Dear Friends,
The Syria Consortium for Higher Education in Crisis, a partnership between the Institute of International Education (IIE), Jusoor, Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), and EducationUSA, is pleased to announce that the Syria Scholarship portal is now available for students.
What does this mean exactly for students from Syria?
It means that more than 35 universities around the world have come together and pledged partial and full scholarships for Syrian students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Universities participating in the consortium are in countries around the world -- including the U.S., UK, France, Mexico, and Hungary. A few examples of available scholarships include:
- Aston University in the UK is providing 5 partial scholarships in the field of international relations
- University of Edinburgh in the UK is providing 2 full scholarships
- Notre Dame Law School in the U.S. is providing 1 full scholarship and 2 partial scholarships
- Central European University in Hungary is providing 2 full scholarships
- Bryn Mawr College in the U.S. is providing one full scholarship for a female undergraduate student
New scholarship opportunities will be added as universities continue to join the consortium. The full list of scholarships can be found on the Syria Scholarship portal: www.iie.org/syriascholarships
How to apply?
Students should visit the Syria Scholarship portal to search for scholarship opportunities that meet their needs. After students fill out a simple Student Information Form, they will be given a password to access the database of scholarships, which will include contact information and application instructions for each scholarship and university. Each university will run their own admissions process and will have a separate timeline. There are some opportunities that may be available for spring 2013 and others that may be available for fall 2013. Each university will have their own admission criteria (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, SAT). In all cases, students will need to have their latest high school or university transcripts to transfer -- so please work on obtaining these from now.
How much is funded?
Some of the universities are providing full scholarships. Others are providing partial scholarships. All of these details will be available on the online portal.. For partial scholarships, students will need to work on obtaining additional funding.
Who chooses applicants?
Each university will select students based on their own selection criteria. All applicants will be subject to each university's respected admissions process. No third party will hinder or influence the integrity of this process.
We are grateful to the universities around the world that have come together to support students in Syria at this very trying time. The global commitment to Syrian students and education is truly heartening.
About the Partners
The Institute of International Education
The Institute of International Education is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. An independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of 18 offices worldwide and over 1,000 member institutions. IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. IIE conducts policy research and program evaluations, and provides advising and counseling on international education and opportunities abroad. IIE also protects scholarship worldwide by providing support and assistance to threatened students and scholars through such programs as IIE’s Scholar Rescue Fund (SRF) and Emergency Student Fund (ESF).www.iie.org
About Jusoor
Jusoor is focused on bringing together and engaging Syria's global diaspora community in efforts related to economic and social development. In less than a year, Jusoor's network has grown to 3,000 individuals in more than 20 countries. Our current programs focus on mentoring students in Syria, providing scholarships, and support research and idea generation related to Syria's development and future. Jusoor is a strictly non-political organization. www.jusoor-sy.org
About Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)
Founded in 1890, Illinois Institute of Technology is a private Ph.D.-granting university that awards degrees in engineering, the sciences, mathematics, architecture, law, design, psychology, and business. IIT takes an interprofessional approach to research and teaching. By reaching across geographic boundaries, academic disciplines, and the professions, IIT prepares students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex global workplace while conducting a substantial program of applied and basic research with the goal of transforming lives and inventing the future. www.iit.edu
- IIT Armour College of Engineering
- IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
- IIT College of Architecture
- IIT College of Psychology
- IIT College of Science and Letters
- IIT Institute of Design
- IIT School of Applied Technology
- IIT Stuart School of Business
About the U.S. Department of State’s EducationUSA Network
EducationUSA is a network of more than 400 advising centers around the world, supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. As a part of this network, the virtual educational advising office for Syrian students offers free, virtual college counseling and guidance to students interested in studying in the USA. This includes students interested in undergraduate, graduate, or non-degree programs. The advisor can discuss topics such as the admissions process, standardized testing, how to select a university, and financial aid. www.educationusa.info