Graduate students from Asia, the Pacific, and the United States can receive funding through the EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship (GDF) for master’s and doctoral degrees so they can take part in leadership development programs at the EWC while pursuing graduate studies at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa (UHM). The state university system’s flagship site is the University of Hawai’i at Manoa (UHM). Near the heart of urban Honolulu, in the 320-acre Mnoa Valley, is where UHM, founded in 1907, is situated. It is a large research institution that offers bachelor’s degrees in 100 different subject areas, master’s degrees in 87, and professional and doctorate degrees in 59 different subject areas.
A UHM degree program through an EWC fellowship involves more than just getting a financial aid scholarship. Graduate student fellows in the EWC live together and engage in both academic and social activities with one another because the program’s primary goals are to foster an understanding of the Asia Pacific region and prepare participants for future leadership positions. They are a recognizable group committed to the idea of creating an Asia Pacific community from the very beginning. EWC Graduate Degree Fellows forge friendships and lifelong ties to a network of people dedicated to positive change in the Asia Pacific region through team-building exercises, leadership development projects, internships, education about the region, cultural exchange, educational enrichment events, community service, and service learning projects.
The EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship pays for books, living in an EWC dormitory, general tuition and fees for UHM graduate programs, as well as a portion of meals, health insurance, and incidental costs. During the fellow’s study year, additional funding is made available on a competitive basis for field research and conference presentations.
Through collaborative study, research, and debate, the East-West Centre (EWC) works to improve ties and mutual understanding between the people and countries of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific. The U.S. Congress established the Centre in 1960, and it now acts as a source of data and research on significant topics of public interest, bringing people together to share ideas, advance knowledge, and create policy solutions. The Centre is an autonomous, public, non-profit organization that receives money from the US government in addition to support from regional governments, corporate organizations, people, foundations, and individuals. There has never been a more pressing need for international community building and regional cooperation. As social, economic, and technological interconnectedness increases, leaders across all sectors need to be literate in their local languages, knowledgeable about other cultures, and have a strong sense of community.
All of the Center’s programs, whether they are delivered on campus or off, in a classroom or out in the field, for students or for professionals, all have the common thread of cooperative study. Learning takes place in a group setting at the Centre, where each participant brings their own knowledge, viewpoint, and experience to the process. The Centre understands the value of creating an atmosphere of openness, trust, and shared community in order to lay the groundwork for the free flow of ideas.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship provides the following funding:
- Full-time graduate tuition and fees for general graduate programs toward master’s or doctoral studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa;
- Housing in an East-West Center residence hall, based on single occupancy;
- A stipend of $500 to partially cover food and incidental expenses (Refer to the Information page for additional information.);
- A one-time settling-in allowance
- An allowance for books, materials, and supplies; and
- Subsidy toward health insurance coverage.
Note: The Graduate Degree Fellowship does not cover the full tuition or professional fees for professional programs, such as Architecture, DNP, JD, LLM, MAcc, MBA, MD, and MSN. Candidates will be responsible for covering the difference in cost.
Eligibilities
Individuals who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries listed below may apply for the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship:
- United States
- Pacific Region: American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna Islands
- Southeast Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
- South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
- East Asia: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan
Bachelor’s Degree and Grade Point Average
Before the start of the award, applicants for graduate programs must have obtained a 4-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited U.S. college or university, or from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad. Generally, an applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (4.0=A scale) or the equivalent, in the last four semesters or six quarters of the undergraduate record and in all post-baccalaureate work.
Eligible Regions: United States, American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan.Application Process
If you are not already enrolled as a classified graduate student at UH Mānoa, you must apply to the university for the following fall semester by December 1. You must apply online using the apply link or you can find it on the official website and should have the following documents on hand to upload to your online application:
- Proof of UH application submission (Application Acknowledgment receipt) for prospective students applying for admission.
- University of Hawai‘i statement of objectives (refer to the academic program for instructions); not applicable for current UH students who are continuing in their same degree and field.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Copy of passport biodata page if available (for international applicants).
- If applying for the Obuchi Student Scholarship, please submit a photocopy of your permanent domicile in Okinawa or a certificate of residence for Okinawa, to show your eligibility to apply for the Obuchi Student Scholarship.
By January 10, the following documents must arrive directly from the appropriate institution or individual to complete your application:
- One (1) official transcript from each institution attended. (We will accept copies of transcripts that are certified by the UH Graduate Division Office.) Current UH students must also provide a copy of their Campus Report by Semester grade report for coursework already completed.
- Three (3) Letters of Reference.
- Prospective international students who are seeking admission must provide an official TOEFL, IELTS, or DUOLINGO test score report from the testing service if proof of English proficiency is required. The Center requires a TOEFL minimum IBT score of 79 and 6.5 for IELTS.
If you are currently enrolled in the Master/ Doctoral program at the University of Hawaii, You must apply online using the apply link or you can find it on the official website and should have the following documents on hand to upload to your online application:
- CV/Resume
- Passport bio page (for international applicants)
- Graduate program statement of objectives, if available
Received by Jan. 10 Documents required:
- UH Campus Report by Semester
- Certified copies of transcripts for all universities attended
- Certified copies of degree certificates (see instructions)
- THREE reference letters
Application Deadline: December 1, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
