The POGO-SCOR Visiting Fellowships for Developing Countries is a fellowship program jointly offered by the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) and the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR). POGO is an international network of oceanographic institutions, while SCOR is a committee that promotes international cooperation in oceanographic research.

These visiting fellowships aim to enhance capacity building in oceanographic research and promote collaboration among scientists from developing countries. The program provides financial support for early-career scientists from developing countries to undertake short-term visits (typically between one and three months) to host institutions in developed countries.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for the POGO-SCOR Visiting Fellowships for Developing Countries:

Here are the following eligibility criteria for the program:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of a developing country. The definition of developing countries may be based on criteria such as income level, Human Development Index (HDI), or other relevant indicators.
• Educational Background: Applicants should typically hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to oceanographic research or a related discipline. Some fellowship opportunities may have specific educational requirements, such as a Master’s or Ph.D., depending on the nature of the research project.
• Professional Experience: The program is usually designed for early-career scientists or researchers. Therefore, applicants are generally required to have limited postgraduate research experience, typically not exceeding five years. However, specific requirements may vary.
• Research Proposal: Applicants are typically required to submit a research proposal outlining their objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes for the fellowship period. The research proposal should align with the focus areas of the fellowship program and demonstrate relevance to oceanographic research.
• Host Institution: Applicants are usually required to identify and secure a host institution in a developed country that is willing to support their fellowship. The host institution should have relevant expertise and resources to facilitate the proposed research project.

What is the total award for the POGO-SCOR Visiting Fellowships for Developing Countries:

The total award for the POGO-SCOR Visiting Fellowships for Developing Countries may vary depending on the specific fellowship opportunity and the available funding for each cycle. The program typically covers the following expenses:

• Travel Expenses: The fellowship provides financial support to cover the cost of round-trip airfare from the fellow’s home country to the host institution in the developed country.
• Accommodation: The program typically covers the cost of accommodation for the duration of the fellowship stay. The specific arrangements and duration of accommodation may vary depending on the fellowship opportunity.
• Living Allowance: Fellows often receive a living allowance to cover their day-to-day expenses, such as meals and local transportation, during the fellowship period.

How do you apply for the POGO-SCOR Visiting Fellowships for Developing Countries:

Although the exact process may vary from year to year, here are general steps to apply for the fellowship:

1. Review the Call for Applications: Visit the official POGO or SCOR websites to check if the fellowship program is currently accepting applications. Review the specific eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadline mentioned in the Call for Applications.
2. Prepare Application Materials: Gather the required application materials, which may include the following:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Prepare an updated CV that highlights your educational background, research experience, and any publications or relevant achievements.
   • Research Proposal: Develop a detailed research proposal outlining the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of your proposed research during the fellowship period. Ensure that the research aligns with the focus areas of the fellowship program.
   • Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to your qualifications, skills, and potential as a researcher.
   • Host Institution Confirmation: Secure a commitment from a host institution in a developed country that agrees to host and support your fellowship. This typically involves establishing contact with potential supervisors or mentors at the host institution.
3. Submit the Application: Follow the instructions provided in the Call for Applications to submit your application. This may involve completing an online application form, uploading your application materials, and submitting any additional documents as specified.
4. Application Review: The submitted applications are usually reviewed by a selection committee or panel of experts in the field. The evaluation process may include assessing the quality of the research proposal, the applicant’s qualifications, and the feasibility of the proposed research project.
5. Notification of Results: Once the selection process is completed, applicants are typically notified of the results. Successful applicants will receive an offer letter or notification of their selection for the fellowship. They may also receive further instructions regarding the next steps to proceed with the fellowship.

How to Acquire a Student Visa for Gambia

a general outline of the steps involved:

1. Admission to an Institution: Obtain acceptance from a recognized educational institution in The Gambia. This could be a university, college, or any other educational institution offering courses you intend to pursue.
2. Check Visa Requirements: Visit the official website of the Gambian embassy or consulate in your home country to review the specific requirements for a student visa. This may include the completion of application forms and gathering supporting documents.
3. Prepare Required Documents: Gather the necessary documentation as per the visa requirements. Common documents may include:
   • Completed visa application form
   • Valid passport (with at least six months validity remaining)
   • Acceptance letter from the Gambian educational institution
   • Proof of payment for tuition fees
   • Bank statements or financial documents to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and education costs in The Gambia
   • Health and medical certificates, including proof of vaccinations
   • Police clearance certificate or a criminal record check
   • Two recent passport-sized photographs
4. Apply for the Student Visa: Submit your completed application form and all supporting documents to the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate in your home country. Pay the required visa application fee, if applicable.
5. Attend an Interview: Some Gambian consulates or embassies may require an interview as part of the visa application process. If requested, schedule and attend the interview at the designated time.
6. Visa Processing: Wait for the visa processing period. This duration can vary depending on the embassy/consulate and the time of year. Be patient and avoid making any travel arrangements until you have received your visa.
7. Visa Collection: Once your student visa application is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport with the visa from the embassy or consulate. Follow the instructions provided to retrieve your visa.
8. Travel to The Gambia: Make your travel arrangements, including booking flights, accommodation, and organizing any necessary documents for entry into The Gambia (e.g., student ID, acceptance letter). Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your initial expenses upon arrival.
9. Register with Authorities: Upon arrival in The Gambia, register with the appropriate local authorities, such as the immigration department or police station, as per the country’s regulations for foreign students.

The Annual and Renewable Options For This Scholarship

The deadline date for this scholarship is May 13, 2024. This is an annual scholarship opportunity.

Other available scholarships to look at are €10,000 ECB Scholarship for Women in Economics, Statistics, Engineering and Computing by The European Central Bank, Europe 2024 or WEAR & I Fashion Pioneer $3,000 Scholarship 2023-2024.

All applicants should consult the contact webpage that is in the contact section of this page if a question has not been answered. Beforehand check the university’s FAQs page to see if anything can be answered right away.

All students should check with the university website about any delays or changes to the open submission window or deadline time frame. This is the best way to see if anything needs to be reviewed or changed before submitting their application. Anyone can sign up to receive a university website newsletter to stay updated on the latest information.

Any student unsure about the rules and guidelines meant to be followed by the recipient should consult the website link provided. Anyone looking for more information that is not found on the website should contact the email address.

We also suggest that all applicants read through the information guideline page that is available through the original scholarship link. This way, the individual can navigate the website correctly and identify the real scholarship online application. So far there has been no mention of any delays for this opportunity or any cancellations.