The Supplementary Grant Program Asia provides supplemental financial assistance to Burmese students to study at accredited university degree programs outside of Burma. The program was originally established to address the needs of Burmese students, both inside and outside of the country, whose college education was disrupted due to political instability in the country.
Funding is available both for new applicants as well as continuing applicants who received SGPA funding in 2012–2013. If you received funding in 2012-2013, but are changing your degree program in 2013–2014, then you must apply as a new student. However, please note that the program is not accepting new applications for study in India (although current grantees studying in India may apply for continued funding).
Grants are awarded on the basis of academic record, the applicant's long-term goals, and financial need. Grants are given to students who not only meet the program criteria but who are willing and likely to return to Burma to work towards the democratic and economic development of the country.
The program does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. The competition is merit-based and open to those meeting the following criteria:
- applicants must be enrolled in full time study at an accredited college or university leading to a degree (BA, MA, PhD, etc.);
- the program provides supplemental funds only—applicants must have already been awarded partial or full tuition, room and board stipends, or have other types of financial aid (family support, part-time job, etc.);
- applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the spoken and written language of their host country (or host university if languages are different).
Fields of Study
For individuals who are studying or intend to study in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, only those studying in the humanities and social sciences are eligible to apply—with preference given to graduate study in the following fields:
Public Health, Social Policy, Social Work, Education, Environmental Policy, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economic Policy, and Law.
For individuals who are studying or intend to study in other parts of the world, including Asia, the above restrictions do not apply, although preference is still given to graduate studies in the social sciences or humanities.
Applicants pursuing the following courses within the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia will not be considered: Business Administration/Management Training, Computer Science, Finance/Banking/Marketing, Engineering, Hard & Natural Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, etc.), Mathematics, Medical Science.
However, for individuals who are studying or intend to study United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, the course restrictions listed above do not apply, although preference is still given to graduate studies in the social sciences or humanities.
The following are not supported by the program in any location:
- Distance Education Courses
- English as a Second Language Programs
- High School
- Vocational Training
New Applicants
All new applicants should read the attached application for details regarding various methods for submitting applications (online, email, mail). Online and paper applications will be considered equally.
Applicants studying in North America, Europe, Africa, or the Middle East are encouraged to apply through the online application system. (Note: due to system upgrades, the online system is currently unavailable. Please submit your application by email or hard copy).
Continued Funding for Current Grantees
Current Supplementary Grant Program Asia grantees who wish to apply for continued funding must complete the Application for Continued Funding (attached) and send it, along with the required documents, to the appropriate office.
The Application for Continued Funding should only be completed by current grantees—individuals who received SGPA funding for academic year 2012–2013—who are continuing in the same degree program. All other applicants must complete a new application.
Applicants in Thailand, Australia, Asia (other than India):
Deadline: March 15, 2013
Students in Thailand, Australia, and Asian countries other than India should email their applications and additional required materials to:
Ms. Ann Conrad
Email: sgpamyanmar@gmail.com
Applicants in the United States, Africa, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East:
Deadline: May 15, 2013
Students in Africa, Canada, Europe, Middle East and United States should mail their applications and additional required materials to:
Open Society Scholarship Program
Supplementary Grant Program Asia
1700 Broadway, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Email: sgpa@infoscholar.org
Applicants in India:
Deadline: March 15, 2013
Please note: the SGPA program is not accepting new applications for study in India. Current grantees studying in India and applying for continued funding should mail their applications and additional required materials to:
Student Information Center
Ms. Lata Pillai
F-Block, F-15
Ground Floor
Vikaspuri
New Delhi-110018
India
Email: cholwin2000@yahoo.co.in
Tel: +91 981 095 9926