Opportunity: Organization of American States (OAS) Academic Scholarships Program 2021
Type: Postgraduate scholarship
Who Can Apply: Canadian citizens and residents
Competition: Open for studies beginning in the January 2021 to December 2021 period
Deadline: June 22, 2021
Who applies: Students and researchers from Canada (citizens or permanent residence holders)
Description: The OAS offers academic scholarships for study or research at the Master’s or PhD level that lead to a degree at a university or educational institution in an OAS Member State, except within Canada (the nominating country).
Guidelines
There are two types of scholarships available:
- Scholarships in an OAS Consortium University: candidates apply directly to up to three programs in universities or educational institutions from the OAS Consortium of Universities list, located in up to three different countries. Candidates must consider at least two different countries of study in their OAS application to be eligible. Applying to this type of scholarship increases the candidate’s chances of being offered an OAS scholarship. Note that under this option, the OAS will reserve the right to select a country of study or research for selected candidates; or
- Scholarships in a Non-OAS Consortium University: candidates apply directly for admission to the universities or educational institutions of their choice and apply separately for an OAS scholarship.
The academic placement or research must be carried out on a full-time basis and may be pursued on-site, by online education or a combination of both.
Scholarships are not offered for studies in Medical Sciences or the learning of new languages.
Scholarship Value
The value of the scholarship is up to USD 10,000* per academic year. The benefits are assigned on a case-by-case basis and may include:
- a round-trip economy-class airfare ticket from Canada to the country of study;
- tuition fees and mandatory expenses for the academic program;
- a monthly complementary subsistence allowance (for onsite candidates only);
- health insurance (for onsite candidates only); and
- a fixed annual book allowance.
The benefits will vary according to the terms and conditions as well as the length of the scholarship. OAS scholarships do not include benefits for dependents nor do they cover the totality of awardees’ expenses. Language training is also not available through this scholarship, unless language courses are a specific requirement of the candidate’s approved program or course of study.
Applicants selected for an OAS scholarship will have to provide proof of additional funds for their monthly subsistence expenses.
Scholarship Duration
Scholarships are tenable for a minimum of one academic year, which must begin between January 2021 and December 2021. Candidates who have already started a program of graduate studies are eligible to apply.
The scholarship can be renewed once for a total of two academic years. The renewal for the second academic year is subject to:
- the availability of funding;
- a good academic standing during the first year of the scholarship; and
- the confirmation by the academic institution that the award renewal is necessary for the student to complete their study program.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- be Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Canada;
- have completed the prerequisite degree(s) for the proposed program of study at the time of submitting an application;
- have an overall grade point average (GPA) that is above the minimum standard required by the host university;
- be in good physical and mental health to complete the proposed program of study successfully; and
- possess the linguistic competencies necessary to undertake the academic studies in the language of the institution in the country of study.
Applicants are responsible to seek their own admission to the universities or educational institutions of their choice and ensure the necessary admission requirements are met.
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions are as follows:
- applicants are not eligible for a scholarship in the country of their citizenship or permanent residency;
- OAS staff members, OAS consultants, staff members of the Permanent Missions to the OAS, as well as their relatives, are not eligible for OAS scholarships and must wait six months after the termination of their employment or contract before being considered eligible once again;
- selected candidates must provide an unconditional acceptance letter and be ready to begin their studies between January 2021 and December 2021 for a minimum of one academic year;
- selected candidates must agree to return to and reside in Canada for a period of no less than 24 months after completing the program. Recipients in online education programs must agree to remain in Canada for the same period of time; and
- selected candidates will be required to submit proof of additional funds.
Any questions?
Please direct all inquiries regarding the eligibility requirements to: [email protected] or 613-237-4820.