new, inventive, and hopefully different images of the future of the world through the essay competition. These images should focus on the future, global society of knowledge and cultural integration," says NIRAS' Director of Development Henrik K�rg�rd. He continues: We intend to use these images in our further development and hope they may serve as an inspiration to others within Academia and knowledge-based companies, or to people with an interest in these issues."

Participants in the competition must hand in an abstract in English on January 1st 2006. The abstracts will be carefully evaluated, and ten participants will be asked to write an essay to be submitted on May 1st 2006.

If you need more information regarding the competition or NIRAS, please look up www.niras50years.com or contact Mille Wilken (phone: +45 4810 4477 or e-mail: miw@niras.dk (miw at niras dot dk) ).

Sunday, December 04, 2005

Student Funding by Goverment

Federal Stafford Loans


Federal Stafford Loans are the most common source of education loan funds and are available to both graduate and undergraduate students. There are two types: Federal Subsidized and Federal Unsubsidized. Read about your rights and responsibilities as a Stafford Loan borrower and apply.

Subsidized
Subsidized loans are need-based. The federal government pays the interest on these loans while the student is in school and during the grace period before repayment begins.

The terms and conditions of the program are explained below.

Eligibility:
You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; full- or half-time undergraduate or graduate student. A credit check is not required.

Loan limits:

Annual limits:
Year 1 $2,625
Year 2 $3,500
Years 3 and 4 $5,500 per year
Graduate student $8,500 per year

Interest rate:
Annual limits are variable and may change on July 1. For loans disbursed on or after July 1, 1998, rates are set:

  • During in-school, grace, or deferment, rate based on 91 day T-bill rate + 1.70%.
  • During repayment periods, based on 91 day T-bill + 2.30%.
  • Capped at 8.25%.
  • Based upon current rates.
Total origination or insurance fees: 4% (3% to the federal government and 1% to the state or regional guaranty agency to cover administrative costs).

Repayment term:
Up to 10 years.

For more information visit http://www.salliemae.com/apply/borrowing/stafford.html

The University of Liverpool International Scholarships

International Student Scholarship,
Study in England
.

Up to fifty scholarships offering a 25% fee reduction are available for students applying for full-time, non-clinical, undergraduate programmes or postgraduate taught masters courses. Scholarships are available for 2006/2007. These Scholarships will be awarded primarily on the basis of academic merit and will be tenable for the duration of the progamme of study, subject to good academic progress.

All students who are classified as liable to pay tuition fees at the "overseas" rate, who hold an offer of admission for a taught programme of study starting in September 2006, will be eligible to apply. Students already registered at the University are not eligible to apply for an International Scholarship, unless they are completing one degree course and beginning another (e.g. completing a bachelor's degree and applying for a masters).

Scholarship application forms will be automatically forwarded to all eligible students who have been made an offer of a place at the University. Queries regarding the application procedure should be directed to the University's International Recruitment and Relations Office in the first instance. Email: irro@liv.ac.uk
Deadline: The closing date for applications is Friday, 5 May 2006.

Reference:
http://www.liv.ac.uk/international/scholarship/uni_liv_scholar.htm

Scholarship in Canada

International Student Scholarship,
study in Canada

York University International Student Scholarship & Award Program

Established for international undergraduate applicants, recognizing academic excellence, leadership qualities, exceptional community service and individual achievement.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 15 2006
Successful candidates will be notified in writing by May 31

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
You must be applying for September entry.
• You MUST be an international student, who is required to have a
Study Permit for Canada.
• You must be applying to the first year of a full-time undergraduate
degree program in one of the following Faculties: Arts, Atkinson
Faculty of Liberal & Professional Studies, Environmental Studies, Fine
Arts, Glendon, Science & Engineering, Schulich School of Business.
• You must possess an excellent academic record ("A" average or
equivalent) and have other accomplishments such as community
service or excellence in the arts, sports or other areas of individual
achievement.
• You must have graduated from high school within the past two years.
• Application documentation is required. See checklist on reverse.

SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA BY SCHOLARSHIP/AWARD
GLOBAL LEADER OF TOMORROW AWARD (4)
• Students from any region may apply.
• Valued at $10,500 and renewable for a further three years of
full-time undergraduate study as long as high academic standing
(7.8 on a 9-point York scale) is maintained in each academic year.
• You must be nominated by your high school. Only one candidate per
school will be considered for this award.
• Preference will be given to students who demonstrate some
financial need.
Note: This is a partial scholarship intended to supplement your own
finances. It will not cover the entire cost of studying and living at
York University.

DEAN'S SCHOLARSHIPS (10)
• Applicants who are short-listed, but not chosen, for The Global Leader
of Tomorrow Award are considered as potential candidates for the
Dean's Scholarship.
• Valued at $5,000; non-continuing past first year of study.
• Fine Arts applicants will be considered as potential candidates for a
one-time only Fine Arts Talent Award worth $2,000 (one available for
each Fine Arts department).

YORK'S UNITED WORLD COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP (1)
• Valued at $25,000 and renewable for a further three years of
full-time undergraduate study as long as high academic standing
(7.8 on a 9-point York scale) is maintained in each academic year.
• You must be enrolled in a United World College to qualify for this
scholarship.

YORK'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR
WEST AFRICA AND KENYA (4)
• Valued at $25,000 and renewable for a further three years of
full-time undergraduate study as long as high academic standing
(7.8 on a 9-point York scale) is maintained in each academic year
at York University.
• Must be a citizen of a West African country or of Kenya. Preference
given to those residing in a West African country or Kenya.

YORK'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR THE
CARIBBEAN (3)
• Valued at $25,000 and renewable for a further three years of
full-time undergraduate study as long as high academic standing
(7.8 on a 9-point York scale) is maintained in each academic year.
• Must be a citizen of the Caribbean. Preference given to those residing
in the Caribbean.

INTERNATIONAL "CIRCLE OF SCHOLARS" SCHOLARSHIP
PROGRAM FOR THE CARIBBEAN, MEXICO, CENTRAL
& SOUTH AMERICA (5)
• Valued at $10,000 for first year of study only.
• Must be a citizen of the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America or
South America. Preference given to those residing in the Caribbean,
Mexico, Central America or South America.

INTERNATIONAL MERIT ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP (45)
No application necessary.
• Students from any region are eligible.
• Valued at $5,000 and awarded to the students with the highest academic average; non-continuing
past first year of study.

Reference:
http://www.yorku.ca/web/futurestudents/scholarships/3_app.html

Application form:
http://www.yorku.ca/web/futurestudents/pdf/scholarship/intl_scholarship05.pdf

Scholarship in Grinnell College, USA

International Student Scholarship,
study in USA

Grinnell College's Scholarship.
Grinnell College, one of the top ranking colleges in the United States, offers a limited number of highly competitive comprehensive Special Scholarships.

What does the scholarship cover?
Grinnell College Student Scholarship will cover the cost of tuition, room, board, fees, insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses that the student and his/her family are unable to cover. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years as long as the student is making satisfactory progress toward the completion of bachelor`s degree.

Special Scholarships are available for students from the following countries and regions:
a. Africa b. Eastern and Central Europe
c. Latin America
d. Middle East and Asia
e. Nepal
f. People`s Republic of China.

Grinnell College also offers International Merit Scholarships to a few admitted students who demonstrate exceptional scholastic abilities and leadership skills. An applicant does not need to apply for financial aid or demonstrate financial need to be eligible for a Merit Scholarships. Scholarship amounts vary.

You may request an application by completing an information form at http://www.grinnell.edu/admission/internat/admformintl/ or you can visit http://www.grinnell.edu/admission/applying/ and complete an application online. There are no additional forms required to compete for this scholarships. The Office of Admission will automatically consider you for the scholarships if you are eligible.

When is the application deadline?
January 20, 2006

When will I learn if I have been admitted, and if I have received either of these scholarships?
All applicants will be notified by April 1, 2006. You will have until May 1, 2006, to decide if you will accept our offer of admission and scholarship.

