What: Awards are available to Indian and Chinese nationals for full-time, postgraduate study at any of Scotland's universities or higher education institutions.

Details and Eligibility:

~ Courses must be 12 month taught master's programmes, and priority will be given to subjects in the creative industries, science and technology, and financial services. The award covers the tuition fees, return economy airfare and living allowance.

~ The scholarships are supported and funded by the Scottish Government's Fresh Talent initiative which aims to encourage bright, talented and hard working individuals to live, work and study in Scotland. After your studies, you will have the opportunity to stay on and live and work in Scotland for up to two years with Fresh Talent.

~ The scholarship covers the tuition fees, return economy airfare and a living allowance.

~ Applications are now invited for 2008/9. The closing date is 14 March 2008.

~ You must be a permanent resident of India or the People's Republic of China, (Mainland China only) and be in your home country at the time of application 

~ Aged between 25 and 35 years old at the time of application

~ Have three - five years full-time relevant work experience post first degree graduation

~ Applicants must already hold a conditional/unconditional offer for a place on a postgraduate level Masters course from an institution in Scotland

~ Demonstrate a good working level of English (IELTS 6.5 / certificate may be required) 

~ Not currently working or studying in the UK 

 ~ Not in receipt of any other scholarships or award for the academic year 2008/9

 ~ Hold a good first degree in a related subject from a recognised university

 ~ Applicants who have previously received a British Government funded award or scholarship are not eligible to apply

 ~ Applicants who have been selected for interview will be invited to attend at a British Council office in their own country.

~ If you are selected for interview you will be required to submit original certificates/transcripts including IELTS certificate (if required by the university) and original offer letter from Scottish educational institution.

~ You will also need personal identification e.g. passport together with references from the two named referees on letter headed paper (signed, dated and with an official seal)

How to apply

~ Find out more about what courses are available by visiting the Education UK Scotland web site. Priority subject areas are science, technology, creative industries and financial services. You can also visit the Education UK centres at your nearest BritishCouncil office for information and guidance.

~ You must apply to Scottish institution(s) of your choice before applying for the Scotland Scholarships.

~ The scholarship offer will be subject to obtaining a confirmed offer of admission from your chosen institutions. If you are invited to interview it will be essential to bring the offer from a Scottish institution with you.

~ There is a single online application form for 2008 entry. Once you have started the application you must complete the whole application as there is no opportunity to save it and return to it at a later date.

~ It is suggested that you collect all relevant information relating to your past qualifications and work experience before starting.

~ Your application form must include your current contact address, e-mail, telephone/mobile and fax numbers

~ You must have prepared beforehand a statement of not more than 1000 words about:

1. Why you wish to study in Scotland
2. Why you wish to obtain the qualification listed as your first choice
3. How you think you will benefit in terms of career and personal development from
4. Obtaining this qualification.
5. Please note you should complete this as a Word document first so you can then copy and paste it into the online application form.

~ All sections of the online application form must be completed. Incomplete forms will not be considered. If you do not meet the specified criteria in the online application you will not be able to proceed with your application

~ If invited for interview you must bring along all the necessary documents and certificates together with passport/photo id and two passport size photographs.

~ Application forms are available online.

~ We will only inform the shortlisted candidates. Applicants are requested not to contact the British Council office directly

~ Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in a British Council office near you in April 2008. Candidates will be expected to make their own travel and accommodation bookings and arrangements. We will not reimburse any costs incurred in this respect

~ The results will be announced within a week after the interview. The decision of the selection committee will be final

~ Pre-departure briefings, visa formalities and travel arrangements for the selected candidates will be co-ordinated by the British Council

~ The programmes will commence in the UK in the academic year beginning September/October 2008.

rediff.com provides this information as a service to our readers. rediff.com does not benefit monetarily by providing this service.