Offer of Scholarship by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago under the Commonwealth Scholarships Tenable In the United Kingdom

For Study Commencing September 2013 The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago invites applications for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to pursue masters and doctorate degrees for the academic year commencing 2013. Characteristics of the Offer
Purpose Scholarship Number Scholarships Available of This scholarship is to train nationals with high intellectual inclination who are expected to make a significant contribution to the development of Trinidad and Tobago. of Five (5) nominees for study at the Postgraduate level (PhD and Masters)

Areas of Study to Areas critical to National Development as indicated on the interim be awarded Development List and in the area of Medicine, Dentistry and Allied Sciences. Consideration will be given to the following general priorities of the UK Department for International Development (DFID) in addition to those highlighted by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Education Health Governance and Conflict Climate and Environment Water and Sanitation Food and Nutrition Humanitarian Disasters and Emergencies Economic Growth and the Private Sector Who Can Apply Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago Tenability The scholarship is tenable at any United Kingdom institution of higher education, with whom the UK Commonwealth Commission has an agreement; a list of these institutions can be found at: http://bit.ly/cscuk-uk-universities. Deadline date for October 31, 2012 submission Response to For nomination: Application The range of response time is between 60 to 90 days from the

closing date of the scholarship. For selection: The UK Commission will announce the names of successful applicants through the diplomatic channels. General Conditions Applicants should be aware of the following general conditions of of Scholarship the scholarship: The Government of Trinidad and Tobago reserves the right to publish the names of candidates selected for Scholarships. By applying for a scholarship, the candidate gives consent for such publication in the event that his/her application is successful. Candidates will be given a formal Notification of Scholarship, requesting that they indicate their interest in the Scholarship. Formal confirmation of the scholarship will be issued when all conditions have been met. Scholars will be expected to take up the Scholarship from the date stated by the Government of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in its Notification of the Scholarship. Scholars will be expected to reside in the United Kingdom throughout their Scholarship and to seek prior approval for any proposed visits abroad except for visits to Trinidad and Tobago. Expenses for such travel are not included in the scholarship. Scholars may not undertake paid employment during their award without prior consent. Scholarships are valid for one degree only and not eligible for completion of another degree simultaneously or continuation to another higher degree. Scholarship holders must not change their programme of study during the tenure of the scholarship except with written permission from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and/or the sponsor agency. Scholarship recipients must maintain a satisfactory progress and good standing as stipulated by the academic institution, or the scholarship will be withdrawn and the recipient liable to repay the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the expenditure on the scholarship. Scholarship recipients must follow the approved programme of study and abide by the rules, regulations and codes of conduct of the academic institution. A suspension from the academic institution will result in immediate suspension of the scholarship and can lead to termination of the scholarship. Allowances are payable during suspension. The UK Commission will require a medical report before a Scholarship can be confirmed. Scholars will be required to sign an undertaking to return to Trinidad and Tobago as soon as their Scholarship comes to an end. 2

Scholarship Procedure

Role of Government Trinidad Tobago

the The nominating Government is responsible for: of Disseminating information on the scholarships and Ensuring that all applications are completed according to

The UK Commission and Government of Trinidad and Tobago will only consider requests to extend the scholarship or leave to remain in United Kingdom post scholarship in instances where it is absolutely necessary. Strict conditions will apply. The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will be unable to provide any letter of support which might be required by a scholarship holder to work in a foreign country. All terms and conditions of the scholarship will be subject to local law and practices. All regulations concerning immigration and visas are set by the UK Commission and are outside of the control of the Scholarships and Advanced Training Division, the agency responsible for managing your scholarship. Final award of scholarships will be made when the Cabinet approves the scholarship and the UK Scholarship Commission has completed the selection process. Applicants will be notified as indicated above. The scholarship will be governed by a legally binding Scholarship Agreement. A duly executed Scholarship Agreement along with other scholarship policies shall be the binding authority between the recipient of a scholarship and the Trinidad and Tobago Government. Successful applicants will also be managed by the policy and procedures of the United Kingdom Scholarship Commission.

A. FUNDING

requirements Ensuring that only qualified applicants are shortlisted Nominating only the best among applicants and Assisting successful candidates in their departure.

Programmes of study are to be pursued at any accredited university in the United Kingdom. The Government of the United Kingdom will pay: i. Return Economy Airfare ii. Tuition and compulsory fees iii. Personal Maintenance Allowance iv. Warm Clothing Allowance v. Thesis Allowance vi. Grant for approved travel within the United Kingdom vii. Limited Spouse Allowance The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will pay: i. Monthly Salary Allowance (Public Officers only). Funding will be provided for the duration as follows:
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Masters (Taught) Masters (research) Masters of Philosophy Doctorate B. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

22 months 2 years 3 years (maximum) 4 years (maximum)

