SBI Foundation Launches 3rd Asha Scholarship Program For Students

 The SBI Foundation has launched the 3rd edition of its Asha Scholarship Program, which aims to help 10,000 deserving students from underprivileged backgrounds across India. This scholarship provides financial support to students who need assistance with their  education costs, ensuring they can continue their studies.

What is the Asha Scholarship Program?

The Asha Scholarship Program was started in 2022 and offers scholarships to students from Class 6 up to the postgraduate level. The scholarships range from ₹15,000 to ₹20,00,000 per year, depending on the student’s needs and level of education.

Who can apply for the Scholarship?

The program has different categories for students based on their education level:

• School students
• Undergraduate students
• Postgraduate students
• Students at IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management)

Additionally, there is a special ‘Study Abroad’ scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who want to pursue higher education overseas.

How can students apply?

Applications for the scholarship opened on August 16, 2024, and will remain open until October 1, 2024. Interested students can find more details about eligibility and apply through the official website: www.sbifashascholarship.org.

How has the Program Helped So Far?

Since the Asha Scholarship Program began, it has provided ₹3.91 crore in financial aid, helping 3,198 students across India. This has had a positive impact on making education more accessible to students who face financial barriers.

Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, the Chairman of SBI, emphasized that the Asha Scholarship Program aligns with the bank’s broader mission of offering services that go beyond banking. He also highlighted how the Asha Scholars will play a key role in contributing to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 (Viksit Bharat).

90 Students Receive K.C. Mahindra Scholarship For Post Graduate Studies Abroad This Year At A Total Value Of INR 337 Lakh

 The K.C. Mahindra Education Trust (KCMET) awarded a total of INR 337 lakh in scholarships to 90 exceptional students under the K.C. Mahindra Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies Abroad. Established by the late K.C. Mahindra in 1953, this scholarship was the first to be set up by the Trust and is an interest-free loan which is granted to students demonstrating outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements.

The top three fellows will receive INR 10 lakh each. The recipients are Raj Patel who will be pursuing Finance at Princeton University; Asmita Sood who will be pursuing Biomedical Data Science at Stanford University and Savalee Tikle who will be pursuing Architecture at Harvard University. 55 fellows will be receiving INR 5 lakh each and 32 fellows will be receiving INR 1 lakh each to support their education abroad. For the first time in the Trust’s history, every student who appeared for the interview will receive a scholarship, underscoring the exceptional quality and talent of this year’s cohort.

The Trust received a total of 2354 applications this year. Of these, 90 applicants attended the interviews over two days. The distinguished selection panel included Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group; Ranjan Pant, Board Member at Mahindra & Mahindra; Rucha Nanavati, Chief Information Officer at Mahindra Group; Bharat Doshi, Trustee of K.C Mahindra Education Trust; Ulhas Yargop, Trustee of K.C Mahindra Education Trust; and Dr. Indu Shahani, President and Chancellor of ATLAS SkillTech University.

The shortlisted candidates included 29 IIT graduates, with the rest coming from premier educational institutes such as SRCC, LSR, Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture & Environmental Studies, NITs, BITS Pilani and National Law Schools. The candidates have secured admission to the highest-ranking universities and colleges overseas. This includes 13 candidates each at Harvard and Stanford; 8 at Carnegie Mellon; 6 each at Oxford and University of Pennsylvania; 5 each at Columbia and MIT; 3 each at Yale, University of Chicago, John Hopkins and Cambridge; 2 each at Princeton, Georgia Tech and University of California, Berkeley amongst others.

Speaking about the scholarship, Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group said, “It’s an enriching experience to engage with some of the brightest young minds in India through the KCMET Post Graduate Studies Abroad Scholarship, something I eagerly look forward to every year. My heartiest congratulations to all the students!”

Source: indiaeducationdiary.in

NSDC And ILO Forge A Strategic Partnership To Enhance Skill Development And Lifelong Learning

 Bengaluru : Furthering the Skill Mission, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) today announced a strategic partnership to advance skill development and lifelong learning in India and globally. This collaboration aims to empower individuals across the globe, by equipping them with essential competencies and qualifications, thereby enhancing employability and sustainable economic growth.