If you have any further questions, please contact:
Office of Admission
Grinnell College
Grinnel, Iowa 50112 USA
E-mail: askintl@grinnell.edu

Further information:
http://www.grinnell.edu/admission/internat/finaid/

Scholarship in United Kingdom

International Student Scholarship,
study in UK

UK: International Student Scholarships, School of Computer Science, The University of Birmingham


International student scholarships and bursaries are available to all privately funded students paying full international fees, who are admitted to undergraduate programmes in the School of Computer Science. Please note that this information refers to entry for 2005/06 and is subject to change in the following years.

Available to entrants for their first year:


Total value of the award per yearWho qualifies?ScholarshipBursaryBursary
£3000International undergraduate students with entry qualifications equivalent to AAA at A-level
£1500International undergraduate students with entry qualifications equivalent to BBB at A-level
£500All international undergraduate students who do not qualify for the above All eligible students will receive a bursary of £500 in their first year. Those with good entry qualifications, equivalent to BBB at A-level, will receive an additional £1000, making a total of £1500 for the year. Students with excellent entry qualifications, equivalent to AAA at A-level, will receive a further £1500, making a total of £3000 for the year.

Available in following years of study:


Total value of the award per yearWho qualifies?ScholarshipBursary
£3000International undergraduate students gaining at least 70% in the previous year
£1500International undergraduate students gaining at least 50% in the previous year

All eligible students who attain at least 50% in the previous year of study will receive a bursary of £1500 in the following year. Those who attain excellent results, at least 70% in the previous year, will receive an additional £1500, making a total of £3000 for the year.

Thus a student who enters with good qualifications and attains 50% or more in the first and second year of study will receive a total of £4500 during a three year degree programme. A student who enters with excellent qualifications and continues to show excellence by attaining 70% or more in each of the following years will receive a total of £9000.

To find out more about entry qualifications and their equivalence to A-levels, please contact:

William Edmondson,
Undergraduate Admissions Tutor

Tel: +44 (0) 121-415 8742

Email: ug-admissions@cs.bham.ac.uk

Reference: http://www.cs.bham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/scholarships.php

Student loan from www.slc.co.uk

Financial Support and Student Loan,
Study in UK

Student loans are part of the government's financial support package for students in higher education.

For further details on how to apply for financial support, to maintain your account and to repay any loan(s), please follow the steps below.

Applying for Financial Support

Your local award authority handles the first stage of your application for financial support.

Please click on the country where your home base is located (not place of study) to find the application details of the scheme which applies to you.

Academic Year 05/06

If your home base is :-

Academic Year 06/07

If your home base is :-

The Student Loans Company becomes responsible for the administration of your financial support after your award authority has completed the means testing and eligibility assesment elements of the application process.

More information visit www.slc.co.uk

Scholarship in USA

International Student Scholarship,
study in USA


Morehead State University Student Scholarship.

Morehead State University offers international undergraduate scholarships to qualified international undergraduate students in the amount of $5,000 annually. To be eligible students must meet all the international undergraduate admission requirements and must have a score of at least 20 on the ACT or 950 on the SAT.

MSU also offers Tuition Scholarship for Non-Residents to international undergraduate applicants. The value per year is: Waiver of non-resident tuition differential except for $250 per semester. To be eligible students must meet all the international undergraduate admission requirements and must have a score of at least 23 on the ACT or 1070 on the SAT.

Mandatory fees are added to the tuition and include activities fee, health fee, and computer fee. International students are not eligible for Tuition Assistance Grants or Alumni Awards.

No additional application is needed for the above-mentioned scholarship once the international undergraduate application is submitted.

For more info, please visit:
http://www.moreheadstate.edu/oie/index.aspx?id=6179

Scholarship in Czech

International Student Scholarship,
study in Czech

ERASMUS MUNDUS MASTER COURSE EUROCULTURE

Euroculture, selected among Erasmus Mundus Master Courses, is a unique, multilingual, interdisciplinary and inter-university project combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It is conducted jointly by eight renowned European universities which provide double degrees (MA in Euroculture).