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must: (i) be Commonwealth citizens, refugees or British protected persons; (ii) be a permanent resident in a Commonwealth country other than the United Kingdom; (iii) meet the age requirement as follows; a. be between 18 and 45 years of age for persons not employed in the Public Service b. be between 18 and 50 years of age for persons employed in the Public Service (iv) Possess the following qualifications a. have a Bachelors degree from a recognized institution with at least an Upper Second Class Honours, if applying for a Masters Degree; b. a Second Class Honours degree and a relevant post graduate qualification, which will normally be a Masters degree if applying for a Ph.D. c. for clinical training in the fields of medicine and dentistry, have qualified as a doctor or dentist between October 01, 2002 and September 30, 2007. (v) be able to take up their scholarship in September of 2013. Deferments are only granted in exceptional cases and at the discretion of the UK; (vi) have taken the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) if applying to do Business Management or related studies; (vii) provide proof of acceptance or proof of application into the Programme of Study; (viii) be accepted or have applied to a university in which the UK Commission has part funding agreements. (ix) Applicants pursuing a doctoral degree must not be entering into their final year of study for 2013. (x) be desirous of pursuing studies in areas related to the development needs of Trinidad and Tobago and must be able to identify the development need based on the Seven (7) Interconnected Development Pillars of the country. Applicants must provide detailed evidence that their programme of study and research is tied to an identified development need of the country, applicants must consider the national human resource development needs and the national development strategy in deciding on their areas of study; (xi) apply for either of the following: one (1) year taught masters courses or equivalent degrees;
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six months of clinical training in medicine or dentistry; doctoral degrees, of up to three years duration. (candidates who wish to undertake extensive periods of fieldwork in their home country, will be considered); one (1) year research on a split-site basis, towards a PhD, registered at a university in Trinidad and Tobago.

Candidates for Masters scholarships who have undertaken any of their university education outside their home country, must state how it was funded and how the education differed from that in their home country. Candidates applying for doctoral study must provide the UK Scholarship Commission with evidence of support from a prospective supervisor from at least one of their chosen institutions at the time of application. Applications for spilt-site study must be made in the context of an institutional link between the institution where the candidate is registered in their home country and the one at which they are applying to study in the UK. Candidates must provide the United Kingdom Scholarship Commission with evidence of support from their prospective supervisor at the UK institution as well as from their home supervisor at the time of application. C. REQUIREMENTS Applicants must provide two (2) Recommendations online, which recommends the applicant for a scholarship: i. One must be an academic recommendation; and ii. Recommenders must attest to the candidates ability to perform and to succeed as a scholarship recipient by providing relevant and practical examples where applicable. They must also describe what contribution and the likely impact the candidate will have on the institution/community/country iii. desirous of pursuing full-time studies only at an accredited institution in the United Kingdom Applicants must submit a Study Plan, online which explains in no more than 500 words: a. The impact their studies will have on their institution/ community/country; b. Information on how the course of study relates to the existing and future development needs of your institution, community or the country; c. They must clearly relate the development need to the identified Seven (7) Interconnected Development Pillars of the country, providing
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detailed evidence that their programme of study and research is tied to an identified development need; d. A description of how exposure gained from pursuing this course of study could contribute to the development of the nation. Please indicate clearly where the development need has been identified and outlined in the national development strategy. e. Their five-year plan upon returning to Trinidad and Tobago to put into practice the knowledge and experience acquired through the scholarship.

D.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Applicants will be assessed and recommended for a scholarship on the following: Academic Merit; Area of Study as it links to the development of Trinidad and Tobago; The likely development impact the applicant will have on completion of studies; and The quality/content of the plan of study/research proposal. Interview short-listed candidates will be interviewed to get a sense of their maturity, commitment, adaptability, cultural awareness, and their state of mind in relation to the undertaking of studies overseas and their ability to complete the programme of study successfully.

GUIDELINES FOR SCORING

Academic Merit (40 points) Masters Programme: Degree Upper Second Class Honours First Class Honours Additional Diploma/Degree PhD Programme: Degree First Lower Second Class Honours Upper Second Class Honours First Class Honours Masters Masters Distinction Additional Post Graduate Qualifications (Diplomas, Post Graduate Certificates and Masters)

Grade Point Average 3.00 3.59 3.60 and above

Score 0 point 30 points 5 points to a maximum of 10 points Score 0 point 10 points 20 points 0 point 10 points 5 points each to a maximum of 10

Grade Point Average 2.00- 2.99 3.00-3.59 3.60 and above

Area of Study according to Development Needs Ranking (20 points) 1 2 3 4 5 Priority Areas* First most critical Second most critical Third most critical Fourth most critical Any other areas of study Score 12 points 9 points 6 points 3 points 0 Score 5 points 8 points 8 points

Mode of Study Taught Masters Masters Research PhD Research

Quality and Content of Study Plan (10 points) Item Clearly defined goals and objectives in the national context Demonstrate an understanding of the area of study in a national context Score 1 - 5 points 1 - 5 points

Likely Development Impact Applicant will have on Completion of Studies (20 points) Future Impact of Applicant Likely development impact of applicants work on completion of studies Likelihood of applicant returning to work in the area in Trinidad and Tobago * Development impact of the applicant * Score Maximum 20 points 10 points 10 points