 

The MoU was signed by Mr. Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International, and Mr. Sangheon Lee, Director, Employment Policy, Job Creation and Livelihoods Department, ILO, reaffirming both organizations’ commitment to leveraging their strengths and expertise in talent development. This partnership is dedicated to developing effective policies, governance and financing structures which will enhance skill development both nationally and internationally. A key aspect of the partnership is the implementation of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). This digital transformation will streamline skill development initiatives, enhancing their efficiency, accessibility, and global impact.

Lauding the partnership Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India said, “We are pleased that a key aspect of our partnership is the adoption of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) and Governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations in ILO’s member countries will be able to use SIDH to digitize systems, processes, skills delivery, and job matching, based on a cost-effective model. This digital transformation will enhance the efficiency of skill development initiatives, making them more accessible and impactful globally. At MSDE, we are committed to creating policies and platforms that support lifelong learning and continuous skill development for our talent to succeed nationally and globally. SIDH exemplifies this commitment, and this partnership reflects our shared mission to empower individuals through skill development avenues, across borders.”

“By combining ILO’s expertise with our commitment to skilling, reskilling, and upskilling, we aim to empower individuals to navigate disruptions and create a sustainable future. Together, we will enhance skillsets and boost employability, driving impactful change in the evolving job market.” he further added.

The partnership aims to facilitate public-private partnerships and knowledge exchange to enhance Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), develop micro-credentials, and promote Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through a global knowledge sharing platform. By strengthening the comparability of skills and qualifications, digital tools will be developed and deployed to assess and compare the skills and qualifications of Indian workers with those required in potential destination countries, improving mobility and global employability prospects for Indian workers.

Speaking on the partnership, Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International said, “The MoU between ILO and NSDC is a significant milestone for Skills Ecosystem in India. This partnership will help build a pool of Indian youth for global opportunities as the partnership aims to align and benchmark Indian qualifications with global skills standards. India becoming a preferred destination for GCCs, opens opportunities for Indian youth to participate in remotely delivered knowledge work for the whole world. Government’s focus on skilled migration opens opportunities for those who want to emigrate to join international workforce. We are also excited to work with ILO to develop regional qualification frameworks such as South Asian Qualification Framework which will help youth from our neighbouring countries also. NSDC’s partnership will also help offer NSDC Digital’s services and offerings to member countries of ILO.”

Speaking about the strategic partnership, Mr. Sangheon Lee, Director, Employment Policy, Job Creation and Livelihoods Department, ILO said, “We believe that by combining NSDC technological capacity and ILO standard setting functions, tripartism and global reach, we have the potential to significantly improve training access and quality globally. In this spirit, I am excited to embark on this new partnership with NSDC today. I expect this partnership will create a synergistic effect, amplifying our collective ability to lead the transformation of skills development, for greater social justice, not only in India, but globally.”

Promoting quality apprenticeships, work-based learning for employability and productivity, and the development of sustainable enterprises will be a cornerstone of this collaboration. By collaborating on data-driven approaches, ILO and NSDC aim to align skill development initiatives with the evolving demands of various industries.

In addition to policy development and data analysis, the partnership will prioritize the development and support of innovative learning programs. These programs will be designed to be flexible and inclusive, fostering adaptability among learners while ensuring that skills development remains relevant and accessible to all segments of society.

International Postgraduate Merit Scholarship 2024

 The University of Sheffield , UK is  delighted to offer 125 International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarships in 2024.

 

Each scholarship is a competitive award worth £5,000 towards the original tuition fee for a postgraduate taught programme starting in September 2024. The scholarships are available to all new international students who meet the eligibility criteria.

You must hold an offer to study at the University of Sheffield.

Key dates.

• Scholarship applications will open in late Autumn 2023.
• The deadline for scholarship applications is 1.00pm (UK time) on Monday 13 May 2024.
• Scholarship results will be announced on Monday 10 June 2024.
• If you are offered the scholarship, we’ll ask that you confirm acceptance of your scholarship and your offer by a fixed date.

