As part of the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action adopted by the Fourth UN conference on LDCs held in Istanbul, Turkey, in May 2011 the Government of Turkey has launched the "Graduate Scholarship Programme for the Least Developed Countries".
The launching of the Graduate Programme by Turkey in support of the development efforts of LDCs is a clear indication of Turkey's strong commitment, partnership and solidarity with the least developed countries. Currently, there are 48 countries designated as LDCs by the United Nations General Assembly.
The launching of the programme was informed in a letter addressed to UNCTAD Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi from H.E. Mr. Selim Kuneralp, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Turkey to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva.
Ambassador Kuneralp recalled "Turkey's Economic and Technical Cooperation Package for the LDCs for the present decade" which was announced by H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, during the Fourth United Nations Conference on LDCs (UNLDC-IV).
The Graduate Programme is part of the above-mentioned package and was launched by the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK)
TÜBITAK will provide scholarships for graduate students from least developed countries in the fields of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technological Sciences, Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities in Turkish universities for improving science and technology capacity of LDCs and building scientific and socio-economic bridges between LDCs and Turkey.
Applications to the scholarship programme can be filed through the website www.tubitak.gov.tr/bideb/2235. Detailed information on the programme, including eligibility criteria can be found on the same website. The deadline for applications is 27 July 2012.
