UCA, DAAD announce partnership to provide scholarships for Central Asian students

DUSHANBE, September 20, 2008, Asia-Plus – The University of Central Asia (UCA) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) announce a partnership to provide full scholarships for Central Asian students to pursue advanced study at German universities.  

These scholarships are designed to develop a cadre of Central Asian scholars, especially in the fields of natural sciences and technology.

The “University of Central Asia – German Academic Exchange Service Scholarships” will support students undertaking doctoral (PhD) level programs in selected fields of the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, applied physics, geology), applied mathematics, computing science, engineering sciences (environmental engineering, complex systems analysis and design), environmental sciences and environmental earth sciences, and natural resource management. Applications in the fields of finance and economics may also be considered.  Master’s studies leading to a doctoral program may also be supported.

Graduates sponsored under this program will be considered for academic appointments in UCA’s undergraduate School of Arts and Science and/or the Graduate School of Development. The selection of students under the UCA-DAAD Scholarships is based solely on merit and subject to admission criteria at German universities.  Applicants from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan are strongly encouraged to apply.

UCA was founded in 2000 by the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and His Highness the Aga Khan. It is the world’s first internationally chartered institution of higher education.  The International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University was signed by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations.  The Presidents are the Patrons and His Highness the Aga Khan is the Founding Patron and Chancellor of UCA.  UCA is a private, independent, self-governing institution which will be governed by an independent Board of Trustees and led by a Rector. It will have three campuses of equal size and stature in each of the founding countries.  Currently, the Director General of UCA is in charge of operations and planning at the Central Administration office in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The mission of UCA is to promote the socioeconomic development of Central Asia’s mountain societies, while at the same time helping the diverse peoples of the region to preserve and draw upon their rich cultural traditions and heritages as assets for the future.

The German Academic Exchange Service is one of the world”s largest and most respected intermediary organizations in its field.  Scores of students, teachers, researchers and scientists supported by the DAAD have been able to gain valuable experience abroad.  However, there are also many other sides to the work of the DAAD.  The DAAD supports and promotes all areas relating to science, research, language, teaching and very much more.