- News

The UK Space Agency has just announced a new round of its competitive scholarship scheme to support UK citizens who wish to attend the International Space University's nine-week Space Studies Programme and one-year MSc programmes.

Any UK citizen wishing to apply for support for the nine-week Space Studies Programme should apply to the ISU by 31 January 2011 (The deadline for those not applying for financial aid is 30 April 2011). Application forms and further instructions are available on the ISU website.

While anyone wishing to apply for support for the MSc programme should apply to the ISU by 15 March 2011 (The deadline for those not applying for financial aid is 30 June 2011). Application forms and further instructions are available on the ISU website.

The UK Space Agency will consider the applications submitted to ISU, and may request further information and/or interview candidates.

Abdikadir Awabdi, a current ISU student who received funding from the UK Space Agency’s 2010 round of funding, said, “I was very fortunate to have been offered a scholarship by the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency to do my MSc in Space Management at the International Space University (ISU) in Strasbourg. I have gone from someone who has limited knowledge of space to being able to understand space customer requirements and the industry’s current and future direction. Moreover I have networked with industry leaders and made friends across the world.”

A total of £30,000 is available in this scheme in 2011. This sum will be shared between successful candidates - the level of any grant awarded being decided by a panel including members from UK Space Agency and the Space Education Trust in consultation with ISU. Evidence of external support will be a positive factor in choosing which applicants to fund. Any money awarded will be paid directly to ISU on behalf of the successful applicants.

ISU may be able to advise on the possibility of further funding, but it is expected that each successful applicant will have to find at least €1000 from their own resources.

Successful applicants will be expected to assist the UK Space Agency by taking part in publicity activities in the UK after completion of their courses.

This news item originally appeared on the UK Space Agency website