 

Eligibility criteria

Your programme must commence at the University of Sheffield in autumn 2024.

• Distance learning courses are ineligible for a merit scholarship.
• You must receive an offer for a course studied in full at the University of Sheffield. Masters programmes split between the University of Sheffield and a partner institution are not eligible to apply for a scholarship.
• All Crossways courses and Erasmus Mundus courses are ineligible for a merit scholarship.
• For tuition fee purposes you must be self-funded and required to pay the overseas tuition fee.
• You must not be a sponsored student.

 

For further terms and conditions please visit  —https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/scholarships/postgraduate/international-merit-postgraduate-scholarship

International Postgraduate Merit Scholarship 2024

 The University of Sheffield , UK is  delighted to offer 125 International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarships in 2024.

 

Each scholarship is a competitive award worth £5,000 towards the original tuition fee for a postgraduate taught programme starting in September 2024. The scholarships are available to all new international students who meet the eligibility criteria.

You must hold an offer to study at the University of Sheffield.

Key dates.

• Scholarship applications will open in late Autumn 2023.
• The deadline for scholarship applications is 1.00pm (UK time) on Monday 13 May 2024.
• Scholarship results will be announced on Monday 10 June 2024.
• If you are offered the scholarship, we’ll ask that you confirm acceptance of your scholarship and your offer by a fixed date.

 

Eligibility criteria

Your programme must commence at the University of Sheffield in autumn 2024.

• Distance learning courses are ineligible for a merit scholarship.
• You must receive an offer for a course studied in full at the University of Sheffield. Masters programmes split between the University of Sheffield and a partner institution are not eligible to apply for a scholarship.
• All Crossways courses and Erasmus Mundus courses are ineligible for a merit scholarship.
• For tuition fee purposes you must be self-funded and required to pay the overseas tuition fee.
• You must not be a sponsored student.

 

For further terms and conditions please visit  —https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/scholarships/postgraduate/international-merit-postgraduate-scholarship

Harvard University Rowland Fellows Program 2024

 The renowned Rowland Institute at Harvard University actively seeks the most exceptional young experimentalists in all areas of science and engineering. Through the esteemed Rowland Fellowship 2024, individuals are provided with a remarkable opportunity to establish their own independent research program within the intellectually stimulating environment of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Successful applicants must have completed their doctoral degree prior to commencing their Fellowship term, ensuring a strong foundation for their research pursuits.

The Harvard University Rowland Fellowship 2024 offers a conducive environment for cutting-edge research, encouraging innovation. With ample funding for equipment, postdocs, undergraduates, and operations, the Fellowship ensures seamless progress. Collaborating with expert staff scientists and engineers, Rowland Fellows can create and construct novel experimental setups. Access to state-of-the-art research equipment is facilitated across various facilities within the Institute and Harvard University. Experience the flexible and dynamic atmosphere of the Rowland Institute at Harvard the Rowland Fellowship, driving groundbreaking research.

The Rowland Fellows Program at Harvard University offers a transformative opportunity for aspiring researchers. Designed to nurture high-risk, high-reward projects, the program empowers Fellows to push the boundaries of scientific exploration. With access to cutting-edge resources and collaboration with esteemed scientists, the program provides a launchpad for innovative careers. Rowland Fellows are supported in their pursuit of groundbreaking research across various disciplines. Join the prestigious ranks of Rowland Fellows at Harvard University and unlock your potential to make significant contributions to the scientific community. You can also apply for Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Program 2024 in Canada

Short Summary of Rowland Fellows Program 2023:

• Fellowship Host Country: United States
• Host University: Rowland Institute at Harvard University
• Course Level: Postgraduate (various disciplines)
• Value: Generous funding and support
• Eligibility: Open to international students

Benefits of Rowland Fellows Program 2024

• Access to world-class resources and facilities at Harvard University, a renowned institution for academic excellence.
• Generous funding and financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs.
• Mentorship and guidance from distinguished faculty members and renowned experts in various fields.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and networking with fellow Rowland Fellows and scholars from diverse backgrounds.
• Exposure to cutting-edge research projects and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.
• Professional development and career support, including workshops, seminars, and networking events.
• Possibility of publishing research findings in prestigious academic journals and presenting at conferences.
• Integration into a vibrant academic community that fosters intellectual growth and encourages innovation.
• Access to a wide range of academic and extracurricular resources and opportunities at Harvard University.

