Bangkok--26 Mar--AIT
A major scholarship scheme for students from Myanmar has been announced at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Norwegian Government, the program will support 40 Master’s students for a period of three years. The Government of Norway will provide 30 million NOK (around 160 million THB) for these scholarships.
Unveiling the scholarships, H.E. Ms. Katja Christina Nordgaard, Ambassador of Norway to Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar, described the recent developments in Myanmar as a step in the “right direction,” adding that education is essential to achieve sustainable development.
Describing the decision of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA) to partner with AIT, Ambassador Nordgaard stated that education provided by AIT serves the region effectively. “AIT has been highly recognized for its extensive range of educational program, research, training and outreach expertise and experience,” she added. “I trust that AIT will be the best place to offer the kind of knowledge and expertise that will be relevant to the development needs of the country, and I expect the recipients of this scholarship to take the opportunity to apply the education and research at AIT to the needs of the country,” the Ambassador remarked.
The Ambassador also encouraged candidates from all professional backgrounds including the public and private sectors; both women and men; and people of all ethnical groups to apply for the program.
The scholarship amount will cover all tuition and registration fees, research grant, bursary, and accommodation, a return air-ticket, besides costs for a bridging and pre-bridging program. A pre-bridging program shall last four weeks and will be held in Myanmar, while an eight-week bridging program will be organized at AIT. These programs will assist students to raise their educational levels and ensure that they meet the admissions requirements of AIT.
AIT President Prof. Said Irandoust, while thanking the Government of Norway for its support to AIT, stated that AIT will organise a national-level pre-screening of potential students in Myanmar, which will be followed by pre-selection interviews. The final selection of candidates shall be done by the various schools at AIT. “AIT is working closely with the Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok, as well as with partners in Myanmar and has established a local application center in Yangon, Myanmar,” Prof. Irandoust remarked.
Myanmar nationals are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Applicants from different sectors such as, but not limited to the public sector, private sector, civil society organizations, ethnic communities, and non-governmental organizations are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be required to submit a three-page essay in the Myanmar language, explaining reasons for applying for admission to AIT. Further, applicants will have to state how they can contribute towards the future development of Myanmar. A detailed announcement of this scholarship program is available at this link.