INTRODUCTION

Launched in 2010, APFNet Scholarship Program aims to support capable forestry officials or researchers in the Asia-Pacific region to pursue higher academic degrees in the field of sustainable forest management and rehabilitation, in cooperation with universities and institutions in China and other potential universities in the region.

Advanced managerial knowledge, techniques and skills, as well as opportunities for field practice are provided, to improve the ability of those who will drive sustainable forest management and rehabilitation forward for the region. All the courses of this program will be provided in English.

Host universities are designated to recruit the awarded students in accordance with this Manual and specific policies of each host university for international students.

From 2024, Southwest Forestry University (SWFU) start to provide 2-year’ Master degree courses in Kunming, Yunnan Province China. Application for SWFU are only available for students coming from Cambodia and Laos.

(1) Field of Study and duration:

Forestry and 2-year master program, starting from every September

(2) What are the benefits of the program?

Sponsorship of the tuition and expenses

The program covers the following items for an awarded student:

• One round-trip economy class flight tickets from the home economy of the awarded student to and from SWFU (Kunming, China)

• Registration and tuition fees

• Accommodation on campus or alternative monthly allowance

• Monthly stipends of CNY 2,000

• Medical insurance during the enrollment period

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance and Benefit Plan for International Students in China in case of hospitalization for serious diseases and accidental injuries

(3) Field trip

The program will provide field trips in China for students during 2 years. The field trip will give students an access to practical experience of knowledge on forestry resources status and management in China, as well as some China’s unique experience in forest management, such as collective forest reform, forestry and rural community development.

(4) Opportunity to be invited to APFNet events

APFNet holds workshops, trainings and other activities on capacity building, forestry education and research and policy dialogue, etc. in collaboration with regional partners regularly. Both graduated and current students will have the chance to be invited and sponsored to join these events and connect with policy makers, academics, practitioners and international organizations, etc. in the Asia-Pacific region.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for a scholarship, all applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must be non-Chinese residents, and are coming from Cambodia and Laos

• Age: 18- 40, and in good health condition (a completed Foreigner Physical Examination Form)

• Have obtained a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree from an accredited higher education institute in forestry or related field

• At least 2 years of work experience are prioritized

• Proficiency in English

• Female applicants encouraged

The final selection of students will be based on the qualifications of each applicant, taking account of the regional balance, gender balance and appropriate proportion between forest personnel at central and local levels.

APPLICATION

When is the deadline of the application?

Recruitment usually opens in March and closes in the end of May each year. Due to a late announcement for year of 2024, the application will be closed in July 31^st.

What are the channels for application?

Applicants could apply from the SWFU website: Scholarship Application Form & Documents

Or, contact the person in charge of the program from SWFU to submit all scanned application documents and later mail all original document to SWFU:

Prof. SHI Rui

Email: shirui@swfu.edu.cn

Mailing Address: No.300 Bailong Road, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan, PR China

Phone number: +86-15925231458

(1) Application Forms;

– Application form

– Foreigner physical examination form (all items in the Form must be covered. Incomplete records or those without a sealed photograph of the applicant, the signature of the attending physician, or the official stamp of the hospital are invalid. Given the 6-month validity of the medical results, applicants should select the appropriate time to take the physical examination)

(2) Certificate(s) of English language proficiency

IELTS score no less than 6, Cambridge; Certificate in advanced English or TOFEL iBT score no less than 79, or other equivalent certificate that can prove the language ability.

(3) Recommendation letter(s) in English

A letter will be provided by the applicant’s employer/organization to recommend the application. If the applicant is just graduated from a university, at least 2 recommendation letters from university professors are required;

(4) Notarized Photocopies of highest degree diploma

(5) Notarized Photocopies of academic transcripts of the most advanced studies

(6) A study or research plan in English;

(7)Photocopy of Passport

(8)Articles or Papers Written or Published (if any)

(9)Non-criminal Certificate

(10) Other attachments deemed necessary to prove applicant’s ability.

* Notes: The above mentioned documents shall be forwarded to the official focal points of APFNet and will not be returned to the applicants regardless of whether they are accepted or not. Applicants are urged to make copies of all documents provided.

ADMISSION

(1) Review and admission

Shortlisting will be made by SWFU and the recommendation lists to be passed to APFNet for final sponsorship. SWFU will send the Visa Application Form for Study in China with an Admission Notice to each successful applicant, and will be responsible for specific admission procedures.

(2) Travel to China

The scholarship students shall apply to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General for the Visa for Studying in China, by providing a valid passport, Visa Application Form for Studying in China, and Admission Notice. The international tickets from applications’ home economy to China will be booked and purchased by SWFU.

(3) Campus registration

Scholarship students shall follow the instructions from SWFU to arrive on campus on time for registration and orientation. All required documents will be specified on the admission notice from the SWFU.

Academic performance review and termination / suspension of scholarship

The SWFU are responsible for daily management through providing student guidance and conducting academic performance review. Poor academic performances and severe violation of the school’s management policies would result in disqualification or termination of the scholarship.

(1) Academic performance review of the scholarship students An awarded student’s academic performance will be reviewed by SWFU at the end of the first academic year to determine whether they are qualified to conduct their dissertation for defense.

(2) Disqualification/termination of scholarship

• Late registration or absence without written notice in advance to SWFU

• Unapproved change of majors, academic extension, suspension and re-entry.

• Drop-out (for any reason).

• Other severe violation of management policy by SWFU

(3) Suspension

• Scholarship students who have to suspend their study for health reasons are required to submit a written application to SWFU and enclose relevant medical documents such as examination and diagnosis certificates issued by the hospital.

• Scholarship students who are obliged to suspend their studies for health reasons are required to return to their home economy for treatment as soon as possible and are required to cover the cost of resulting travel expenses. Those who wish to keep their scholarship status are required to apply to SWFU and APFNet. With approval of SWFU, this status may be reserved for up to one year and the scholarship and living allowances shall be suspended during the period of leave. Otherwise, the students shall continue their studies at their own expenses upon their return to campus.

• Those who suspend their study for non-health reasons shall lose their scholarship status.

(4) Drop-out

• Scholarship students who voluntarily plan to terminate their studies are required to apply for approval in written with a letter signed by SWFU and APFNet. The scholarship will be ceased upon the approval.

• Upon the approval/notice of the drop-out by SWFU, monthly stipends /allowances will be stopped and amount granted in advance must be returned. SWFU will decide if the travel expenses back home will be borne by the Scholarship Program.