Check Microsoft Research Fellowship Program 2023-24

Eligibility Criteria of the Rowland Fellows Program:

1. Applicants should have a strong academic background, typically with a doctoral degree or equivalent in their field of study.
2. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional research potential and a commitment to pursuing groundbreaking research in their chosen field.
3. The program is open to both domestic and international students from around the world.
4. The program encourages applicants from diverse disciplines and seeks individuals with a strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration.
5. The fellowship is primarily aimed at early-career researchers, typically within a few years of completing their doctoral degree.
6. Proficiency in the English language is essential for effective communication and participation in the program.

Deadline:

The application deadline to apply for the Rowland Fellowship 2024 is August 20, 2023.

Check World Bank Junior Professional Associates Program

How to Apply for the Rowland Fellows Program 2024:

To apply for the Rowland Fellows Program at Harvard University, follow these steps:

1. Review Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, including holding or being in the process of completing a Ph.D. and having an experimental focus in a scientific or engineering field.
2. Prepare Application Materials: Gather the necessary documents, including a CV/resume, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal outlining your proposed project.
3. Visit the Program Website: Go to the official Rowland Fellows Program website to access the online application portal and familiarize yourself with the program details and requirements.
4. Complete the Application: Fill out the online application form, providing your personal information, academic background, and research interests. Upload the required documents, including your CV, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and research proposal.
5. Submit the Application: Double-check all the information and documents before submitting the application online. Ensure that you meet the application deadline, as late submissions may not be considered.

VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme

 The Government of India has launched a fellowship program known as VAIBHAV (Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik) to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the Indian diaspora scientists and academic institutions in India. Under the Ministry of Science and Technology, this initiative aims to harness the expertise of scientists and technologists of Indian origin residing abroad and promote collaborative research in frontier areas of Science and Technology.  

Connecting Global Indian Scientists 

The VAIBHAV fellowship program targets scientists and technologists of Indian origin, including NRI (Non-Resident Indians), OCI (Overseas Citizen of India), and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) engaged in research activities in their respective countries. The program seeks to bridge the gap between the Indian diaspora and Indian academic and R&D institutions. 

Knowledge Verticals and Collaboration 

The selected fellows, totaling 75 in number, will have the opportunity to work in 18 identified knowledge verticals, including quantum technology, health, pharma, electronics, agriculture, energy, computer sciences, and material sciences. These areas represent cutting-edge fields where collaboration can lead to groundbreaking advancements. 

Duration and Fellowship Benefits 

A VAIBHAV fellow can spend up to two months in India each year for a maximum duration of three years. The fellowship comes with a comprehensive grant that covers various expenses. This includes a fellowship grant of Rs 4,00,000 per month, support for international and domestic travel, accommodation, and contingencies. The generous fellowship package ensures that the fellows can focus on their research and contribute to the academic and scientific ecosystem in India. 

Application and Deadline 

Applicants can access the proposal formats and submit their applications through the e-PMS (e-Project Management System) portal of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The deadline for submitting applications for the first call of VAIBHAV fellowships is July 31, 2023. It is important for interested scientists and technologists to adhere to this timeline to be considered for this prestigious opportunity. 

Promoting Science, Research, and Innovation 

The VAIBHAV fellowship program aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to promote science, research, and innovation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of science in driving socio-economic transformations. The program serves as a platform to bring together diverse expertise, foster collaboration, and leverage the knowledge and wisdom of the global Indian scientific community. 

The Largest National Undergraduate Scholarship Programme To Reward Future Engineering Leaders Is Now Open

 Bengaluru– The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is inviting applications for the 7th edition of its prestigious IET India Scholarship Award which carries a combined prize money of Rs 10 Lakh. Open to students of all AICTE, UGC-approved and national institutes, the programme aims to reward and celebrate individual excellence and innovation among undergraduate engineering students in India. This is the largest national scholarship prize for undergraduate engineering students in the country.

