Norway unveils third tranche of AIT scholarships for Myanmar students
In the past two years, 90 Myanmar students have received Norwegian scholarships to study at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand. A new round is beginning for all interested to pursue postgraduate courses.
Soe Myint, president of AIT Alumni Association (Myanmar chapter), said that the alumni are always keen to see their alma mater flourish, and this has promoted them to promote AIT in Myanmar.
“We wish that the new generation of students gets the same top quality education that we had received,” Myint said.
Through this scholarship programme, the Norwegian government seeks to contribute to capacity development in all relevant sectors for the sustainable transformation of Myanmar into a modern nation that builds its own sustainable future.
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA) unveiled its third tranche of scholarships on January 30.
The Ambassador of Norway, Anne Ollestad, announced the commencement of scholarships for Myanmar students to undertake postgraduate studies at AIT.
The ambassador remarked that education is the key to development in Myanmar, and AIT has an important role to play in offering knowledge and skills to students from Myanmar.
“I am hopeful and confident that the students awarded scholarships through the program will return to Myanmar after their studies, where their knowledge and competence is best suited, be it within the Government or in a private business.”
In 2012, 40 students were awarded the scholarships and the number rose to 50 in 2013.
There was no detail on how many would be selected this year.
Sahas Bunditkul, former deputy prime minister of Thailand and member of AIT’s Board of Trustees, stated that Thailand and Myanmar have a close relationship that is mutually beneficial.
The scholarship scheme for Myanmar students to study at AIT is an example of how we can pave the way towards greater partnerships in the context of the emerging ASEAN Economic Community, he added.
AIT President Prof Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai said that AIT is a pioneering institute that combines academic excellence with rigorous outreach.
“The success of AIT is measured by the achievements of its alumni, and its 29000 alumni occupy top positions in governments, international organisations, private sector, academia and research,” said Worsak.
AIT is a unique international institution of higher education, and as the first postgraduate school in the region, the Institute has worked towards the development of Asia. The AIT president added that the experience of Myanmar students has been extremely positive, and Myanmar students have been happy at the opportunity to experience an international environment while studying in Thailand.
The scholarship includes application processing fee, tuition and registration for both the Master’s program and bridging course, monthly bursary and accommodation costs, visa fees, and medical insurance, along with return airfare.
The last date for application is February 21.
AIT will also organise a special bridging program for students to help them with their English language skills.
More detail can be found at: http://www.ait.ac.th/admissions/Current_Scholarships/nmfa-scholarships-for-myanmar-2004/#.UuXX0aU44lK.
