Overseas opportunities for graduate and doctoral studies in pharmacy

• United States of America


• United Kingdom


• Australia


• European countries like Germany, France, Spain, Austria and Netherlands

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  The Academic Section of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) first began collecting basic information about schools of pharmacy in the early 1980s. This list now contains the postal address and other contact information of over 900 schools world-wide.
  
  


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  Many schools now have their own home page o­n the Web. Hyperlinks are provided in that school's entry in the main list and a complete list of pharmacy schools URL's is available separately.
  
  


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  A Pharmacy continuing education list has also been initiated.
  
  


• 
  
  The official world list of pharmacy schools (WLPS), maintained and published as a public service by the International Pharmaceutical federation (FIP) in collaboration with the International Pharmaceutical Students federation (IPSF), is edited by Dr David Temple, with the support of the Welsh school of Pharmacy at Cardiff University.
  
  

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  The FIP Foundation for Education and Research provides a certain number of scholarships, fellowships and grants every year to assist in the development of individuals or groups in the fields of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical science.
  
  


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  For more information about these opportunities please see the following pages o­n the website:
  
  


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  FIP International Travel scholarships: The objective of the International Travel Scholarship is to permit countries in order to develop, or to help others to develop, skills and/or know how ...
  
  


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  FIP Fellowships: The Fellowships permit the recipients to perform research and/or to be trained outside their own home countries.
  
  


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  Development Grants Development : Grants are awarded to pharmacists in Developing Countries to provide help with funding for a project that will be a benefit for the recipients and their countries.
  
  

Postgraduate and doctoral studies in US

1. 
   
   Apply to a variety of universities to maximize your chances. Do not put your eggs in o­ne basket by applying o­nly to top ranking universities. Many universities even offer similar programs, so if you are really interested in o­ne university/college increase your chances by applying to alternative programs offered by a university/college.
   
   


2. 
   
   Submit your application o­ne month in advance of the deadline. If you are applying for Fall admission - make sure that you send your application to avoid the festival period (from 20th Dec.-5th Jan.). The US Postal Service is overloaded during this period and your application may be delivered later than deadline.
   
   


3. 
   
   Organize your application procedure. Make a file for each university you are applying to. Keep the information about the university in this folder. This will really help you in the later stages of the application procedure. Make a photocopy of you application and keep it with you. This will be helpful just in case something is lost and needs replacement.
   
   


4. 
   
   Give plenty of time (1-2 months) to the people writing recommendation letters for you. Sometimes people are busy and they take a long time to write these letters, make sure that your letters of recommendation reach in time. An incomplete application is not consider at all by the admissions committee.
   
   


5. 
   
   A good score on an aptitude test is probably the single most important factor in deciding the outcome of an application. An average set of previous academic records can be overcome by a good score o­n aptitude test.
   
   

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  U.S. Educational Foundation in India (USEFI) was established to help Indian students in obtaining information about the US universities and colleges.
  
  


• 
  
  A membership is required to access most facilities/services at these centers. A list of USEFI centers is given below.
  
  


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  In case you do not live in o­ne of these cities you can write to them (surface mail or e-mail).
  
  


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  You should first contact the US Educational Foundation in India (USEFI) in your region.Qualified educational advisors are available at these offices who will provide information and help you in all the stages in the process of applying to and enrolling in an US university.
  
  


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  It might even be a good idea to spend a few weeks at o­ne of these cities to attend the workshops and make use of the library facilities.
  
  

• Information about US universities and colleges (printed and o­n computer)


• Guides to US universities/academic programs (good source of email addresses)


• Study guides and sample aptitude test (GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/SAT)


• Pre-application forms, GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/SAT test registration forms


• Orientation programs, pre-departure workshops and a great way of networking with fellow students traveling to the U.S.

• 
  
  The U.S. Educational Foundation in India (USEFI)
  'Fulbright House', 12 Hailey Road
  New Delhi - 110 001
  Phone: 011-332-8944
  Fax: 011-332-9718
  email:fulbrit@usefid.erenet.in
  Regions: Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and all Union Territories in the North.
  
  


• 
  
  USEFI Regional Office
  American Centre
  4, New Marine lines
  Mumbai - 400020
  Phone: 022-262-4603
  Fax: 022-266-3956
  email:usefibom@bom3.vsnl.net.in Regions: Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and all Union territories in the West
  
  


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  USEFI Regional Office
  38A, Jawarharlal Nehru Road
  Calcuta - 700 071
  Phone: 033-288-1636/1637
  Fax: 033-288-1616
  email:usefical:@giascl01.vsnl.net.in
  Regions: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Manipur, Meghalaya, Miozoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal, and all Union Territories in the East
  
  


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  USEFI Regional Office
  American consulate Building
  Anna Salai, Chennai- 600 006
  Phone: 044-825-7196
  Fax: 044-826-4307
  email:usefimas@md2.vsnl.net.in
  Regions: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and all Union territories in the South
  
  

Financial Aid to study postgraduate and doctoral studies in US

• 
  
  These Trusts sponsored and promoted the establishment of a number of public institutions of pioneering nature in various fields of science, technology, medicine, atomic energy, social services, rural services and the performing arts
  
  

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  Fulbright fellowships for Indian nationals support study in United States for periods of 2-9 months. The categories are students, Lecturers, Researchers and Professionals and the main aim of the program is to provide Indian scholars to do research in United States.
  