The last date to apply is the 3rd of June, 2023.

Previous winners have gone on to join leading global companies like Apple, Boeing, Deloitte and MIT, and some have even become entrepreneurs themselves. Applying for the programme is the first step in a detailed 4-stage process which tests students on academic and technical parameters, as well as creativity, innovation and presentation skills.

Mr. Shekhar Sanyal, Director and Country Head, IET India, said, ” As we embrace a tech-driven future, it is more important than ever to nurture, recognize and inspire young engineering leaders of tomorrow. The IET India Scholarship Award is our commitment to championing individual excellence in engineering and technology. Having seen the tremendous response and high quality levels of applicants last year, I am sure this year will be even better. I wish the applicants all the very best and look forward to new standards of creativity and innovation.”

The IET India Scholarship Award 2023 is led by a highly empowered and respected Advisory Committee, comprising academicians and corporate professionals of national repute who helped build a strong framework for the award. The committee is chaired by Prof. Abhijit Chakrabarti, Former Vice-Chancellor, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, and Chairman, IET India Scholarship Award Advisory Committee.

Echoing Mr. Sanyal’s views, Prof. Chakrabarti said, “It gives me immense pleasure to announce the opening of the seventh edition of the IET India Scholarship Award. This scholarship provides a platform for undergraduate engineering students to showcase their abilities and innovation in front of industry stalwarts and academicians. We hope that through this program, we can inspire and empower undergraduate students to pursue excellence in engineering, as well as motivate these young minds to think about the role of technology in solving challenges that we face today.”

The award evaluation comprises four stages. The initial stage involves an online application where applicants are evaluated based on their academic, extra-curricular, outreach, and professional performance, with varying weightages assigned to each category. In the second stage, shortlisted candidates are required to take an online test to have their proficiency and technical knowledge gauged in relevant subjects. The highest scoring 10% of students will be invited to take part in the in-person Regional Assessments at 5 regional centres where candidates present their technological solutions to region-specific challenges, to be evaluated by a panel of experts. The Regional winners then proceed to the 4th stage – National Finals – where the national winner will be awarded.

The previous edition of the award drew close to 29,000 entries, with the national and regional winners felicitated by Mrr. Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Minister and 6-time Member of Parliament, at the IET India’s Future Tech Congress 2022. The programme aims to reward innovative thinking from the next crop of engineers entering the workforce and is part of a wide number of IET India initiatives focused on improving the quality of engineering in India.

For more information, please visit – https://scholarships.theietevents.com/#!

Source: indiaeducationdirary, 13/04/23

British Council Announces STEM Scholarships For 2023-24

 Hyderabad : British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations announced the third cohort of British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM. 26 scholarships and Fellowships are reserved for women STEM scholars from India and other South Asian countries, awarded on merit basis with no country-specific cap. These are across 6 UK higher education institutions – Coventry University, University of Bath, University of Manchester, University of Southampton, Imperial College London and The University of Edinburgh. The scholarships will help enhance careers in STEM for the selected women scholars and enable them to promote research and innovation in their home country through their exposure to the expertise in the UK’s renowned STEM fields

Selected scholars from India will be able to obtain a master’s degree or an Early Academic Fellowship at a UK university, and the scholarship will cover tuition fees, stipend, travel costs, visa, health coverage fees, special support for mothers and English language support. The scholarships will also provide the scholars a long-lasting platform to connect with the UK through active engagement in the alumni network and inspire the next generation of women in STEM.

Across the 2021/22 global cohorts of 115 scholars enrolled on their chosen course in the autumn session of 2021. 21 Indian women received the scholarship in 2022-23 and are currently studying in the UK. With these scholarships, British Council continues to support women looking to acquire global credentials in STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) at a university in the UK.

