Finland Finnish Government Scholarships 2009 for Research

The Finnish Government offers scholarships of 3-9 months for post-Master’s studies, research and teaching at a higher education institution in Finland. The scholarships are based mainly on cultural agreements or similar arrangements between Finland and the following countries:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine.

To be eligible, the applicant must:

- intend to pursue postgraduate studies as a visiting student, participate in a research project or teach at a higher education institution or public research institute in Finland; priority will be given to doctoral studies

- have established contact with the Finnish receiving institution before applying

- have a letter of invitation from the academic supervisor in Finland; the invitation should also include a timetable

- have earned at least a Master

- level degree before applying

- not have spent more than one year already at a Finnish higher education institution immediately before the intended scholarship period in Finland

- be able to give proof of sufficient skills in speaking and writing the language needed in study/research- be a national of one of the eligible countries listed above

The scholarship includes:

- a monthly allowance of EUR 1,200. The allowance is sufficient for one person only.

Expenses due to travel, international or in Finland, are not covered by CIMO. Scholarship recipients are recommended to make arrangements for sufficient insurance coverage for their stay in Finland.

How to apply?

Applications for the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool are made to the appropriate authority in the applicant’s country. For information on the appropriate authority in your country, please see the listing below. The scholarship authorities in each country are invited to present applications for up to 10 candidates for the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool. The deadline set by CIMO for the nomination of scholarship candidates by the national authorities is 1 February each year. An applicant should check the application deadline set by the authorities in his or her country since it may be earlier. CIMO will inform both successful and unsuccessful candidates of the results by June.

- The application form (Word)

Please save the application form in your own computer before filling in your data. The form should be type/word-processed throughout. To move between different fields, use the “Tab” key. Relevant boxes can be ticked by using the “Space” key or the left-hand mouse button. After completing the form, please print and sign it.

If needed, the application form can also be obtained from the national scholarship authorities or directly from CIMO.

Documents required for an application:
- completed and signed application form
- curriculum vitae- copies of latest diplomas
- two letters of recommendation- study/research plan (1-2 pages)
- invitation from the academic supervisor in Finland
- language certificate (Finnish, Swedish or English).
Deadline: Feb 1,2009
More info HERE