Frequently Asked Questions about the School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) at the University of Central Asia (UCA)

Frequently Asked Questions

View Frequently Asked Questions about the the School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE)

View Frequently Asked Questions about the University of Central Asia (UCA)


BEFORE YOU APPLY

Why does CAFDP provide scholarships to Central Asian scholars?
UCA will launch undergraduate and graduate programmes in a few years and CAFDP seeks to ensure that scholars from Central Asia with top international academic credentials are strongly represented in the University’s faculty.

What type of scholarships are available?
CAFDP offers two kinds of support through:

  • Partner Universities Programme
    which includes financial assistance and placements in programmes negotiated by UCA and its partners around the world. Selection of students is based solely on merit and subject to the admission criteria of each partner university.
  • Individual Funding Scheme
    which includes individual support to supplement other funding for students accepted into full-time doctoral programmes at reputable institutions in disciplines and fields that are an academic priority for UCA. Students should have admission to their chosen institution and be receiving some financial assistance from other sources. Students currently enrolled in doctoral programmes requiring additional support are also eligible. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact CAFDP at the early stages of their application process for individual support.

Where can I study and in what academic fields?
Currently, UCA partners include the following institutions, which offer programmes in the following fields:

  • Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore: Masters and PhD in Public Policy
  • German Academic Exchange Services (DAAD): PhD programmes at German universities in Natural Sciences and Technology (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, Archaeology, Ethnography and Economics. Masters studies serving as preparation to Ph.D studies are also supported.
  • University of Hong Kong: MPhil and PhD programmes in the Social Sciences, particularly Asian Studies, Journalism and Media and Economics.
  • Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand: Master of Science, Master of Engineering, or Doctoral programmes at the School of Environment, Resources and Development in Environmental Engineering and Management, and the School of Engineering and Technology in the field of Water Engineering Management.
  • Centre for Development and Environment, University of Bern, Switzerland: PhD in Environmental Management and Rural, Regional Development.

What are the prerequisites for CAFDP?

  • Citizenship of Central Asian countries, particularly UCA founding states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
  • Previous degrees with good academic records
  • Demonstration of competency in chosen discipline
  • A sound research proposal addressing issues relevant to Central Asia and the chosen PhD programme in fields that are UCA academic priorities.
  • Interest in a career within academia, including conducting original research and teaching at a university
  • Excellent knowledge of English language
  • Official GMAT or GRE report within the past five years for some fields and universities

What are the prerequisites for CAFDP?

  • Citizenship of Central Asian countries, particularly UCA founding states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
  • Previous degrees with good academic records
  • Demonstration of competency in chosen discipline
  • A sound research proposal addressing issues relevant to Central Asia and the chosen PhD programme in fields that are UCA academic priorities.
  • Interest in a career within academia, including conducting original research and teaching at a university
  • Excellent knowledge of English language
  • Official GMAT or GRE report within the past five years for some fields and universities

What are the eligible areas of study?
 CAFDP supports disciplines represented in UCA’s undergraduate and graduate programmes. Successful doctoral graduates of CAFDP are expected to master established knowledge and create new knowledge in their chosen field of study, with special relevance to Central Asia. The disciplines and fields are as follows:

  • Humanities
     history, philosophy, languages, and literature
  • Social Sciences
    Economics, political science, sociology/anthropology
  • Science and Technology
    Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computing, environmental sciences, geology and engineering sciences
  • Public Administration and Policy
    Public administration, public policy, education policy, media and communication
  • Economic Development and Business
    Management, finance, entrepreneurship, tourism and leisure
  • Rural and Regional Development
    Environment, natural resource management, rural and regional development

What do CAFDP scholarships cover?
Under the Partner Institutions Programme, students receive full financial assistance to cover the costs of tuition, travel, living, medical insurance, and field research. UCA may provide additional support for fieldwork for PhD dissertations. Students are encouraged to apply for external funding.
The Individual Funding Scheme programme does not provide full funding, but supports applicants who have secured other sources of funding. Scholarships help cover costs in only one of the following categories:

  • Tuition and fees
    Not to more than 50% of tuition and fees per academic year;
  • Living expenses
    Students who have succeeded in funding their tuition, through scholarships or tuition waivers, are eligible for partial housing and living funds;
  • Other
    Students who have secured all necessary funds but cannot afford additional expenses, such as travel to/from their host country, books and materials are eligible for additional funds.