Rittika Chanda Parruck, Director Education, India, British Council said, “At British Council, we believe that scientific and technological domains stand to gain a lot more through increasing accessibility of women. These scholarships will bring talented women’s fantastic creativity, innovation and unique perspective to these domains making it richer and more productive. We are excited to enable more women embark on their journey towards a career in STEM fields by sharing access to UK’s renowned research pedagogy, state-of-the-art facilities and cutting edge technology, that can transform their learning and expand their horizon of opportunities. Over the past few years, we have supported over 200 Indian women to access world leading education and reach their potential, and we aim to continue adding more to support women in crafting a better tomorrow and inspiring others in the process.”

Prajakta Kumbhar, British Council’s scholarship winner from Mumbai pursuing MSc Pollution and Environmental Control from University of Manchester, said, “Receiving the British Council STEM scholarship has had a huge impact on my life. From meeting new people, experiencing a new culture, cultivating an open world view and gaining global credentials from a highly regarded university, I am certain that the scholarship will help me pave the road to a fulfilling professional career. I aim to make the most of this opportunity and am very excited to learn that this opportunity is open for more women this year.”

As part of the programme, Indian women STEM scholars can apply for master’s courses and Early Academic Fellowships across 21 UK universities in courses like Computer Science, Data Science, Biotechnology, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Medicine, Public Health, Machine Learning, Robotics, Information Technology, Renewable Energy & Energy Management and many more.

The scholarship is also open to women with dependants to apply, with extra support. The deadline for application differs according to university – but are between March and May 2023. Students are encouraged to check individual university deadlines. For more details about the eligibility criteria for the scholarship, or other information including a full list of participating UK universities, available courses and university-specific deadlines, please visit: www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem

Source; indiaeducationdiary, 13/03/23

VAIBHAV Fellowship Scheme

 In honor of National Science Day, which is celebrated on February 28th, the Indian Government launched the VAIBHAV Fellowship scheme. The new initiative aims to enhance the research capability of India’s higher education institutions by promoting academic and research collaborations with top-performing institutions from around the world.

Fostering Academic and Research Collaborations

The VAIBHAV Fellowship scheme will facilitate academic and research collaborations between Indian higher education institutions and leading institutions abroad. This will help to boost India’s research capabilities, leading to innovative and impactful research in various fields.

The scheme will promote the mobility of faculties or researchers from overseas institutions to India, allowing them to share their knowledge and expertise with Indian researchers. The exchange will facilitate the transfer of knowledge, skills, and technology, helping to build a stronger and more vibrant research community in India.

Eligibility Criteria for VAIBHAV Fellowship

To be eligible for the VAIBHAV Fellowship scheme, applicants must be non-resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), or Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). They must have obtained a Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree from a recognized university and be currently engaged in an overseas academic, research, or industrial organization with a proven R&D track record.

Applicants must also plan to work for at least one month, up to a maximum of two months, each year at an Indian research/academic institution. This commitment will allow them to contribute their expertise to Indian research and academic institutions, promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Benefits of the VAIBHAV Fellowship Scheme

The VAIBHAV Fellowship scheme will provide numerous benefits for both Indian and overseas researchers. Indian researchers will benefit from access to cutting-edge research techniques and technologies, as well as exposure to different research cultures and methodologies. Overseas researchers, in turn, will have the opportunity to engage with India’s rich cultural heritage and learn from its diverse population.

In addition to improving India’s research capabilities, the VAIBHAV Fellowship scheme will also foster international collaboration and promote the exchange of ideas across borders. This will contribute to the global advancement of science and technology, helping to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Study Abroad: Pursue free education in Finland, Czech Republic, Germany and Iceland

 A research study on European countries that offer affordable education for Indian students has revealed that they are eligible to study for free in the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany and Iceland under certain conditions. In Norway however, according to a current government proposal, annual tuition fees of approximately $13,000 may be imposed on students from outside the European Union (EU). It should be noted that this proposal has not yet been officially confirmed by the Norwegian government. The research conducted by Erudera.com, an AI backed education search platform that matches students with the right universities every year, has also compared the monthly cost of living for Indians in the following countries:

• Czech Republic: €300 - €650
• Finland: €700 – €1,300
• Germany: around €934
• Iceland: around €1,400
• Norway: €700 - €900

While many universities worldwide do not charge tuition fees, they can still charge smaller amounts, known as administrative fees. These fees can help fund the services related to the administration and supervision of students. In Germany, for instance, such fees are usually no higher than €250 per semester.