The aim of the Euroculture programme is to prepare students from Europe and third-countries for professions in which knowledge of present Europe and European Union institutions are of relevance.

The graduates will be prepared to work in the field of international relations in embassies, ministries and other international settings. Also as experts at European and international organisations, universities, firms, able to work in projects at local, national and European level.

The programme consists of three semesters (90 ECTS), linked by a 10-day Intensive Programme. Participation in the MA programme enables the student to study at two European universities. Students will begin, f.i., at Palacký University for the first semester and they will continue at a partner university for the second semester and, or third semester.

The programme is open to students who have successfully completed three years (Bachelor's degree or 180 ECTS points) of university studies.

Tuition fee: 10 000 EUR (3 semesters) Several scholarships are available:
1) Erasmus Mundus scholarships
2) Palacky University´s scholarships for students from developing countries or countries undergoing economic or social transformation (the scholarship will cover tuition, accommodation and basic board).
3) for Czech and Palacký University Olomouc students (the scholarship will partly cover tuition).

The deadline for applications is: December 31st 2005 for candidates applying for Erasmus Mundus scholarships.

March 31st 2006 for the other candidates

Further information: www.euroculture.upol.cz

Contact:
MA in Euroculture
Radmila Slabáková
Department of History
Palacký University
Křížkovského 10
771 80 Olomouc
Czech Republic
tel.: +420 58 563 32 31
fax.: +420 58 563 30 12
e-mail: slabak@ffnw.upol.cz

Scholarship in Scotland

International Student Scholarship,
study in Scotland


Student Scholarship from University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde, Scotland's third largest university, with around 15,000 students is a major international centre for research and teaching. It has all the benefits of a large, established university: wide range of research opportunities and courses, high standard of teaching and good quality facilities for academic work and for social life.

The University offers a range of undergraduate degrees in Five Faculties:
Strathclyde Business School
Education
Engineering
Law, Arts & Social Sciences
Science

Final Year Scholarship for Undergraduates - Value: £8,000 - £11,000.
The University offers a Final Year Scholarship in the form of a tuition fee waiver for self-funded undergraduate students paying fees at the overseas rate.

Eligibility:
The Scholarship is available to students who have successfully completed the first three* years of a degree course; normal progression through the degree course is required. *or four in the case of five year degree e.g. MEng/MSci.

Funding is limited and awards will be made on a competitive basis based on educational background and academic merit.

Application Information:
You can only apply for the scholarship once you have applied through UCAS and been offered a place on an undergraduate course.

Click here to download the application form.

Alternatively, you can contact the International and Graduate Office (contact details are given below.)

After you submit your application form the University will notify you if you have been successful before the start of your course. The award will then be applied in the final year, usually year 4, providing you progress through the degree successfully.

Contact Details:
International & Graduate Office
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow
G1 1QE
Tel: 0141 548 2593
Fax: 0141 552 7493
Email: international@mis.strath.ac.uk

Reference:
http://www.io.strath.ac.uk/ugschols.htm

Scholarship in Australia

Australia: Flinders University Undergraduate Scholarships

Flinders University: Alumni Association Honours Scholarship

Internal Closing Date: 9/12/2005

Scholarship type: Honours, Undergraduate

The Flinders University Alumni Honours Scholarship is available to international students who have gained admission to an honours course at Flinders University, and who are completing, or who have completed, an undergraduate degree at Flinders University. The award is currently valued at $10,000 to be credited against the honours year tuition fees for the successful applicant. Applicants must: (a) be an international student; and (b) have completed, or expect to complete by the closing date for applications, the requirements for the award of an undergraduate degree at Flinders University; and (c) have undertaken at least 72 units of their degree at Flinders University or in an approved exchange program; and (d) have been offered admission to an honours course at Flinders University; and (e) be able to study on a full-time basis and commence in the year of the award. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. Further information and application forms are available from the the Higher Degree Administration and Scholarships Office.

Visit Flinders University's scholarships website at: http://wwwfp.flinders.edu.au/Scholarships/
Email Flinders University's scholarships office at: scholarships@flinders.edu.au