The maximum amount granted to the applicants cannot exceed 50% of the total cost of the programme.

What are the terms and conditions of the scholarship?
For all CAFDP scholarships, 50% is awarded as an outright grant and 50% is given as a student loan (conditional bursary). By working for five years at UCA, the loan will be repaid. If a scholar chooses employment elsewhere or does not complete his/her studies, they will be liable for full repayment of the loan within a 3 year period.

Can I be informed of CAFDP scholarship programmes?
If you are interested in receiving announcements, send an email to facultydev@ucentralasia.org with your name, country of citizenship and intended field of study and programme. We will add you to our mailing list.

Does CAFDP fund Master programmes?
Yes, if the Master programme is clearly serving as preparation for Ph.D studies. Applicants should have a solid research project in place at the time of their application.

What are the language requirements I need to fulfill?
All CAFDP programmes are at universities where the language of instruction is English. You must show that you meet your chosen programme’s minimum required proficiency level. This can be done by taking one of several accepted and recognized English language tests, including Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or specific language test administered by a University. Details on how you can take these tests can be found at www.toefl.org and www.ielts.org. All tests scores are valid for two years. The band score varies depending on the university and field of study. For the language requirement of your programme, check your university website.

Do I need to find a PhD supervisor before I apply?
Only if you are in the UCA-DAAD programme, which requires applicants to provide proof of contact with a German university including either a letter of admission from a Ph.D. programme, proof that the applicant is being considered for admission or consent of a professor to act as personal supervisor of Ph.D. thesis. However all CAFDP scholars in PhD programmes are strongly encouraged to identify and contact their PhD supervisor early on in the process.

Can I get a fellowship to support my dissertation research?
Yes. Students can apply for support of dissertation research through the CAFDP Individual Funding Scheme. Dissertations should be on topics related to issues in Central Asia and UCA academic priorities. Inter-disciplinary dissertations are strongly encouraged.


APPLYING TO CAFDP

What is the application deadline for the CAFDP programmes?
It depends on which programme you are applying to under the Partner Universities Programme. Details of each programme deadline are posted on the UCA website and can also be obtained by writing to facultydev@ucentralasia.org.

Applications for the Individual Funding Scheme can be submitted twice a year by March 30 and June 30.

Is there an application fee?
No. All applications should be submitted directly to UCA, and application fees for shortlisted candidates will be paid by UCA.

How long does it take for an application to be reviewed?
Between one and two months.

Can I apply for multiple programmes at the same time?
Yes. You can apply for multiple programmes within one academic year. You need to submit application forms and relevant supporting materials for each application you make.

How can I check receipt of my application?
You will be informed on the receipt of your application within two weeks of the application deadline.

If I am successful in my application to the university does that guarantee a scholarship from CAFDP at UCA?
No. Being admitted at the university does not guarantee a CAFDP scholarship. Only applicants who can demonstrate an interest in teaching, research and an academic career at UCA will be selected.

Will I be required to attend an interview?
Yes. All CAFDP shortlisted applicants are required to attend an interview.

If I am unsuccessful in my application, can I reapply for the same programme in another academic year?
Yes. You can apply for the same programme in the next academic year. You will need to submit a new application, even if you are applying for the same programme.

Can I submit my application material by e-mail?
No. Application material will not be accepted by e-mail or fax. All application material should be submitted in hard copies to the UCA offices specified in the ‘instructions to the applicants’.

Do I need to have materials in a foreign language translated?
Yes. All application and supporting material should be accompanied with an English translation. You can translate your own samples of written work, but official transcripts or certificates should be certified translations.

Will my application materials be returned to me?
No. Application materials will not be returned so please do not submit any original documents or documents that you need returned to you.

Will you contact my referees on my behalf?
No. It is your responsibility to contact referees and to ensure that written (and if necessary, translated) references arrive at UCA by the application deadline relevant to your programme of study.


BECOMING A CAFDP SCHOLAR

Is there an induction programme for CAFDP scholarship recipients?
Yes. All scholarship recipients participate in a pre-departure orientation on training in academic practice, ethics in research and teaching, the use of information technology in teaching and learning, and other topics that are deemed important for future UCA faculty. UCA also provides intensive training in academic writing, research methods, quantitative analysis, and other subjects to assist students in achieving superior results.

What opportunities are there at UCA upon completion of my graduate programme?
CAFDP candidates who successfully complete their academic programmes will be considered for teaching and/or research positions at UCA.