On an Indian mission

Updated on: Monday, September 13, 2010

The University of Cincinnati (UC), a public research university in the USA and known for various crucial discoveries, has announced that it would invest $1 million in undergraduate scholarships for Indian students beginning the fall 2011 intake. The varsity has committed two full scholarships to brilliant students, who have overcome substantial disadvantages during their educational pursuits. Besides, there are 10 half-tuition scholarships to be given away based on merit. The university-wide UC Global Scholarship programme also provides scholarships ranging from $1,000-$12,000 per year to international undergraduate students. Students are advised to send their completed applications to UC by December 1 for maximum scholarship consideration, said Jonathan Weller, Director, International Admissions, University of Cincinnati.

The UC has nearly 2,000 international students, of which 650 are Indian. With the first ever scholarship programme from its stable to any country, Weller says the move underlines varsity’s keenness to associate with India. “The university has a long track record of working in India. There are currently 18 faculty-led projects underway in India, ranging from lead paint prevention programmes to teaching math and science to children in rural India. We also encourage our American students to explore the country. The University Honours programme will be leading some of the university’s top students on its third consecutive service trip to India this winter,” he said.

UC offers around 200 undergraduate degree programmes and 150 postgraduate programmes. Among its innovative programmes are the Accelerated Engineering Degree or ACCEND, which allows students to earn an engineering Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in an accelerated timeframe and the Co-Op Employment Programme. “The Co-Op links academic and professional practices and gives students on the ground experience as well as a good salary. With Co-Op Employment, students can find jobs throughout the USA and even in destinations overseas. Last year, over 5000 UC students participated in the programme in over 40 academic disciplines with over 1500 employers,” said Weller.

Dates to watch out for
For the two full scholarships, UC will partner with an NGO to help identify students. The other scholarships will be based on the merits of students. Information about this and other scholarships for Indian undergraduate students will be available on www.uc.edu/india by October 1, 2010. Contact Anjali Khavnekar, Country Coordinator for India-University of Cincinnati, at [email protected].

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