A.: Who is eligible to apply for the Weidenfeld Scholarships?
B.: Individuals ordinarily resident in Europe and Asia (see a list of the countries on the University of Oxford website); applicants to a postgraduate degree at the University of Oxford; and applicants not currently enrolled at the University of Oxford.
A.: What courses do the Scholarships support?
B.: The Weidenfeld Scholarships support any full-time Postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD courses in any academic field) at the University of Oxford. Please take a look at the University website which lists all the postgraduate courses.
A.: What costs are covered by the Scholarships?
B.: The Scholarship covers tuition and college fees for the entire length of your postgraduate degree (up to 3 years) plus an annual full grant for living costs (£13,500 in 2011/12).
A.: When is the application deadline?
B.: The deadline for applications is 20 January 2012.
A.: What level of English do 1 need in order to apply to the University of Oxford?
B.: If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient fluency in written and spoken English to successfully participate in your course from the outset. You will need to take the TOEFL or the IELTS test. Specific English language requirements may vary depending on the course you have selected and need to be checked for each course independently.
A.: What is the application procedure?
B.: When you apply to the University of Oxford, you need to indicate on the application form that you would like to be considered for the Weidenfeld Scholarships. In support of your application for the Scholarship you must complete a questionnaire which you can download from the University of Oxford website. If your application to the University is successful and you completed and submitted the Weidenfeld Scholarships questionnaire, then your application will be passed on to the Institute for Strategic Dialogue for consideration. From the full pool of applicants, a shortlisted group of candidates is invited to be interviewed in person by a panel during our Selection Weekend in late April or early May each year.
A.: What costs do the Scholarships cover during the application process?
B.: The Institute for Strategic Dialogue cannot pay for your application to the University of Oxford or any relevant English language tests. Nor can we cover any costs incurred during your interview process at the University. If you are accepted onto a course at the University and you pass the first selection round for the Weidenfeld Scholarships you will be invited to a fully paid interview weekend in late April or early May. We will pay for travel to the UK and for the entire interview process, which takes 2 days.
A.: Will 1 have to travel to Oxford to be interviewed for my Oxford University course?
B.: This depends on the department to which you are applying for a postgraduate course. However, most courses will offer the Internet or telephone interviews for candidates who cannot attend a personal interview in Oxford. Please contact the relevant department directly for more information.
A.: Can the Institute for Strategic Dialogue help me with my application to the University of Oxford?
B.: Your acceptance on a course at the University of Oxford is an independent decision taken by the University and is entirely separate from the selection procedure of the Scholarship programme. Subsequently, the Institute for Strategic Dialogue does not assist you in your application.
A.: How many years of study can I undertake as a Weidenfeld Scholar?
B.: The Scholarships are awarded for the length of your chosen postgraduate degree programme. These vary from 1 to 3 academic years. Current Weidenfeld Scholars may reapply for a second Scholarship to pursue a further degree at the University of Oxford.
A.: Do current Weidenfeld Scholars reapplying for further funding need to go through the same application process as newly applying candidates?
B.: Current Scholars reapplying will need to send in a separate statement (not the questionnaire new candidates fill in).
A.: Can 1 combine the Scholarships with another award?
B.: No, The Scholarship cannot be taken in conjunction with any other awards.
A.: Can I apply for the Scholarships if I am already studying at the University of Oxford?
B.: No, The Scholarships are only available to students who are not already studying at the University of Oxford, unless they are currently Weidenfeld Scholars.
A.: Can I apply for the Scholarships if I have already started my PhD or Master’s?
B.: No, The Scholarship Programme is only available to students who are beginning their courses. It is not available to students who have already begun their thesis elsewhere or students who do not intend to finish their studies at the University of Oxford.
A.: Can I apply to the University of Oxford and the Scholarships if I have not completed my undergraduate degree?
B.: In line with the University’s admission policy, most departments will accept applications from students based on projected grades, with the stipulation that the place can only be taken up if the projected grade is achieved. All offers of Scholarships are subject to the candidate being accepted by the University of Oxford.
Use the Internet to find some information about scholarships/ grants which are available to international postgraduate students. Choose one and make up a dialogue of your own to discuss the above problems. Use the dialogue about the Weidenfeld Scholarships as a guide.