In the area of post-grad work visas that allow students to stay in the country for a set period to search for employment, the duration is as follows:

• Czech Republic: Up to 9 months
• Finland: Two years
• Germany: 18 months
• Iceland: Up to six (6) months
• Norway: 1 year

The opportunity for students to work part-time during their studies also varies from country to country in the EU. In the Czech Republic, it is up to 30 days within a calendar year; in Finland, part-time work is allowed up to 30 hours per week; in Germany it is full-time job for 120 days or part-time for 240 half days; in Iceland, the Non-EEA/EFTA students can work up to 15 hours per week during the academic year, while in Norway, the rules permit up to 20 hours per week, the research indicates.

The complete report is available on: https://erudera.com/resources/countries-with-free-education-for-international-students/

Source: educationtimes.com, 21/02/23

ERC gives consolidator grants worth €657 million to excellent researchers

 A total of 321 researchers have won the 2022 European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grants. The funding, worth €657 million, is part of the EU’s Horizon Europe programme. It will help excellent scientists, who have 7 to 12 years’ experience after their PhDs, to pursue their most promising ideas.

The grants will be invested in scientific projects spanning all disciplines of research, from engineering to life sciences and even humanities. For example, a neurologist in Denmark will look for a personalised treatment for chronic pain; a researcher in France will explore fibrous materials as a green alternative to fossil-based plastics; and a bioarcheologist in Lithuania will study what influenced the adoption and abandonment of crops over time, to improve present-day food security, biodiversity, and adaptation to climate change.

The laureates of this grant competition proposed to carry out their projects at universities and research centres in 18 EU member states, plus other countries associated with Horizon Europe. Among the EU countries, the highest number of grants will be located in Germany (62 projects), France (41) and Spain (24).

Nationals of 37 countries are among the winners of this call, notably Germans (52 researchers), Italians (32), French (31) and British (31). This call attracted 2,222 applicants, while the proposals were reviewed by panels of renowned researchers from across the world. The grants will create around 1,950 jobs for postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and other staff at the host institutions.

Prof Maria Leptin, president, ERC, said, “ERC Consolidator grants support researchers at a crucial time of their careers, strengthening their independence, reinforcing their teams, and helping them establish themselves as leaders in their fields. Above all, this backing gives them a chance to pursue their scientific dreams.”

The statistics and final list of successful candidates are provisional. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) allows for associating the UK to the current EU research and innovation funding programme, Horizon Europe, subject to the adoption of a Protocol. As this Protocol has not been adopted so far, the UK is still considered ‘non-associated’ to Horizon Europe. Therefore, the successful proposals of applicants based in a country in the process of associating to Horizon Europe will be eligible for funding only if the relevant Horizon Europe association agreement applies by the time of the signature of the grant agreement. However, successful applicants from UK host institutions can still be funded, provided they move to a host institution in an eligible country

Applications for 2024-2025 Fulbright-Nehru and other Fulbright Fellowships open

 The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) has announced the opening of its annual competition for Fulbright-Nehru and other Fulbright fellowships. Funded by the US Department of State and India’s Ministry of External Affairs, such exchanges have helped bring the people of India and the United States closer together through opportunities that enrich fellows’ academic, research, teaching, and professional capacity. Alumni of such exchange and scholarship programmes have demonstrated strong leadership in their academic disciplines and professions, reads an official release. Outstanding Indian students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

“The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship widened my horizons from academics to practical applications and enabled me with a transnational perspective professionally and personally. It connected me with international researchers and gave me the required tools to excel in the most advanced areas of research in my field,” says Neeraja Sajan, a 2021 Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research fellow at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

"Being a Fulbright Postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University has catapulted my career trajectory to newer regions that I never imagined. The access to resources and professional networking opportunities combined with a diverse learning culture helped me to launch newer entrepreneurial initiatives apart from academic research," says Chandra Vadhana Radhakrishnan, a 2021 Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellow.

USIEF is now accepting applications from Indian citizens for the 2024-25 academic year.

