ISLAMABAD, May 4: The United States Educational Foundation has announced 120 scholarships for master’s and PhD level studies under its Fulbright/USAID Student programme for Pakistani students during the academic year 2006.

This was stated by Grace Clark, executive director of Fulbright/USAID programme, during her visit to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) here on Wednesday.

Giving the details of Ms Clark’s visit, Pims Assistant Director Dr Waseem Khawaja told Dawn that the scholarships were in all academic fields, including hospital administration and epidemiology.

Talking to the medical/house officers and postgraduates, Ms Clark said according to the criteria, an applicant must had 16- year academic experience, besides clearing TOFEL and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) tests.

Under the programme, female students will be given priority and the number of scholarships would increase every year, she added.

Ms Clark said the programme sought to improve mutual understanding between peoples of the United States and Pakistan through academic exchange.

For 2006-08, this programme will fund two years of graduate study in the US for a master’s degree course, she added.

She said in addition to academic work, persons selected were expected to share information about Pakistani life and culture with their US colleagues and other community groups. Similarly, on their return to Pakistan, Fulbright scholars are expected to share their US experiences with colleagues and community groups in their country.

Ms Clark said students could apply in all disciplines, especially arts, humanities and social sciences as well as pure and applied sciences with the exception of clinical medical fields and MBA.

She said the grant funds provided tuition, required textbooks, airfare, basic living stipend and health insurance. The foundation will also assist with the visa application process, she added.

The executive director said successful applicants must be committed to serving Pakistan in the public, NGO or private sector.

It is highly desirable that candidates have work experience in teaching, research or the public sector in Pakistan. They must be Pakistani citizens with a strong academic history and an MA, MSc or comparable degree from an accredited university, she added.