*Favourable consideration should be given where the applicant has demonstrated a deep interest in the area of study and has contributed to the sector.
Work Experience (10 points) Work Experience (duration) Score Maximum 10 points

Relevance in relation to the area of study and the quality of contribution to sector Minimum 3 years 4 -5 years 5+ to 7 years 7+ and over years 0 point 1 point 5 points 10 points

SELECTION OF CANDIDATES FOR MASTERS DEGREES Medicine Academic Merit Masters Programme: (20 points)
Degree Grade Point Average Score Maximum Score 20 points 10 points 2 points 15 points 5 points 10 points

MBBS Internship First Class Post Graduate Dip/Cert/Masters MRCS/ MRCP

Area of Study according to Development Needs Ranking (30 points)

1 2 3 4 5 Priority Areas* First most critical Second most critical Third most critical Fourth most critical Any other areas of study Score 22 points 19 points 16 points 13 points 0

Mode of Study Taught Masters Masters Research PhD Research Clinical Studies Specialties/Sub-specialties

Score 5 points 8 points 8 points 8 points 8 points

Quality and Content of Study Plan (10 points)

Item Clearly defined goals and objectives in the national context Demonstrate an understanding of the area of study in a national context Score 1 - 5 points 1 - 5 points

Likely Development Impact Applicant will have on Completion of Studies (30 points)

Future Impact of Applicant Likely development impact applicants will have on completion of studies Likelihood of applicant returning to work in the area in Trinidad and Tobago * Likely Development impact of the applicant *

Score Maximum 30 points 15 points 15 points

*Favourable consideration should be given where the applicant has demonstrated a deep interest in the area of study and has contributed to the sector.
Work Experience (10 points) Work Experience (duration) Score Maximum 10 points

Relevance in relation to the area of study and the quality of contribution to sector Minimum 3 years 4 -5 years 5+ to 7 years 7+ and over years 0 point 1 point 5 points 10 points

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SELECTION OF CANDIDATES FOR MASTERS DEGREE IN LAW Academic Merit Masters Programme: (20 points) Degree Grade Point Average Score Maximum Score 20 points 10 points 2 points 15 points 5 points

LLB Internship First Class Post Graduate Dip/Cert/Masters

Area of Study according to Development Needs Ranking (30 points) 1 2 3 4 5 Priority Areas* First most critical Second most critical Third most critical Fourth most critical Any other areas of study Score 22 points 19 points 16 points 13 points 0 point

Mode of Study Taught Masters Masters Research PhD Research Quality and Content of Study Plan (10 points)

Score 5 points 8 points 8 points

Item Clearly defined goals and objectives in the national context Demonstrate an understanding of the area of study in a national context

Score 1 - 5 points 1 - 5 points

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Likely Development Impact Applicant will have on Completion of Studies (30 points)

Future Impact of Applicant Likely development impact applicants will have on completion of studies Likelihood of applicant returning to work in the area in Trinidad and Tobago * Likely Development impact of the applicant *

Score Maximum 30 points 15 points 15 points

*Favourable consideration should be given where the applicant has demonstrated a deep interest in the area of study and has contributed to the sector.
Work Experience (10 points) Work Experience (duration) Score Maximum 10 points Relevance in relation to the area of study and the quality of contribution to sector Minimum 3 years 4 -5 years 5+ to 7 years 7+ and over years 0 point 1 point 5 points 10 points

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Applicants must upload the following documents to their application: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) Copies of Academic Certificates, Degrees or Diplomas. Proof of acceptance/application Copy of Birth Certificate (with affidavit where necessary) Copy of Proof of Change of Name (where necessary) Copy of relevant bio data page from valid Trinidad and Tobago Passport. If this is not available, a copy of Electoral Identification Card (back and front). Persons born outside of Trinidad and Tobago must provide evidence of citizenship (copy) Applicants who are Public Officers must upload a signed letter from their Permanent Secretary/Head of Department indicating that they have no disciplinary matters pending. Any further documents which you prepared and which provides greater insight into your research proposal

Please Note: All originals must be produced upon request. Applicants must ensure that their transcripts are sent directly to the following address. Transcripts must be received before the closing date of the scholarship for your application to be considered: Permanent Secretary Ministry of Public Administration (Scholarships and Advanced Training Division) 5th Floor National Library Building Corner Hart and Abercromby Streets Port- of- Spain Attention: Head, Selections Secretariat Applicants who wish to hand deliver their transcripts must ensure that this document is properly sealed by the academic institution.

DEADLINE DATE FOR APPLICATIONS October 31, 2012 For further information please go to our website at www.scholarships.gov.tt or contact the office at telephone numbers 625-6724; 623-7608 ext. 2097, 2064 and 2070 or email scholarshipenquiries@mpa.gov.tt.

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Click here to access the application Important Notice: If you are returning to your application, please go to the scholarships website at www.scholarships.gov.tt and click on SATIS Login to continue your application.

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