For more details, visit www.usief.org.in

Applicants may also send any queries to ip@usief.org.in or contact one of the USIEF offices in New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, or Mumbai.

Source: educationtimes.com, 8/02/23

UGC announces results of Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Single Girl Child Fellowship, check the details here

 

The higher education regulator has released the list of provisionally selected candidates under the SJSGC scheme for girls desirous of pursuing a PhD

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced the list of provisionally selected candidates under the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Single Girl Child Fellowship (SJSGC) scheme in the online mode. Those who have applied for the fellowship can check the results and download the SJSGC award letter by visiting the official website at ugc.ac.in.

Earlier, the UGC released an official notification regarding the result of the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Single Girl Child Fellowship (SJSGC) scheme on February 8, 2023, on its official website, stating that the selected candidates are eligible to receive the fellowship under the SJSGC scheme subject to the terms and conditions given in the scheme’s guidelines.

The UGC has notified that the candidates have been selected based on information received from the students who applied for the fellowship scheme. However, their selection is provisional and the eligibility of the candidate for the scheme has to be ensured by the institution at the time of the processing of the claim for the fellowship scheme.

The Fellowship will be payable from April 1, 2023, of the selected year or the actual date of joining under this scheme in the respective university or college. For claiming the SJSGC scheme, candidates must fill out the Joining Cum Verification Report given as per the guidelines in Annexure-1. It has to be submitted to the concerned officials of their institutions, the UGC notification further states.

Highlighting the benefits of the Fellowship scheme, UGC chairman M Jagadesh Kumar said, “The scheme is exclusively for the single girl child desirous of pursuing a PhD programme through regular full-time mode and has taken admission to the course in a recognised higher education institution. The Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child was launched after the revision of the earlier UGC scheme for the Single Girl Child Fellowship for Research in Social Sciences. The earlier scheme was open only for scholars pursuing research in Humanities and Social Sciences, whereas, with the revised scheme, the scope has been expanded, including Sciences, Engineering and technology streams as well.”

He further said, “The rate of fellowship under the present scheme has also been increased to a rate of a fellowship of Rs 31,000 per month as Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Rs 35,000 per month as Senior Research Fellowship (SRF). Another prominent feature of the scheme is that the UGC has removed the cap on the number of slots for fellowship, that is, there is no limit to the number of eligible applicants that can avail of the benefits under this scheme each year. This feature further enables the scheme to widen its reach and impact and meet its objectives.”

The UGC received about 1144 applications under this scheme, out of which 1129 applications have been provisionally selected for the award of the fellowship.

Source: educationtimes.com, 10/02/23

UdChalo Channels The Careers Of AIT Students By Rendering Scholarships

 Pune : udChalo, a leading consumer-tech start-up company that exclusively serves India’s defense forces and their dependents, announced scholarships for 32 AIT students on February 1, 2023. General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) graced the event as Chief Guest, followed by scholarship distribution to the students. Aimed to further augment the role of building a nation, udChalo is creating opportunities for deserving students.

udChalo has collaborated with AIT in Pune since 2018. Through this scholarship, every year, 32 talented students are given the opportunity to seek higher educational pursuits on the basis of their merit.

This scholarship comes to the aid of these competitive students. udChalo, in partnership with the AIT administration, identifies these students who are deserving of this scholarship. The AIT scholarship encourages students, right from the beginning of their education, to become a solid defense shield for our country to veterans and after.

Ravi Kumar, founder, and CEO, udChalo said, “It has been observed that our colleges, such as AIT, serve as an incubator for developing the best-armed force personnel, providing them with hands-on experience to develop a solution-oriented analytical approach. This scholarship motivates and inspires the students to hold on to a core value of humanity with a strong defense shell for the country in the future.”

Committed to the motto of “making life simpler for soldiers” udChalo’s AIT scholarships is a testament to the brand’s support to the armed forces. Apart from this, udChalo has recently tied up with Seed Spark’s five-month online entrepreneurship program.

With these initiatives udChalo is being instrumental in lives of jawans from the beginning of their careers up to their retirement and beyond.

Source: indiaeducationdiary.com. 6/02/23