  

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  Applicants who have secured acceptance to pursue full-time undergraduate and graduate degree for the coming year are eligible. The selection criteria is based o­n Essay, standardized test scores, academic history among other things.
  Sources of Financial Aid (Loans) in India
  The best sources of financial aid in India (in case you do not have sufficient funds to cover your graduate studies) are banks loans and some trusts and scholarships.
  
  

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  Loans for higher studies both in India and abroad. Maximum amount of loan is Rs 3.5 Lacs (~ $8000) and is repayable within 3-7 years and payments are made 1 year after graduation or 1 month after getting employment.
  
  

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  90% of the cost of the study, subject to a maximum of Rs. 5 lacs for studies in India and Rs. 10.00 lacs for studies abroad.The loan is to be repaid in a maximum period of 60 months after completion of course or securing a job, whichever is earlier.
  
  

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  Maximum amount of Rs.5 lacs for studies in india and 10 lacs for studies abroad. Interest rates are 11.5% p.a. for under Rs. 2 lacs and 14.5% for over Rs. 2 lacs.
  
  

Sources of Financial Aid (Loans) in U.S.

1. 
   
   Private organizations (U.S. and international), foundations, and international agencies that offer scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to students.
   
   


2. 
   
   Certain agencies of the U.S. Government and foreign governments that offer scholarships to international students. U.S. Government funding comes o­nly in the form of assistantships, fellowships, and awards programs. U.S. Government student loans are not available to foreign students. o­nly two percent of all foreign students in the U.S. receive any funding from the U.S. government.
   
   


3. 
   
   Colleges and universities provide funding through scholarships, grants, and fellowships, although most are for graduate level students. These are also very limited.
   
   


4. 
   
   Teaching and research assistantships are available at some universities for graduate students who assist a teacher with specific tasks in exchange for financial assistance. Such assistantships are usually based o­n academic merit, or previous experience, background and training, not o­n financial need. It is possible that an assistantship may not cover all expenses and that the student might need additional financial resources.
   
   


5. 
   
   Direct exchange programs might exist between a home country university and a U.S. institution, providing a full or partial waiver of tuition and fees.
   
   


6. 
   
   Working in the United States is sometimes possible, but the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has strict regulations which prohibit foreign students from working off-campus in their first year; the rules are also restrictive for students beyond the first year. You should not expect to be able to finance your study by working in the U.S.
   
   


7. 
   
   Loans are available from some commercial banks which require approval from a school's financial aid office and proof of the credit-worthiness of both the student and a co-borrower who must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Loans are very expensive and should be a last resort for foreign students.
   
   

Some of the different scholarships available through the university are:

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  Teaching Assistantships (TA): Depending o­n the university, most of these scholarships take care of the tuition (full/part) expenses and give some stipend for living expenses. The students help the professors in teaching, grading, helping undergraduates in labs, tutorials etc. Some schools require a special test of spoken English (TSE) along with the regular TOEFL/TWE for these scholarships.
  
  


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  Research Assistantships (RA): Most of these scholarships require the student to work o­n their research topic. Again these scholarships pay full/part of tuition expenses (tuition waiver) and a stipend for living expenses. The funds come from the research grant or advisor. These scholarships are better since the students work o­n their regular research project as part of the scholarship.
  
  


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  Fellowships: There are very limited fellowships available to international students. These are extremely competitive and are given to very high caliber students. The students are not obliged to work in any way (apart from their regular course work and research work) as part of the scholarship. However, most universities have their own rules and regulations and it is best to enquire about the scholarships directly from the universities.
  
  


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  Tuition Waiver (TW): some scholarships are o­nly in the form of tuition waivers. This means that the student has to provide his/her own support for living expenses.
  
  

Recommendation Letters

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  Poorly written letters of recommendation or letters with incomplete information are the o­ne single most important reason why many students do not make through the application process, even after having a strong application.
  
  


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  A letter of recommendation should contain how the person writing the letter knows the applicant, how long (s)he has known, and in what capacity.
  
  


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  (S)he should then cover what are the positive qualities of the applicant and the suitability of the applicant for the program (s)he is applying to.
  
  


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  The person should discuss any projects/reports which the applicant has carried out under the guidance of the writer.
  
  

Time table for applying to US universities

• 1-2 years before the target date apply and obtain a passport:


• The process can sometimes take up to 3-4 months. A valid passport is required for taking the aptitude test.


• Keep in touch with Professors/Teachers in whose class you did well, mention to them that you would need letter of recommendations from them later


• Obtain information about the universities/ programs you will apply to.
  Decide which aptitude exam which you need to take. Start preparing for it.


• July/August:
  Register for the aptitude exam.
  Start sending pre-application forms to the universities.


• September/October:
  Take the aptitude exam.
  Go through the application brochure . Decide how many universities you will apply to .
  Start the process of obtaining transcripts from old colleges/universities
  Give the recommendation letter forms to the Professors (some of them take a long to fill them)


• November/December:
  Fill out the applications.
  Start writing a statement of purpose (SOP). A good SOP takes several revisions .Mail out the applications well before the deadline
  Get your aptitude scores reported to the universities required.


• January-March
  If required send supplementary information for your application to the university .
  Tip: If you are applying for graduate position then contact Professor whose research you interested in and request them to have a look at your file


• April :
  If you have offers, decide which university you want to attend. Send acceptance to o­ne and denial to others.
  Tip: Don't feel pressured to accept the offer before the deadline (15th April in most cases).
  If you have not got any offers then be patient, you may get an offer in the second round.


• May/July:
  You will receive your I-20 form and start preparing for applying for Visa.
  Contact the university for o­n/off campus housing .
  Apply for a Visa.
  Book and obtain an airline ticket .
  Contact the Indian Students Association at your university and arrange your arrival


• August:
  Prepare things which will need to take
  Leave for US

Financial Aid to study postgraduate and doctoral studies in Australia

1. 
   
   You should visit or ring the Australian Education Centre (AEC) or Australian Diplomatic Mission (ADM) in your country. There you will find someone who will be able to discuss your choices with you and answer questions you may have. Locations of Australian Education Centres and Diplomatic Missions in your country is available o­n the AEI contacts page.
   
   


2. 
   
   You can get application forms for the institution(s) which are of interest to you through the Australian Education Centre or Australian Diplomatic Mission. Alternatively you can ring, write, fax or email the institution(s) in which you are interested.
   
   


3. 
   
   The Australian Education Centre, Australian Diplomatic Mission or institution will give you an application to fill in and advise you what documentation you will need to prepare. They will also advise whether you will be required to take an English language proficiency test.
   
   


4. 
   
   Most application forms ask you to provide additional information, including:
   -- full details of previous study, including copies of qualifications
   already awarded to you.
   -- the name of the course for which you are applying and your second
   and third preferences.
   -- evidence of your proficiency in English.
   -- the name of the person or organisation who will be responsible for
   paying your fees.
   
   


5. 
   
   The institution will advise you if you have been successful in your request for admission. If successful the institution will send you an enrolment letter. Institutions may also be able to grant provisional acceptance o­n the basis of previous academic performance in anticipation that your final examination results do not differ greatly from the grades already attained.
   
   


6. 
   
   Now you can begin the visa application process. The Australian Education Centre or Australian Diplomatic Mission will give you advice and assistance in preparing your application. You will be asked to have a medical examination as part of the visa process. Special forms will be provided for the doctor to complete.
   
   


7. 
   
   At about this point (and before a visa can be issued) you will also be required to pay a compulsory medical insurance fee (the overseas student health cover - OSHC) to pay for any medical or hospital treatment which you may need during your stay in Australia.
   
   


8. 
   
   Shortly after this you will be told whether your visa application has been successful. If so you will get a "multiple entry" visa allowing you to travel backwards and forwards to Australia within the period for which it has been granted. That period will depend o­n the course for which you have been accepted.
   
   


9. 
   
   You are o­n your way. When the institution sends you notice of your admission it may include information about the city you are going to, its climate, your likely clothing requirements, information about local customs, shopping facilities, accommodation, transport, banking, mail and telephone services, the estimated cost of living and the amount of money you should bring with you when you first arrive, arrangements for your welcome and settling-in period and the date by which you are expected to arrive.
   
   

Australian Scholarships

Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) Scholarships

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  The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) offers the Australian Development Scholarship (ADS) for international students to study at Australian universities and vocational education and training institutions. ADS scholarships enable international students from developing countries to gain knowledge and skills which will help the development of their home country when they return. For information on ADS contact the Australian Education Centre or Australian Diplomatic Mission in your country or look o­n the AusAid web site.
  
  

Australian University Scholarships

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  Australian universities offer a range of postgraduate scholarships to international students predominantly targeting Doctoral and Masters Degrees by research. The course of study and financial support is determined by the university. You should contact the relevant university to obtain further information o­n the scholarships available
  
  

Australian Government Funded Scholarships

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  The Australian Government funds a range of scholarships and fellowships through the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) to assist Australian students to study overseas and to assist international students to study in Australia.
  
  


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  Information summarising the benefits, eligibility criteria and application details of these, and other awards, can be found at::
  the Australian Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) website
  International Awards and Exchanges
  Research Funding Schemes
  Scholarships
  
  


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  An Australian Education Centre or Australian Diplomatic Mission in your country.
  
  


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  Relevant Australian education and training institutions.